On Tuesday evening, Sept. 23rd, The Yadkin Valley Craft Guild held it's bimonthly member's get-together in our studio at 125 West Main Street (2nd floor) in Historic Downtown Elkin. A fitting location for an historic occasion. Since occupying this space almost 4 years ago, we have envisioned just this sort of gathering. Reminiscent of the Paris salons of the early 20th century where the great and talented minds of the time would gather to discuss art, philosophy, politics and the events of the day.
And these great and talented minds did just exactly that.
The intellectual depth and artistic vision of the conversation was truly amazing. In this photo, you can actually witness Rosy Beverley (third from left) embracing an observation from Linda Jacobs (left) that is so profound Caleb Wyatt ( 2nd from left) is visibly taken aback.At almost the same moment, Lynda Colvard (second from right) is badgering Ruth Hutton (far right) for her kick-ass sangria recipe.
No salon would be complete without artists showing off their latest work. Here we see Tom Gwyn with one of his recent projects, a lovely square bowl beautifully accessorized with delicious hot wings. It's hard to believe Tom started studying ceramics just a few months ago after stepping down as the long time Mayor of Elkin. The wings he's been doing much longer.
You'll notice in the background, Linda consulting artist/teacher/Gypsy, Donna Pumphrey (second from left) on how to handle the sangria recipe situation. Donna, possessing the soul of a Gypsy, and maybe the bloodline, might be able to offer some sort of charm or spell. One never knows, do one?
Now it's Rosy's turn to astonish Linda J. and Caleb. Meanwhile Lynda C. has returned for another go at Ruth bearing whatever Romani secrets Donna has armed her with. She's like a dog with a bone. Ruth, we wish you luck.
Meanwhile back at the bar, Bill Suggs (left), an ardent birdwatcher and husband of noted bead artist, Carole Wells, enjoys a wistful tete' a tete' with Doris Petersham (center), the only person ever to obtain an MFA in both ceramics and fiber from Kent State University. Charlie Cummings (right), observes this little exchange in utter astonishment.
Ruth has finally extracted herself from Lynda C's clutches and shares a red carpet moment with Dot Genton (right). Ruth's somewhat glassy-eyed stare makes one suspect that Lynda may have, in fact, released some of Donna's dark Gypsy magic on her. Like the rest of the art world, fine craft can be a cutthroat dog eat dog world. But thanks to the YVCG's leadership in providing just these sort of gatherings, the worlds of fiber (Ruth) and glass (Dot) can drop their differences and just get along. If the political leaders of the world would just make use of Ruth's sangria, maybe we could finally have world peace. This could possibly explain Lynda's tenaciousness in obtaining the recipe. Or maybe she's just planning an early autumn barbeque.
As Charlie processes the fascinating tidbits he recently overheard from Doris and Bill, yours truly, (left), our artist/Gypsy, Donna Pumphrey, (second from left) and infamous social commentary artist, Tory Casey, (third from left) discuss their respective roles in the coming revolution and their wardrobe plans thereoff.
On the other side of the room, stone sculptor extraordinaire, Steven Robinette (left), overwhelms the best and possibly only Nantucket basket maker south of the Mason-Dixon line, Julie Otteson, (center) with his trademark charm and wit. Jerry Brady, a talented woodworker in his own right, turns away to conceal his reaction. Rarely has Jerry seen so much manure shoveled outside of a stable.
Woodworker Diane Heft's husband, Kenny(left), Tom Gwyn (second from left), writer and arts marketing genius Denise Lyon, (third from left) and last living film photographer, Erik Dahlager (right) are being amused and astounded at the sheer amount of crap Steven is loading on Julie.
In the midst of all this good cheer, a possible altercation rears its ugly head. Donna Pumphrey stares unbelievingly as an unidentified female dares point her finger right in Donna's face after Donna has stated flat out that Picasso was not fit to wipe Matisse's butt. Tom Gwyn's initial reaction of "Hot damn, a catfight" is overpowered by his legendary diplomacy skills. Being the Southern gentleman that he is, Tom turns on the charm and a dicey situation is averted as Picasso's honor is restored. Local government's loss is YVCG's gain.
As Charlie processes the fascinating tidbits he recently overheard from Doris and Bill, yours truly, (left), our artist/Gypsy, Donna Pumphrey, (second from left) and infamous social commentary artist, Tory Casey, (third from left) discuss their respective roles in the coming revolution and their wardrobe plans thereoff.
On the other side of the room, stone sculptor extraordinaire, Steven Robinette (left), overwhelms the best and possibly only Nantucket basket maker south of the Mason-Dixon line, Julie Otteson, (center) with his trademark charm and wit. Jerry Brady, a talented woodworker in his own right, turns away to conceal his reaction. Rarely has Jerry seen so much manure shoveled outside of a stable.
Woodworker Diane Heft's husband, Kenny(left), Tom Gwyn (second from left), writer and arts marketing genius Denise Lyon, (third from left) and last living film photographer, Erik Dahlager (right) are being amused and astounded at the sheer amount of crap Steven is loading on Julie.In the midst of all this good cheer, a possible altercation rears its ugly head. Donna Pumphrey stares unbelievingly as an unidentified female dares point her finger right in Donna's face after Donna has stated flat out that Picasso was not fit to wipe Matisse's butt. Tom Gwyn's initial reaction of "Hot damn, a catfight" is overpowered by his legendary diplomacy skills. Being the Southern gentleman that he is, Tom turns on the charm and a dicey situation is averted as Picasso's honor is restored. Local government's loss is YVCG's gain.The future of art, fine craft and the artistic salon is alive and faring rather well in the safekeeping of the Yadkin Valley Craft Guild.
Check out some of the work of these and other fine artists and craftsmen of the Yadkin Valley at YadkinValleyCraftGuild.org
