Copyright © 2012-14 · All Rights Reserved · ilovemyburg.com. Written content by Katie Mitchell. Photos by Brandy Somers. This material may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property.
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Copyright © 2012-14 · All Rights Reserved · ilovemyburg.com. Written content by Katie Mitchell. Photos by Brandy Somers. This material may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property.
They showed up in uniform, if you count suspenders, the color blue, leather shoes, and facial hair as a uniform. And possibly the last name Yoder.
Well, except for the ladies, of course. But only in the facial hair category. You’d expect a group of people in uniform to work together toward a common goal. All there for the same purpose, performing as a team, complementing each other. And this past Friday, the Walking Roots Band delivered on that expectation. Brandy and I were privileged to have attended their CD pre-release concert — a celebration of their long-awaited album Carry Your Heart.
This eight-piece outfit squeezed themselves and their arsenal of instruments into the far end of Greenberry’s Coffee Co. for a cozy performance in front of roughly a hundred onlookers of all ages. We all sat elbow-rubbing close to one another, and the band members huddled naturally around an old-timey microphone. For a couple of friendly, heart-warming, and sentimental hours, we enjoyed the musical symmetry of Seth Crissman, Jackson Maust, Adam Schmid, Greg & Kristina Yoder, Lauren & Mitch Yoder, and Michael Yoder.
Just as their uniform was likely unintentional, they seem to play off one another as if by instinct rather than rehearsal. They’re obviously very giving people — during the introductions I learned that they’re all teachers and nurses and philanthropic types with qualities reflected in the music they write. They write about humanity: about God and love, dancing and freedom and nature, but also pain and suffering and loneliness — all parts of life’s grand song. Their voices oblige each other in delicate harmonies about bein’ poor and country girls and moonshine and honey. They sing about havin’ money (or not havin’ it) in a Partridge Family-esque ditty: “little things mean the most, and the little things are free.” And they steer from negativity, even in humorous ways: “You can take your sorry glasses…”
At one point they conducted an informal sound check by simply asking the audience if everything sounded okay. Someone yelled, “More bass!” and Jackson quickly suggested the spectator move to the seat right in front. :) Adam sang a song about the one who got away… a song he admitted he didn’t fully understand, because the one he wanted didn’t get away: his dear Katie.
Out of nowhere, amid an accordion, a harmonica, a mandolin, and other such instruments, came a rap song with full-on gesturing called “Sweater Weather.” Yes, it was funny and most certainly a crowd pleaser… but I don’t know. I see some real crossover possibilities, what with Greg lookin’ all Eminem-ish and the rest of the group channeling Dobie Gray in the chorus.
Then Adam totally shifted gears when he sang a song about dying. He first asked us, “Do you want to hear a sad song, or one about how love can really mess with a man?” Uhhh… is there a difference? And the sad song was sad, yes, about someone who’s ill and dealing with the confinement of pain, suffering, and regret, who’s “wishin’ to feel free,” but who also takes solace in knowing he’s “goin’ home to Jesus.” Hope is an ingredient of every one of their songs.
They continued, singing about community and apiaries, moonlit meadows, and gratitude. They played three songs from their “Sacred Songs” project. In one of them, they combine three Psalms from three centuries. The kids especially liked “The Gardening Song” which tells the tale of a wascally wabbit who eats the farmers greens, and the fox who kills the hens, and the bear who steals the honey… and the farmer who recognizes they’re just doin’ what they do. After that, it was nudging bedtime for our little ones, and we left the warm cafe, condensation running down the windows, and stepped out into the chill night, happy.
Now, go like these folks on Facebook so you’ll be informed when they’re performing nearby again. They’ll warm you up!
Copyright © 2012-14 · All Rights Reserved · ilovemyburg.com. Written content by Katie Mitchell. Photos by Brandy Somers. This material may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property.
Does anyone else feel like Nature’s just a wee bit disorganized this winter?
Sheesh. We had that bizarre monsoon last week, followed by a little snow, more rain, wind, rain again, now an “arctic blast” with crack-your-face-in-half wind chills, and later this week it’ll be in the fifties?? Come on!
Meanwhile, my daughter has come down with some horrible virus that doctors can’t identify. I mean, she’s okay… she’s going to be fine… but how much snot can one tiny nose manufacture?? And the fever!! Jeepers!
