Based on a true blog

New Year's Dreams and Wishes

2011-12-31T16:51:00.013-05:00

This December, I got to realize a lifelong dream to be a window dresser when Kathy Downing, owner of Downing's Do It Best Hardware store in downtown Yellow Springs, gave me the chance to create a holiday display in her front store window.

Inspired by the annual car trips my family took into Chicago at Christmas time to look at the elaborate mechanical window displays at Marshall Fields and other department stores, I set to work using recycled and repurposed items along with a wonderful selection of miniature stores and houses provided by Kathy. Starting the week of Thanksgiving, I gradually added more and more items to the window to create the illusion of an impending winter snowstorm. If you look carefully, you will see a tribute to two local artists and yarnbombers, Corrine Bayraktaroglu and Nancy Mellon.

Thank you, Kathy, for allowing me the opportunity to work in such a unique venue and discover the magic of Extra Glittery Tulle. Happy New Year to my sweet village of Yellow Springs, OH. May we all realize our dreams and wishes in the New Year.

JafaGirls let down their hair at "The Hairy Art Palace"

2011-10-16T19:12:00.001-04:00

above photos by Susan Gartner

"The Hairy Art Palace," presented by JafaGirls ("Just Another Flippin' Artist") Nancy Mellon and Corrine Bayraktaroglu, held its Opening Reception on Friday, October 14, at the Yellow Springs Arts Council Gallery, 309 Xenia Avenue. In addition to highlighting street graffiti, guerilla art acts, and yarn bombing projects by the JafaGirls over the years, the exhibit featured a 99-piece puzzle (of Jafagirl works), I-Spy games, the Art Ball Vending machine, eyebrow pencils to draw on your own moustache, the newly released book, Craft Activism: People, Ideas, and Projects from the New Community of Handmade and How You Can Join In (featuring Nancy, Corrine, and Yellow Springs in Chapter 1), an attachable hairy armpits station, a Dog Art gallery, audio interviews, food, wine, and the lively accordion music of Ben Hemmendinger.

JafaGirls Corrine Bayraktaroglu and Nancy Mellon

Extended gallery hours for the exhibit are Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., October 22 and 29.

"Veneer -- Cover or Disguise" exhibit open on Saturday

2011-09-21T21:59:00.001-04:00

Photos are from the YS Arts Council Gallery opening reception for local artist Chelle Palassis and her exhibit, "Veneer -- Cover or Disguise," which took place on Friday, September 16, as part of Third Weekend Fling in the Springs. Extended gallery hours are Saturdays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., September 24 and October 1.

The exhibit will also be open through Street Fair on October 8, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The gallery is located at 309 Xenia Avenue, Yellow Springs. Call or text 937-831-2219 for more information or to schedule a private viewing. For more info about Yellow Springs Arts Council, visit www.ysartscouncil.org

photos by Susan Gartner -- September 16, 2011

KAOS comes to Yellow Springs!

2011-09-21T21:08:00.002-04:00

Introducing: Karen’s Academy Of Sewing (KAOS) Theory and Practice

Local fabric artist Karen Jane Russell is offering sewing classes in the basement of the Yellow Springs United Methodist Church, 202 S. Winter. She is teaching all levels of fashion sewing from the very basic to basic haute couture, sewing machine care and maintenance, techniques of tailoring and pattern cutting, and how to make soft toys, soft furnishings, curtains, children’s clothing and costumes, prom dresses and more.

KAOS students Jenny Delk Clark and Joel Moss Levinson practice their

sewing techniques while they learn to make an oven mitt.

The current plan is to have a full day of open class where participants can drop in at the hours of their choosing to work on any project with Karen there to guide and assist. BYOSM (Bring Your Own Sewing Machine). Class fee is $10 for the first hour and $5 for subsequent hours along with a donation to the food pantry of either food or a minimum of $2 in cash. For now, classes are being held on Wednesdays, approximately 9 a.m.-2 p.m. but other days/times will be considered depending on class interest.

If you are interested, please contact the class administrator, Karen Lynn Moore, at (937) 689-4077 or karen.moore.2006@hotmail.com. She is also on Facebook (Karen Lynn).

