PICTURE THIS NATURAL CREATIVITY

What is made of paper, houses a queen and her court and really needs the secure support of more than a little spit attaching the eventual great hall to it's support system? This funny looking item hanging from a garage door looks very odd. A ball with a tube hanging down. It is a curious creation that was started in the wrong place. We found two of these 'out of place' starter houses, each hanging on one of our buildings.
We finally saw the builders buzzing around and realized that wasps or hornets were busy doing their spring chores and starting a new nest to house their queen and provide home and comfort for their colony of hornets. Generally they build in among bushes or trees, securing the nest within the branches and twigs.

Years ago after a killing frost and the end of a cycle for the wasps who owned this nest, Hubby rescued this specimen before the winter winds and heavy rains destroyed it. It hangs in his wood shop a wonderful reminder of the amazing creativity of natures small home builders.

SUNDAY STROLL - ART PROWL

Welcome, I'm so glad you are along to check out this years ART PROWL in Cookeville, Tn. There is a wonderful artist community here in middle Tennessee. For nine years now they have shared their love of their individual crafts. The artists open their studios, homes and gather in public spaces to demonstrate and exhibit their wares.

The area know as the West End is noted for the 1940's dairy Cream City sign still shining over the building which now houses a Bakery rather than the Creamery. From here you can walk to a number of places which are filled with art and hospitality.

This year the welcome center is here and Art Prowl galleries are designated by a decorated bike in front. We picked up our walking tour map with notes of destinations to be found after a short car ride. (bike, if you choose) All venues have a hospitality table and we were careful not to offend by not partaking of their refreshments. The welcome center not only has art and unique jewelry, there is the Cocoa Ladies and their wonderful store full of chocolate candies. We found a good friend Sarah Arp greeting and sharing her paintings in the gallery area.

Heading out the back door, we made our way to SWEET SALLY'S BAKERY and the two artists who found space to display their work.

We, couldn't resist the lure of Sausage and cheese muffins and Cappuccino for Flutemaker and an Iced Hazelnut coffee for me.

While we were waiting for our drinks, stoneware maker Laura Clemons took our pictures at just the right angle to show off the felt items behind us. You can find Laura's pottery work at Simply Functional Stoneware and the Feltgood fibers you see are made by Breanna Rockstad-Kincaid
I watched Breanna demonstrate felting and it is quite a process. Her work is delightful, hope you check it out.

Now we are at Marilee Hall Ceramics where she is sharing her studio with Arlene Dubo who paints and you see one painting here, as well as another mud artist Debi Wichman and her Claywork.

Here is a mural from Marilee that lives at our house and tells our story of quilting, aviation, labyrinth building with a creek flowing though our little piece of the world. Oh, the stairway to the star is her tribute to our spiritual aspirations. For a close up just double click on the picture.

I have also started a collection of Debi's Claywork with this little cat lidded pot.

Leaving the studio we pause to admire another landmark in this part of town. The old Train Depot is a loving example of 'function that can please the eye', it is now a Railroad Museum with several train cars and an old engine off to the right of picture.

Follow me down street to an empty store front filled now with artists anxious to show us their treatment of their favorite art medium.

Here is Joel Holmes guarding the hospitality table and standing in front of some of his photography. He favors landscapes and architecture and trains. The man loves trains.

He was also willing to trade his craft for a flute from Flutemaker and so barter is still alive and I've noted doing very well among artist. Our Mural from Marilee was a trade on my part of quilting.

We left the West End and the Art Prowl filled with visions of beauty and skillfully creative people. What a joy and a pleasure to meet them and listen to their stories.

I wonder who else is strolling let's check in at Aisling's home.