Festival Time

I can't believe summer's almost gone! I love to talk to the people I meet at all the events I do, it's so interesting to hear what different hobbies and interests they have.

We were in St. Helens last weekend at Arts & Eats. After dark I watched families walking into the town square carrying blankets and babies and holding toddlers by the hand. They set up in the park and the little ones fell asleep to the sound of the band, rocking, while moms and dads snuggled together, holding hands. I love Oregon.

I'm going to make sure to see the North West Blues Women again. I saw Sonny Hess and Lisa Mann a few weeks ago and was blown away. I need a copy of their cd. By the time I could leave my booth they were all sold out!

I'm meeting a lot of terrific artists this year. If anyone gets a chance to see Lorraine and Robert & their metalwork, run, don't walk. They do things with copper and fire that are crazy wonderful. Their copper leaves... just amazing.

And Rick, the glass sculpter had crowds around his booth all evening. He just asked people what they liked, and then went about creating it in glass. The guys with the Scottie dog were astonished at the 2" high glass replica he created for them.

I love going to new places and meeting artists skilled in such diverse areas. It's one of the best parts of the job. I love it when the customers ask questions that allow them to learn about the artisans whose work they admire. I always feel like I get double my money's worth when I learn the story about the piece I'm buying.

It's festival time in Oregon and Washington and I'm off to make some new rings for my up-coming shows.