And because I’m frustrated and need someone to blame, I BLAME THE WEATHER. Get your act together, Winter! Anyway, to help you feel somewhat organized, here’s a list of what’s happening in the Burg this week. Remember, you can email me here (katie@ilovemyburg.com) or send me a FB invitation and I’ll be happy to include your local event on the Happynings page. But you gotta do it by Saturday of the week before your event.
Have a great week, everyone! Stay warm! and then cool. and dry. or whatever — may you be comfortable!
Last shots from Brandy and Denise’s braincat, Wonderkitten!
It’s Christmas Eve, and we wish you a peaceful, relaxing, and happy holiday. When you’re out and about afterwards, swing by Larkin Arts to see these child/artist portraits before they come down!
Copyright © 2012-13 · All Rights Reserved · ilovemyburg.com. Written content by Katie Mitchell. Photos by Brandy Somers. This material may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property.
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Copyright © 2012-13 · All Rights Reserved · ilovemyburg.com. Written content by Katie Mitchell. Photos by Brandy Somers. This material may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property.
Let’s face it. Being a grownup just isn’t as fun as we thought it would be. When we were young, we couldn’t wait to be older… so we could stay up late, or watch a PG movie, or go on a date, or learn to drive. Once we reached those milestones (and all the buzz-killing responsibilities that accompany them), we longed again for our youth, back when no one was really relying on us, when sticks and rocks were far more valuable than money, when we measured time in increments of Sesame Street episodes. THAT was freedom. Remember it?
If you’re having a hard time remembering, I have a remedy. Spend some time with a kid. If you don’t have a kid handy, I have some I can loan you. When you spend time with a kid, you start by teaching them all the amazing, profound things you know. Then at some point, you realize you know nothing, and the child in front of you is the one who has it all figured out. And for a fleeting moment you glimpse the innocence and joy and unfettered love you were born with which has been buried under all your adult baggage. You can’t BE a kid again, but you can be WITH a kid… and that’s like the best of both worlds.
These worlds collided in a beautiful way when Brandy and Denise hatched yet another mind-blowing idea: why not pair up an adult, working artist with a creative youngster, and let them immortalize each other in a portrait? Let the child see what the adult sees, and more importantly, let the adult look once again through the tender eyes of a child. Moments after they thought it, Brandy and Denise set out to do it, and therefore, they did it. Because that’s what happens when those two get together.
They named the portrait show Wonderkittens. It’s goal was to “bridge the gap between the untapped creative mind of a child and a thriving, working, independent artist.” After securing several willing artists and children, Denise and Brandy created an online survey for everyone to complete, which helped them match the kids with compatible artists.
The artist’s role was to mentor the child, guiding him or her through the process of creating a portrait, adhering to a deadline, respecting craftsmanship, promoting the show, working together, and all else that goes into a collaborative project. The role of the child was to make the artist giggle with wild abandon, forget what time it was for a little while, remember with fondness his or her own childhood, and maybe secretly swing by McDonald’s for a Happy Meal. :)
What actually happened was an incredible display of patience and tenderness on both sides. My daughter COULD NOT WAIT for her weekly session with her artist partner — Wednesdays at 7pm at the Dodger. She gratefully, and with more seriousness than I expected, soaked up his every word. He showed her, with unending generosity and kindness, all about pens and ink and paper and different comic styles. Other artists found ways to “get together” even when schedules clashed — through Skype or Facetime or even over the good old phone. One child wanted to create more than one portrait of her artist partner, and that’s just what she did, filling a whole corner of the Larkin gallery all by her cute self!
I’m not sure the last time I saw so much cuteness in one place. Larkin Arts hosted the Wonderkittens opening on December’s First Friday. There were snack and drinks (thank you, Kathy Whitten!) kid-friendly music by Nick Melas, interactive art work by our local troupe Artery (Wes Way, you are an awesome human being!), and of course all the portraits.
The artists were used to seeing their work on a wall… the kids were really thrilled! And there, in that act, the gap was bridged. Perhaps the artists remembered when their art was displayed for others to see for the very first time. Perhaps the children, for the very first time, saw themselves as artists.
For me personally, I am extremely grateful to the grownups of this community who have not just touched but improved my children’s lives. I am so, so glad I live here. I am so, so glad my children are growing up here, amongst all you lovely people…. especially, these two:
Copyright © 2012-13 · All Rights Reserved · ilovemyburg.com. Written content by Katie Mitchell. Photos by Brandy Somers. This material may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property.
Today, I’m pooped.
