Shapes and Characters

I rather enjoy this time of year. Most of the leaves have dropped and now the shape of the tree through its branches is more visible. Like skeletons reaching out to the sky and waving to each other on windy days the bare trees have character. Some do look a bit scary I guess but some plainly look like grand earthly creatures. The knots of the tree or the burl or scars from lightning or fallen branches mark some of the trees. Some of the trees are downright dead but likely have a taste population of insects that the residents and migratory birds seek to find.
I invite you this time to pick up your dulcimer (feel free to buy one if you don't have one :-) and look at the grains of the wood. Follow the lines. Look at the shapes - all beautifully are part of the wood. Wood is a special material - and not only did the tree once provide oxygen that we use but as its 'living on" mode creates a one of kind instrument sound box for dulcimers (and other instruments.) Living on through music and beauty - pretty exciting.

Duluth, MN area has wonderful artisans

I enjoying linking up local artists with opportunities for shoppers to come meet and shop from them. I've organizing twelve local art and gift fairs. I don't call the fairs craft fairs because I am looking for more unique art items - even though I do have a soap or candle vendor at most fairs. There's a gray line between art and craft anyway.
Here's the schedule for the fall - GET TO THE POINT Awesome Art & Gift Fair, Oct 9 Lafayette Building on Park Point, 3026 Minnesota Ave. from 10 until 3 p.m. Over 15 artists. No more openings.
GET IT LOCAL Gift Fair, Dec 4, Peace Church, 10-3 p.m. Artist portion filled. Openings for a few more local nonprofits and/or service or consumable items local businesses.
GET GREAT STUFF evening local gift fair, Dec 7 (Tuesday), Duluth Congregational Church, 3833 E. Superior St (next to Northland Country Club) 4-8 p.m. No more openings - well maybe a half spot.

GLOCAL fair - global & local fair - Dec 11, St. Michael's Church, 10-3 p.m. 4901 E. Superior St. I am looking for local artists, especially those that do global-themed work (or from a country). I also would like to have some organizations that raise funds for or participating in programs with other countries be in the fair.