Summer Art Shows

Lots to see at our booth this year. We were at the Eagle Rock Art Guild show by the Snake River.

We just got done with one of our summer art shows this past weekend. The weather was delightful (a glass artist's dream) and the crowds were good. Many people stopped by to compliment us on our original works. We are truly appreciative of our patrons. It makes all the long hours spent in the hot shop worth it, when we hear someone remark about the creativity and beauty they are feeling when viewing our works. Below are some of the items we featured at this outdoor show.

Glass chili ristras help highlight our fused glass sun

Dragonfly and Hummingbird bottle feeders were popular

Slumped and fused green glass decorative plate

Glass Buck standing on glass deer antler

Pastel slumped and fused plate

Slumped and sandblasted glass bowl

Glass Chili Ristra

Blown glass elephant trio

The three little pigs

This piece was recycled and sandblasted into a moonscape

Blown glass mixed with copper and placed in a shadow box

Abstract slumped and fused glass plate

Yellowstone wildlife made out of blown and sculpted glass

A slumped and recycled wine bottle turned into a cheese tray

Recycled wine bottle make beautiful windchimes

Many hours are spent behind the scenes on these outdoor shows, and we know we are playing weather roulette with the glass being outdoors. The weather has been known to be very fickle around these parts. This show couldn't have been more perfect as far as that aspect goes. We're hoping for another "luck of the draw" when the next one rolls around in a few weeks. We are certainly hoping the weather holds up it's end of the deal, for a perfect day, as we prepare for the event of the year, and our oldest child's wedding coming in August. More on that in our next blog. Thanks for taking the time to read our blogs. We hope you keep us in mind for a special glass gift in the future.

Our booth at the Eagle Rock Art Guild Show

Last Rites of Summertime

Every summer I find myself wondering how, in the blink of an eye, the season of sunshine can fly by so swiftly. I suppose there is truth to the saying "Time flies when you're having fun". Now the days are starting to wane, and the night temps. tell me Autumn will soon be upon us. Labor Day is looming on the horizon, and  we find ourselves preparing to spend the days harvesting and canning the bounty from our garden.

I'd say this summer was a summer of opportunity and special occasions that I will look back on and cherish for many years to come.  Among them were some extra special events that stood out. We enjoyed a milestone in our marriage as we celebrated 30 years together, renewing our vows in the mountains with some of our children witnessing. The time spent in the Tetons will always be treasured memories for me. 

Jenny Lake in the Teton Range

A great day of horseback riding in the Tetons

Next, we witnessed our youngest son say his vows to his bride in a beautiful outdoor June wedding. Another memorable and special event for the family.

Our youngest son and his beautiful bride

We also managed to get away and enjoy a few camping trips, having fun times alongside Nature's crystal clear waters, both at reunions and the old stomping ground of my partner's childhood, Meadow Lake. 

Campground at Meadow Lake

Pups playing Fetch at Meadow Lake

Crystal clear water at Meadow Lake

Just last weekend, we topped off the summer experience at Bear Lake (nicknamed the Caribbean of the Rockies), also one of my favorite getaways.

Beautiful day at Bear Lake

We  had some very successful outdoor art shows where we sold 2 of our biggest pieces of art work made in the studio to date, both of them hand sculpted trout scenes. Below is one that we affectionately nicknamed "Walter" (from the movie 'On Golden Pond'). 

Hand Sculpted  Glass Trout nicknamed "Walter"

Yes, summers are short here, so we try our best to take full advantage of them. Everyone should have an opportunity to enjoy a camping trip, or get away with the family on a fun Summer vacation. It's rejuvenating and so enjoyable, especially spent with the ones you love. Because before you know it, the season of preparedness and hard work will be upon us: Fall, which just so happens to be my most favorite time of the year! I will expound on that in the next blog.