Somehow, in 6 hours yesterday, Michael and I started AND finished our Christmas shopping for five children, AND got all the presents “wrapped.” I use that term loosely, because some of the presents look like wadded up holiday paper you normally see after the gifts have been opened. Oh well. I doubt they’ll notice :)
Have you started your shopping?
Wait, are you one of those people who finished their Christmas shopping before Halloween? If not, don’t worry! You’ve still got plenty of time and plenty of awesome, local businesses with really super gifts. Trust me, I have horrible shopping endurance. If I can get it done on time, anyone can.
So get out there, Harrisonburg, and spend some local bucks. And while you’re out, have a little fun with all the great things happyning this week!
Don’t forget, everyone! You have a second chance to shop at the art market — THIS SATURDAY, December 14 from 1 – 5 at Larkin Arts. More than 15 vendors! So many unique gifts! Yay for second chances!!
Copyright © 2012-13 · All Rights Reserved · ilovemyburg.com. Written content by Katie Mitchell. Photos by Brandy Somers. This material may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property.
Okay, so it’s a little icky out there, and maybe your Christmas shopping plans went out the window. I hear ya. I’m a tad behind, too. But maybe today can be one of those spend-time-with-family-get-caught-up-on-laundry-redo-all-my-todo-lists days. And then when this icy stuff clears up, you can hit ground running! Lots happening in the Burg this week!
Check out the Happynings here!
Valerie Smith is an industrious woman. Maybe it comes from having taught public school art, where your budget is like 17 cents a kid and you have to constantly make something from nothing, find ways to scrape together materials, and figure out how to get kids to complete projects when you only see them once or twice a week. Valerie just finds a way. I can picture her down there at Larkin Arts. “Hey, Val, can I teach a children’s class here this summer?” “Yes.” And off she goes to make it happen.
“Can I rent out a studio space?”
“Yes.”
“Can I have live music at my art opening?”
“Yes.”
“Food?”
“Yes.”
“Wine?”
“Yes.”
“Can I hang a 24-artist portrait show in your gallery?”
“Yes.”
“Can we paint a mural in your lobby?”
“Yes.”
“Can we set up tables and sell our arts and crafts in your store?”
“Yes.”
And then she scurries off, gathering tables and linens and chairs, lights and extension cords, nails and hammers and paint. Wine glasses and cork screws. She just finds a way.
Last Saturday she found a way to welcome twelve local artists and their wares into her store so they could set up and sell their goods at the first of two Holiday Art Markets this year. In warmer weather, the art markets take place outside on the sidewalk there, but knowing her artists and patrons would be more comfortable inside on that brisk morning, she practically gutted and rearranged several rooms to accommodate everyone. There were three in the lobby, four or five in the gallery, and six-ish in the classroom. I happened to have a little break from my kiddos that day, so I was really excited to get down there and help out.
Once everyone was set up and the market officially opened, dozens of customers strolled through… enjoying light snacks, pouring over beautiful hand-crafted items, and purchasing unique gifts for their loved ones. Here’s a run down of everyone who participated.
Roy Williams and his family create beautiful sculptures and chess sets out of Kenyan soapstone. I actually bought a chess set back in July at the Valley Fourth art market. My son loves playing “stone chess.”
Chris Carter boasted a lovely display of blankets, hats, bows, and jewelry, and Denise Allen’s paper items rounded out the room. She had cards, stationery, coloring books, ornaments, and star-shaped crayons made from melted down crayon scraps.
In the gallery area, Jauan Brooks displayed a beautiful assortment of jewelry and textiles, and Kelley Shradley-Horst sold her found art and eclectic jewelry.
In the lobby, you could see the impressive selection offered by Hannah Johnson, including some really amazing framed drawings. Ashley Miller’s paintings brightened up the space, and Mary Yoder had some lovely sketches, cards, and necklaces for sale.
Brandy and Ben shared a table in one of the classrooms. Brandy sold her original tee shirts to raise money for Art Lotto 2014 and also offered gift certificates for photography sessions. She’s done A LOT of sessions in the past few, and her web site is all up-to-date, so please go there and see her recent work! Ben’s upcycled wine bottles are really cool. He takes wine bottles, or other glass bottles, and cuts them into a new shape for a new purpose, sands it down, and even etches. He specializes in wedding centerpieces. He also had some paracord items available.
Of course, Brandy and Ben were positioned next to the Rosenwassers — Bruce and Leah. Being next to their table is like having to sing after Streisand or Sinatra. Their work just always makes the room explode. Leah makes absolutely gorgeous jewelry, and Bruce makes some of the wooden pieces she uses. Bruce also makes a variety of reclaimed wood items — mirrors, sculptures, collages, trinkets.
