RSS Feed One of the Nation's Most Honored Weekly Newspapers |
|
||||||||||||||
|
"We're all in this together" As my two students (8th graders from Cumming, Ga.) jumped from the car and ran into "Art in the Woods" in Stillmore, Ga., I knew I was in for a treat. I gazed at photographs hanging from trees of another forest where abandoned cars seemed to hang precariously upon one another when Haley and Grace called to me to come see someone burying himself with pieces of wood, crisscrossed tenuously over his body. I silently prayed it wasn't my son (Anthony Faris) and felt strongly it must be Desmal Purcell, as he seemed to be the adventuresome being in Stillmoreroots. But to my surprise it turned out to be Brian Ghiloni as Bridget Conn photographed this act of art and bravery. I had to come to "Art in the Woods" the past five years, but after seeing an article in April's "Southern Living," I was particularly excited this year to travel to Swainsboro-- most of the members of Stillmoreroots reside in Swainsboro and admittedly to see my son, who is the Director of Downtown Development and also one of the original members of this group of inspirators. As I sat and listened to music provided by Alan Basher, Jeb Cameron and Ron Ellison, I was assailed by a slight breeze, sun flashing on the carpet of pinecones, and the sound of those speaking quietly in the background. Art all around--everywhere you looked--past a fully set table for six, leaving one wondering where the diners retired to portraits hung on bedroom spreads and sheets to oils on strips of wood interspersed with fencing and letter holders. One artist, Nick Nelson, stood before the oil paintings and was telling me how incredible they were and I knew then that this group was all about one another. I am amazed at the quality of work Nick always does and asked him where his work was. I should have known they were the pieces furthest from the "gallery walk" because he's so very humble and yet one of the most creative artists among some very creative young men and women. We were interviewed, Haley Bowers, Grace Bellamy, and myself in Desmal Purcell's granny's old salon by NPR, who had come to cover this most amazing event. As we sat in this beauty shop in the middle of the woods, I never once appreciated how amazing this day was. In retrospect, I can't think of a more amazing day in my 58 years. "Walking the line between faith and fear- This life don't last forever. When you cry, taste the salt in your tears." Amen.
|
for larger version       Ads have a Patent Pending. Click Here for More Information |
|||||||||||||
