(Blog Sunday 5/16/2010)

Recap and What’s Coming: Liz and I visited the 44th Annual Woodcarving Show this afternoon. As noted last week. the event featured woodcarvers from around the country. The variety of work was quite broad. I tend to like cartoon-type carvings (click photo at left), but there were also carvings of animals, birds, people, mythical figures and more. Though it is only May, my sense is that the most popular carving was of Santa Claus. Unfortunately, I was unable to photograph one of the most impressive works at the show, which was a bas relief, approximately four by eight feet in size, in which the artist had carved an intricate series of birds, branches, and leaves. A label noted that he has spent the last ten years working on this project. The show was well worth the visit. Being someone whose only attempts at woodcarving have resulted in self-inflicted cuts, I was amazed at the talents on display.

May 17-May 23, 2010: Though the River Festival is done for another year, there are a variety of things to do this week and in upcoming weeks.

First, for those who enjoy Norman Rockwell’s Americana, the Wichita Art Museum is featuring an exhibit entitled, American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell. Rockwell was known for his carefully choreographed reflections on childhood innocence and documentation of popular culture. This exhibition traces the evolution of Rockwell’s art and iconography throughout his career. American Chronicles includes forty-two original artworks and many archival Saturday Evening Post cover tear sheets, which span forty-seven years. Museum hours and other visitor information can be found on their web site.

Are you an artist looking to stock up on supplies? The Society of Decorative Painters, as part of their Annual Conference and Expo, features an open to the public painting and art supply expo. This event features more than 125 booths of art supplies including paints, brushes, surfaces, books, videos, demos, make-it-take-its and more.
Lots of bargains and new products. Dates and times are Thursday (10am – 6 pm), Friday (10 am – 5 pm), and Saturday (9 am – 2 pm) at Century II Expo Hall.

Professional minor league baseball is back! The Wichita Wingnuts open their home season Tuesday evening at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. The Wingnuts are a member of the American Association, an independent league which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball. In 2009 the team won the North Division title for the first half of the season. In 2010 the Wingnuts will host the American Association All-Star Game. Check the Wingnut web site for the complete 2010 schedule.

We normally don’t highlight garage sales, but this one is for a good cause. Our friend Denise Townsley who runs Corgi Rescue, has been collecting items for a massive sale this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. I don’t know what all Denise has collected, but Liz and I have donated a couple of laser printers, paperback books, clothing, luggage, vases, costume jewelry, and the like. All proceeds from the sale will go to support her corgi and her friend Joy’s minpin rescue efforts. The sale starts at 8 am each day. The address is 915 North Brookfield.

This seems to be an appropriate time to remind you again that farmers’ markets are beginning to open for the season. These markets provide an opportunity for shoppers to reduce the burden on the environment by buying locally grown produce. We have found three groups that hold markets in the area. They are Kansas Grown Farmers’ Market, Old Town Farmers’ Market, and the Reno County Farmers Market. Check websites for locations and hours.

Last, but by no means least, new this year is the first Wichita Highland Games & Celtic Festival. It is anticipated that this will become an annual event. This year’s event will feature athletic contests, entertainment, vendors, and other activities all with a Celtic flair. The Festival is being held in Sedgwick County Park on Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 6 pm.

There are more things to do! Check the All About Wichita calendar additional events and exhibits that we didn’t have the room to list here. In the meanwhile, have a good week.