Vacation

Mackie and I just returned from a long overdue vacation. I say long overdue because it was 2000 since we last went on one. How is that possible you ask...

We spend about 30 weekends a year doing shows throughout five western states with occasional runs to the midwest and east coast. While both of us love to create art, and we don't think of this as work, the real work comes when we start getting ready for the show. Here's the list of steps we go through:

• load the trailer
• perform any necessary maintenance on the truck
  
• stock the camper
• hook up the trailer
• check the lights
• check the breaks
• drive to the show (average is 6 hours)
  
• set up for the show (approximately 2-3 hours)
• meet and greet you all
• tear down at the show
• drive home

It sounds like a lot of work but it's also a lot of fun. The joy of seeing people's faces that see our creations is incredible. It's quite humbling when people invest in one of our pieces of art.

The beauty about vacation is that we both feel rejuvenated and have new experiences that we'll soon be presenting at upcoming shows. The Florida sunsets, the wide range of wildlife, and the weather are already evident in our new creations.

We'll see you at a show soon!

Joe and Mackie

Spring and Recycled Art

Mackie and I are at the Canby, Oregon fairgrounds for the Master Gardener's show this weekend. The weatherman's prediction was as good as usual...about 180 degrees from what they claimed. Nevertheless, this is a pretty enjoyable show to attend and for us to do.

The fairgrounds provide for wide aisles and make it easy for everyone to get around. There is a good supply of plants, and most of this year's art is decent. There is quite a bit of metal art at this show...some good and some imported items.

Mackie will be at the Spokane Community College next weekend for their annual garden art show. That will be our last show in the Portland-Vancouver area until the last weekend in June when we do the recycled art show in Vancouver at Ester Short Park.