Kentucky Folk Art's A DAY IN THE COUNTRY

post #234
       Yesterday was overcast and therefore not too warm -- a great day for a Folk Art Fair outdoors and for the annual gathering of renowned folk artists in the Morehead Conference Center.  The new exhibit at the Kentucky Folk Art Center nearby, called "Come We to the Summer," is wonderful.  I took just a few photos at the exhibit and inside the Conf. Center and on the street between them, photos meant just to share the experience; they are not meant to be art works in themselves! (NOTE on 6/14: redid both these photos with my better camera yesterday.)

 two of my favorite pieces, by Lonnie and Twyla Money, in the exhibit

butterflies in a bottle!

       For some reason, this last piece I am showing from the exhibit really caught my fancy. I didn't have my good camera with me at the time, so I have not done the work justice.  I was lucky enough to be able to talk to the artist himself later when I was next in the Conference Center where the folk artists each had a display area.  We talked some about the emotions connected to hanging out laundry. I too love to take photos of laundry in the sun, and he had an additional laundry work of art at his "booth".  NOTE: will redo this laundry photo on next week's blog.  Please take a look!

         Of course I asked for permission to take his photo, with a Lincoln sculpture he had sold that day.  Thank you, Robbie Mueller (www.folkartkentucky.com)!
      

       Outside I visited the booth of an Elliott County artist, Linda Johnson, who is fearless with a needle and thread.  I love her granny doll, based on her own grandmother, which is not for sale.  She needed to bring her to a family reunion happening today and tomorrow. The doll's hair is in a bun in the back, and her slip is designed to show below the dress, just like for real.

        And I ask you, what is the fun of a folk art fair without some singing and strumming!  Here are two photos of Thomas Albert, who brings so much energy to his playing -- and whom I have known since he was a youngster.  I caught him with his "wry look", and then while he was performing with a friend.  I missed a good photo of an earlier group featuring Jesse Wells from Morehead State University's Kentucky Center for Traditional Music.

      All in all, a very good day.  I will share more next week, but I am off soon to Berea, Kentucky, for the memorial celebration for Jean Ritchie, one of Kentucky's musical treasures, who died last week at age 92.  Such a generous spirit.  Her Appalachian dulcimer playing, her songs, her beautiful voice, and her kindness will long resonate in these parts.