List of supplies you’ll need:
sewing machine, extension cord, scissors, tape measure, pins, thread, your project or ideas for project (lots of sewing project books supplied)

Donation for food pantry
Payment for class cash only please
$10 first hour then $5 for every hour after that

KAOS creator and instructor Karen Russell explains pattern instructions to Joel.

photos by Susan Gartner -- September 21, 2011

The last Dance Piazza for the season

2011-09-20T13:29:00.001-04:00

The season finale of Dance Piazza, hosted by Judith Wolert-Maldonado (aka "DJ JuJu"), took place Saturday night, September 17 at the Art Park, corner of Dayton and Corry Streets in Yellow Springs. Special musical guests were Rick Good (of Rhythm In Shoes) accompanied by Yellow Springs' own Corn Daddies. Rick's wife and long-time collaborator, Sharon Leahy, taught villagers Appalachian Clogging as they danced to old time music.

From DJ JuJu: Thank you to all who participated in these events during this season, from May through September: whether you attended, taught, performed, danced, watched, listened, funded or documented, you were all an important part of the Dance Piazza 2011: Cultivating Community through Dance! Gracias ♥

video and photos by Susan Gartner -- September 17, 2011

Wine and Dine for a Canine shows Ashton the love!

2011-09-19T17:30:00.001-04:00

Saturday night’s Brandeberry Winery fundraiser for a diabetic assistance dog was a huge success on many levels. Both winery parking lots were filled to capacity as friends, family and incredibly kind strangers came from all over the area to enjoy music by Full Circle, food from Bentino’s Pizza and Brandeberry’s new Blackberry wine, and donate money to help with the purchase of the dog. The dog is for Ashton Gueth, son of our beloved mail carrier, Adam, and his wife, Vanessa. Adam and Vanessa were shocked at the turnout and the generosity of local businesses.

A portion of the sale of bottles of blackberry wine were donated and Bentino’s Pizza donated 100% of all food orders. There were yummy homemade desserts for sale, a raffle, and Premier Jewelry which also donated 100% of proceeds to the cause. Ten-minute massages from Ferguson Chiropractic Solutions (wonderful massages with Sharon!!) were offered with 100% of the proceeds going towards the dog.

The evening temperatures were perfect and the setting was idyllic. It couldn't have been a prettier or more relaxing event.

This is what Brandeberry Winery posted on their Facebook page afterwards:

“You not only opened your pocketbooks to help Ashton get his dog you opened your hearts and were so wonderful even though some of you waited hours to get your food. Your kindness is very much appreciated by everyone at the winery.

The turnout for Wine and Dine for a Canine was incredible. It was by far the busiest day the winery has ever seen. It shows what a caring community we live in. The generosity and kindness of everyone who came out was unbelievable. We had an issue with long term waiting for pizzas because of how we bombarded Bentino’s with orders. However, there wasn’t an angry person around. Every one of you was patient and understanding and I can’t thank you enough."

A fundraiser is scheduled for October 1st at Peach’s Grill. Stay tuned for more details or contact Vanessa Gueth at vgueth@yahoo.com. Donations may also be made directly to an account at the Yellow Springs branch of US Bank under the name of Ashton Gueth.

photos by Susan Gartner -- September 17, 2011

Photos from Third Weekend Fling in the Springs

2011-09-19T16:26:00.001-04:00

Third Weekend Fling in the Springs started off Friday, September 16, with artist receptions, music and wine-tasting in town.

The Dayton band, Matter of Chance, performed an impromptu benefit concert in Art Park at the corner of Dayton and Corry Streets. The concert was a benefit for the organization, For the Love of Children (FLOC), a charity for at risk youth in the Greater Dayton Area.

The music was an unexpected treat and captured the attention of passersby who then came into the gallery at Village Artisans to see new works by fabric artist Kate Burch.

Burch (left) uses a number of techniques in her work including digitized embroidery, machine quilting, and thread painting. Her work can be viewed at Village Artisans, 100 Corry Street, through the month of September. Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

Emporium Wines and Underdog Cafe hosted their Friday night wine-tasting and featured musical guests, The Show. The Show is a Yellow Springs-Springfield trio and includes band members Jessica Kinzer, Matt Housh, and Ryan Henry. Artwork currently on exhibit at the Emporium is "Works on Paper" by Michael Casselli (on exhibit through September 30). There was even artwork on the wine bottles!

photos by Susan Gartner -- September 16, 2011

Steel Painting Workshop in King's Yard

2011-09-18T16:13:00.000-04:00

Springs Gallery, a fine art/fine craft gallery in Yellow Springs, offered two hands-on painting workshops recently with Dayton artist Mike Elsass. Elsass (wearing a baseball cap) and his students set up the painting-on-rusted-steel workshop on Thursday, September 15, in King's Yard, outside of Springs Gallery. The weather was perfect for both workshops and the protected courtyard provided a sunny and inspirational place to paint.

