Public Art at School

The city of Lafayette, with the support of City Council, local businesses, and community members, has made a concerted effort to bring art into our daily lives. We have several different committees and commissions that focus on art and public art. There are art nights on Public Road. There are public art installations all around town. While the art movement in Lafayette is relatively new, I think the whole town of Lafayette is getting into the spirit of public art. Last week as we were walking up to the elementary school, we saw this lovely sculpture garden in front of the building.

I talked with one of the wonderful art teachers later in the week. She explained that the 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade classes had participated in creating this permanent sculpture garden in front of the school. The pieces were installed before the school's "Learning Fair," but are a permanent installation to enhance the school. Each piece is mounted to a steel pipe which is cemented into the ground. I asked how long the pieces would be there, and she said she has similar sculpture in her garden that are ten or fifteen years old. I hope these last at least that long. The project was made possible with the help of a grant from the Lafayette Cultural Arts Commission.

I think that using children's art as permanent public art is wonderful, especially at an elementary school. It is a lovely way to beautify our spaces, which students, teachers, parents and community memebers can enjoy. But it also serves as an historic marker, of sorts. Just think about the students who will pass by or return to their old school and can say, "I made that," in five, ten or fifteen years. What a gift that teacher has given those students, the school and our community.

Thank you.

Weekend Getaway

Kerry and I took four crazy girls to Grand Lake for a weekend get away.

After dinner we sent them outside to play hide and seek.
This is what they found.

Mini - collage

I guess it's because we have a bit if crafters-ADD. We are always trying new things. Here's one of the latest - mini-collage. This one is a pendant, combining words and reproduction vintage images behind glass. (measures approximately 1" x 2") This one of a kind travel pendant will be available at our sale next month.

PSA

Quote of the Day-

In the broad earth of ours,
Amid the measureless grossness and the slag,
Enclosed and safe within its central heart,
Nestles the seed perfection.
-Walt Whitman

(freebie image from Dover Publishing)

more collage

Another collage for the collection, using canvas, paint, paper, reproduction photo and text, rub-ons, flash card and metal handle.

Happy Earth Day

Walk the kids to school, walk home. (go about my daily business) Walk to the grocery store with my reuseable tote bag. Walk to school, pick up the kids. Walk home. No driving today. Too bad life isn't always so simple.

Sweet Pea and Sunflower plants from my daughter's 4th grade class.

"Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. "

-Rachel Carson

Save the date...

You've been asking, so we've done it....

We've finally picked a date for our Spring Sale.

Thursday, May 21; 6:30pm - 9:00pm

Friday, May 22; 9:00am - 1:00pm



Tell your friends! Mark your calendar! We hope you can make it!

Boat House Update

Do you remember when I told you about the Lafayette Boathouse that was destroyed by arson. It was a big loss for our community. The boathouse at Waneka Lake was a nice little gem in our town. Children and adults enjoyed what it had to offer, and in 2007, it was senselessly burned to the ground.

I wanted to give you an update. What was diminished to ashes has been rebuilt.

I have been meaning to take my camera with me on our walks, today I remembered it, just as I was walking out the door. I am so glad I did. As we were coming around the west end of the lake, we saw a trailer filled with bright paddle boats, ready for delivery.

The boathouse will be finished soon. The fleet will be back in the water this summer. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening next month - details to follow.

Lafayette Art Night Out

We are attending Lafayette's Art Night Out. If you are looking for something local to do, you might also be interested. What's not to love about art, wine, live music, and walking around town? You can get more information on the city's website. Lots of the restaurants and stores are having sales and promotions, too.

Easter Egg Fun

I had a fun time dying Easter eggs with my girls last night. It's something I did with my mom each year, even after I was in college. Even after I was married, Jeremy and I would go to Mom's house and spend a fun evening over dinner and dying eggs. Much of it was spent laughing over who could make the most crazy or unique egg, or who could develop the most interesting method of dying the egg.

Pumpkin Egg

I think my husband had a lot of fun dying his Easter eggs, but he may have some holiday confusion.

Deviled Egg

Have a great weekend!

Quote of the Day-

I have bursts of being a lady,
but it doesn’t last long.
- Shelly Winters

(freebie image from Dover Publishing.
Sign up on their website for free, weekly samples)

Book Club Collages

Two from a series of book club collages that Kerry and I made this week.

a word to the wise

You know I love coffee. I love all types of coffee, but my favorite is a non-fat Latte, no flavor. I occasionally order this small indulgence from a local Starbucks. I usually order "Grande Skinny Latte."
This is all wrong!
A friend recently told me, as a little trivia tidbit, "Did you know that if you order a Grande Skinny Latte instead of a Grande Non-Fat Latte, you will pay 30 cents more for your coffee?" I was horrified! Skinny, Non-Fat, what's the difference? 30 cents for a word that has been ingrained in us by all those Starbucks baristas: Skinny.

So, into the Starbucks I strolled. Knowing the secret, I ordered, "Grande, non-fat Latte, please." Sure enough, my coffee was just a bit less expensive. So, I asked the question, "Is a Skinny drink really more expensive than a non-fat drink?" The barista was stupefied. "Well, it shouldn't be....let's see." So he pushed the "Skinny" button on the register. "Yep, it sure is."

Hmmm.... So, if I have 1 Starbucks a week and order the wrong way, I am spending an extra $15.60. That's not too much, but it could buy me a few more coffees!

Just a word to the wise.