Emily Rees’ paintings were instantly recognizable. So much color and contrast and texture, really gorgeous and timeless work. Next to her was Morgan Fink, whose bright prints happied up the place.
And of course, Zac Naftziger was working in his studio there, and we could hear the “wow’s” in the next room!
After getting there and getting set up and helping some customers, Brandy and I decided to slip out to the beer tasting at Downtown Wine and Gourmet. Also, I had to pee, and I didn’t feel I could concentrate well enough to shop until I was… more comfortable. So Ben manned the table while we scooted out for a few minutes. Of course, once at the wine shop, we told everyone we saw about the art market.
Back at Larkin, I was feeling better and could take my time to browse, and I decided on one of Mary Yoder’s necklaces. Brandy picked out one of her sketches.
If you missed the Holiday Art Market, don’t fret. There’s another one! Yep, that’s right! On Saturday, December 14, you can come on down to Larkin Arts and do some more shopping. And TONIGHT at Larkin, come to the Wonderkittens Artist/Child Portrait Show! Starts at 5pm and features TWO Arteries (live painting, all can participate) and the music of Nick Melas! In fact, you might as well just bring a cot to Larkin for the next couple weeks and camp out. Valerie can probably find a way.
Copyright © 2012-13 · All Rights Reserved · ilovemyburg.com. Written content by Katie Mitchell. Photos by Brandy Somers. This material may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property.
Guess what’s happening Friday?? Yep, Wonderkittens! Harrisonburg’s first artist/child portrait show, created by my heroes, Brandy and Denise.
Soon you’ll get to see who was matched with whom and gaze upon a dozen or so pairs of portraits in a variety of… interesting… media. So join us at Larkin Arts, this Friday from 5 – 8. And oh yeah, Nick Melas is playing music :)
Copyright © 2012-13 · All Rights Reserved · ilovemyburg.com. Written content by Katie Mitchell. Photos by Brandy Somers. This material may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property.
Copyright © 2012-13 · All Rights Reserved · ilovemyburg.com. Written content by Katie Mitchell. Photos by Brandy Somers. This material may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property.
This year for Christmas my kids are asking for things like an iPod Touch. A smart phone. A laptop.
And I’ve told them, NO FREAKING WAY. You’re a kid!
And when I was a kid (here we go, with the “back in the day” crap we parents all subject our kids to), I remember pouring over the Sears catalog and folding down the corners of pages that contained things I wanted. Like play kitchens with all the cute little pots and pans and pretend cereal boxes and velcro cupcakes. Or the Holly Hobby Easybake Oven (which I got when I was six). Or a Hot Wheels race track. Not motorized, although it WAS cool when that came along… but those flimsy orange track pieces with the blue, tongue-shaped connector pieces.
And Tinker Toys. I loved Tinker Toys. And board games. And Lite Brite. You’re getting excited, aren’t you?
And that’s why this year I’m doing some shopping at this place:
That’s right! If you weren’t aware before now, there’s a toy shop in the basement of Glen’s Fair Price, and YOUWOULDNOTBELIEVE the old school toys down there!! Eeeeeeeee!! You could put me in a play pen with some Lincoln Logs and Tommy Atomic and I’d be happy for hours. Days, if I’m within reach of a mini-fridge.
Your heart will swell when you see Stratego. You’ll get goosebumps over Pig Pong, and you’ll get full-on palpitations when you see the John Deere toys. You’ll want to buy every single Star Wars action figure AND Gettysburg action figure, and on the drive home, you’ll fantasize about an epic battle between past and future. You might even return to the store to buy yourself the Executive Putting Green (it actually says “Feel Your Stress Disappear” on the box!). You’re bound to find something your kids have never seen before, something no other kid has.
how could anyone NOT want a Conehead figurine??
So feast your eyes on these gift ideas. Then blow your kid’s mind on Christmas morning!
Stay tuned for more photos this week! Glen’s Fair Price is located on North Main, just past the Blue Nile, and not quite to Chanello’s. See you out and about!
Copyright © 2012-13 · All Rights Reserved · ilovemyburg.com. Written content by Katie Mitchell. Photos by Brandy Somers. This material may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property.
I don’t know about you, but I TOTALLY got into vacation mode during Thanksgiving. It seriously JUST occurred to me that I’ll be getting up and heading back to work tomorrow.
