I had so much fun going to the Arts Potluck at the Grandview Folk Arts Center in Hollandale, Wisconsin on Tuesday night. ZenithJade and I stayed at Canyon Creek, with 2 other fabulous creative women. Lynn owns and manages Canyon Park Cabin. Linda is a fantastic artist that I met through our mutual interest in bas-relief techniques.
You can't beat accordion music at breakfast. That place is for rent and is within driving distance of Madison, Chicago, Dubuque or the Twin Cities. Accordion music and pleasant company not included with rental. 
Now, back to the Folk Arts Center. So, Nick Engelbert (1881-1962) was an ordinary hardworking Wisconsin farmer. After working hard all day on the farm, he spent his spare time creating mosaics from concrete and glass and ceramic shards. In fact, he covered his entire house, an ordinary wooden farmhouse, with the mosaic.
He also created a lot of sculptures through his yard. Here's one of a brown haired woman wearing a seashell bustier surrounded by dancing gnomes. ( I took these pictures for you Formerprincess, and just for you. )
Here's the organ grinder and monkey.
There's more, but I had to go to the party. Can you imagine that? Nick Engelbert once said "If a man can't be happy on a little farm in Wisconsin, he hasn't the makings of happiness in his soul." I believe him. I also believe it's time to start making more yard art.
fyi- A group of concerned citizens has turned the Center into a foundation for rural arts education. It's their mission that every child in that school district receive a full arts education. I don't know the full story, but I do know they offer classes for kids in the area, accessible to all.
Now for my own studio updates.
Remember the felted soap entry? (on Xanga or on blogspot)
Here's what's left when all the soap is gone. I cut mine open.
Interpret it as you will
Here's a special order that I just completed and am getting ready to ship out.
It is cast and then hammered to a rugged burnished finish.
Here's what's in progress, in the studio.
just waiting on the welding table....
I almost forgot - Greenman in progress
Oh my gosh I wish i could have been there with you!!! My grandfather played the accordian and now my uncle has his instrument...he plays well but not like grandpa or the infamous Laurence Welk!!! Love the wool felt...how did i miss this??? I am infatuated with wool lately...I will be needle felting now and addign more to my shop...I just tried it out today for the first time!!! I am also (need to get back on track with it) working with the kids on a felted jingle ball for the baby...it's a work in progress..i should document it for the kids art documentary like you suggested...sorry for being long winded...Love this post! Love your new creations too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting the info about Nick Engelbert. It's one of those place I've heard of but have never visited. The cabin looks lovely. sounds like it was a great time.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how men around the world have been into decorating their houses in shells/mosaics as a hobby. One of the famous ones in France is "la maison Picassiette" which is a pun, un pique-assiette is someone who invites themselves and helps themselves to your food a lot!! This house is in fact made of bits of broken plates found about the town by the artist Raymond ISIDORE (early last century) in Chartres ( hence he was helping himself to plates...). I found some sites with good photos and explanantions in Englsih when you look at the photos:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thejoyofshards.co.uk/
picassiette/index.shtml
Note that even the furniture is covered...
How fun! It looks like you had a wonderful time! The yard art is great!
ReplyDeleteAnd as far as art education for kids, I think it's sorely missing in a lot of curriculums. I wish there were more programs for kids to get them interested in the arts. We have art in all of us. It's just a matter of getting it out and making it flourish, and kids are so imaginative they should start in the arts when their imaginations are still blooming and fresh!
Love this entry! Your work is fantastic!
I could spend all day staring at what's going on in your studio.
ReplyDeletethis whole post was absolutely
gawk inducing!
i love the accordion, my aunt plays and it's really quite tricky
:0]
that open soapless felt reminds me of an Everybody Loves Raymond episode where the mom tried her hand at sculpture...hee heeee.
First of all, how awesome that those folks are committed to children getting an arts education. I wish all of America would realize how very important it is.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, I love the left over felt. I used to tour as a stage manager with Broadway shows, one of which was The Vagina Monologues. =)
Lastly, your work, as always is stunning. That little acorn is just amazing.
-Janine