Driftless

One of my favorite area art shows, The Driftless, was this past weekend in the small town of Soldiers Grove with an excellent juried show.

In spite of the gloomy drizzly blustery morning, the weather report promised clearing skies and temps in the mid 60's. 

We weren't disappointed to say the least when blue skies appeared to highlight the changing hillside colors. 

Also as promised we experienced the beauty and artistry of  almost 100 Driftless area artists including 2 of the 4 musical groups to entertain fest goers during its two days; The DitchLilies and Patchouli performed on Saturday while we heard the River Ramblers and String Ties on Sunday.

Eight culinary artists offered Artisan Edibles in a tent with foods grown and prepared in the region with samplings and even recipes for the dips, preserves, desserts, wines and beer. 

For lunch the lines were long for the local food vendors was well worth the wait for hot oven baked pizzas, berry treats, pies, crepes, wraps, etc... And of course, the art was delectable too.

Blue Ribbon Woolen Doll

There was even a KidsArt tent. Kids's attendance was encouraged by giving them yellow award certificates to present to their favorite artist in either the adult / KidsArt categories. 

The doll on the left was a character created by a talented 18 yr old fiber artist who used self made boiled wool to construct her doll character.  She not only won first prize but was also recognized by a young attendee.

Art projects for the younger visitors included creating cork creatures and painting mini pumpkins. 

Who knows maybe one of them will be exhibiting in the show's future!

Available mediums in the adult category were wood, ceramics. drawings, pastels, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, printmaking, metal work and sculpture.

Metal sculpture by Hans Gill

glass scuptures 

There was something for everyone...






People watching was part of the fun in addition to seeing people we knew from different parts of our lives. In addition to two couples from my Happy Bookers group, we also saw two of our home's 

These people look familiar.

 craftsmen with their wives, a gal from the previous day's Show n Tell group and  musician from the Old School Variety show, fellow congregants besides work acquaintances from Natureman's past. It was just a big reunion in a great venue! 

We opted for a different route home and passed many apple orchards with packed parking lots since apples are in season.





How could we pass up getting a caramel apple?

 I was clueless as to the fact, Gays Mills, the next closest town to Soldiers Grove was apple capitol of Wisconsin.

Trees laden with apples

To be perfectly honest we couldn't have asked for a more perfect day in the Driftless...

I sure hope Fall lasts a really long time...