But what a lovely Thanksgiving it was. My home was filled with children. I cooked my first turkey (yes, I know, I’m 41), and it was AWESOME. Lots of people told me to use the oven bag, and boy, were they right! A lot of melted butter whisked with white wine didn’t hurt either.
And so now the race is on to Christmas. This week there are lots of holiday-related activities and events to help ease the stress of shopping, including a Christmas concert, an Alternative Gift Market, and great artwork featured at December’s First Friday. It’s a beautiful time of year to live in our friendly city, in many, many ways. Happy Holidays, everyone! Here’s some information to help you plan your week!
Today’s sermon was, appropriately, about gratitude and its ability to foster generosity. The cycle of being grateful and sharing and being shared with and being grateful. It smacks of karma, an idea that most religions promote, albeit through different lenses and with different words. There must be something to it, huh?
What was very touching about the sermon was this: whatever you can give, it’s enough. Whatever form your giving takes, it’s enough.
This week I’m grateful for the extra six little feet running through my home, for love and kindness, for healthy kids, for a warm house, for a vibrant community that seems to give and give, endlessly.
Happy Thanksgiving!! Here are your weekly Happynings!
LOVE!
Copyright © 2012-13 · All Rights Reserved · ilovemyburg.com. Written content by Katie Mitchell. Photos by Brandy Somers. This material may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property.
Copyright © 2012-13 · All Rights Reserved · ilovemyburg.com. Written content by Katie Mitchell. Photos by Brandy Somers. This material may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property.
How it feels at Spitzer Art Center…
Did I mention that all the participants offered door prizes? Yow!!
Copyright © 2012-13 · All Rights Reserved · ilovemyburg.com. Written content by Katie Mitchell. Photos by Brandy Somers. This material may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property.
Brandy and Denise have the best ideas. First Art Lotto, and then Wonderkittens, and now this!
Get this: the two of them organized an event at Spitzer Art Center, where local photographers could set up an exhibit of their work for an evening and recruit new clients. Potential clients had the luxury of “shopping” for a photographer for their event — be it a wedding, a family reunion, a new baby, or whatever one’s imagination dreams up, really — in one space, and in person.
The place was busy that night. For three hours, dozens upon dozens of curious customers perused the displays of eight photographers, plus a display of upcycled glassworks by Ben Fraits, all to the live music of local cellist Rashaad Jones, the freshly brewed coffee of Lucas Roasting Company, and a room full of delicious food where I found meatballs several times that evening.
The types of photography varied greatly, but the quality was top-notch at every display. Pinwheel Collective’s casual display featured casual, yet touching, topics: for instance, an older couple embracing in their kitchen, and in the next photo, walking together along a grove of trees.
Danilion Photography’s simple yet elegant photos prove that one doesn’t need a lot of fancy props or costumes — just an eye for the beautiful, while Lauren Rogers‘ wedding photos were out of this world. And she’ll even do a boudoir session — rowl! Those photos go in a book for you and your mate to enjoy… at your discretion, ahem.
Kristina Thompson focuses on family/couples/wedding portraiture, senior pictures, and BABIES (ohmygosh!), and between her and Kelly Williams, I thought I would die of a cute attack. There was one photo in particular of twins wearing knitted britches that made me want to borrow an infant for a few days.
Sometimes referred to as “the lightning guy,” Brian Ripley displayed large photographs printed on aluminum for a cool, shimmery effect… absolutely stunning images of sunsets, skies, and various time-lapse light experiments.
Ruby Sky’s display reflected their love of the vintage. Photographs featured suspenders and barns and old cars; an old train car; a retro laundromat, and even an old bus… displayed with antique plates. And rounding out the evening was Samantha Ritter — a dedicated wedding and portrait photographer who takes a lovely combination of classic wedding shots plus interesting close-ups and unique perspectives.
Ben’s upcycled glassworks were something new for me… I wanted everything at his table, plus a glass of wine.
And all this beautiful work was supported by the music of Rashaad Jones, the coffee of Lucas Roasting Company, and floral arrangements by Sparrows Floral Design. Check out all their sites and see what they have to offer you!
You can also support your neighborhood art center by becoming a member. Oh, and don’t forget… the event planners, Brandy and Denise, are ultra-talented, too and might be just what you’re looking for! Stay tuned for tons more photos… of photos… this week!
Copyright © 2012-13 · All Rights Reserved · ilovemyburg.com. Written content by Katie Mitchell. Photos by Brandy Somers. This material may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting our intellectual property.
i love my burg. 