If you want to be alerted to upcoming workshops, contact Christine Klinger at springsgallery@earthlink.net or 937-409-5047.

Springs Gallery is located in King's Yard at 220 Xenia Avenue, Yellow Springs, OH 45387. Hours are Wednesday-Sunday, noon-7 p.m. and on Third Fridays (Fling in the Springs) noon-9 p.m. Visit their blog at www.springsgallery.blogspot.com.

photos by Susan Gartner -- September 15, 2011

Wildflowers in John Bryan State Park

2011-09-13T11:11:00.000-04:00

photo by Susan Gartner -- September 12, 2011

A beautiful day to be a street musician (or a Carrot)

2011-09-13T11:08:00.001-04:00

The band, Caleb and the Carrots (temporarily minus Caleb and 1 Carrot), performed in front of Bonadies Glassstudio yesterday.

photo by Susan Gartner -- September 12, 2011

West African Dance and Drum at Dance Piazza

2011-09-13T08:19:00.001-04:00

On Saturday, September 3, the typically quiet and contemplative Art Park at Corry and Dayton Streets was transformed into a high-energy showcase of West African Dance and Drum led by BabaaRitah Clark and her all-girl performance group Akwaaba. The event was hosted by Judith "DJ JuJu" Wolert-Maldonado as part of her bi-monthly Dance Piazza.

The final Dance Piazza event of the season will be this Saturday, September 17, and will feature Rick Good & Friends, who will perform old time music and teach Appalachian Clogging from 7-8 p.m. Rick Good is a founding member of the Hotmud Family and a twenty-four year veteran of Rhythm In Shoes.

From 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., DJ Juju will spin Latin dance tunes (Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Reggaeton), along with other world dance music including Afro-beat, Bhangra, Middle Eastern, club, old-school R & B and more.

The event is free and open to all ages.

photos and video by Susan Gartner -- September 3, 2011

Village vignettes

2011-08-29T18:27:00.002-04:00

photo by Susan Gartner

Summer's end

2011-08-29T18:21:00.002-04:00

photo by Susan Gartner

Faerie sighting: Corner Cone

2011-08-22T19:48:00.000-04:00

photo by Susan Gartner -- August 21, 2011

Music, mirth, and mosquitoes at Davis Street Block Party

2011-08-22T19:29:00.002-04:00

The Community Wide Block Party sponsored by the Yellow Springs Human Relations Commission took place this past weekend.

The Davis/Whiteman/Phillips/High/Xenia Block Party on Saturday, August 20, featured food, fun, friendship and ping pong with musical accompaniment by Elizabeth Price, Patti Dallas, Joseph and Matt Minde, and Mark DeLozier.

After invites went out to 80 homes, pictures were taken of all the houses and made into a neighborhood map to help guests make a visual connection of faces to places. Many participants had just moved to the area and appreciated the creative (and well-timed) way to meet their new neighbors.

Thanks so much to the Human Relations Commission for the inspiration, $20 gift certificate from Tom’s Market, and the box of chalk. We hope we did you proud. Wait 'til you see what we've got in store for next year!

photos by Susan Gartner -- August 20, 2011

Art on the lawn -- literally

2011-08-22T19:14:00.001-04:00

Top image taken from Jurate Phillips' booth at Art on the Lawn last weekend which took place at Mills Lawn School. Bottom image is nature's version of same which was found on Mills Lawn lawn.

View more of Jurate's work at www.gourmetartstudio.com

photos by Susan Gartner -- August 13, 2011

Scene Around Town: Dog Art

2011-08-22T19:02:00.000-04:00

Balloons outside of Village Artisans promote their featured artist for the month: Mozart Dane -- "the dog who paints with his paws for a good cause."

photo by Susan Gartner -- August 19, 2011

Art from one end of town to the other

2011-08-22T18:54:00.000-04:00

During Third Friday Fling, August 19, local sculptor Behrle Hubbuch III (right) talked with fans who came to Super-Fly Comics and Games to see his two latest large-scale Steampunk ships, The Leviathans, which he created for Catalyst Game Labs.

Meanwhile, Yellow Springs Arts Council Gallery hosted an Opening Reception for Erin Smith, art instructor at Central State University. Her exhibit, “Hairitage: A Cultural Journey,” can be seen Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. August 20, August 27, September 3 and September 10. Call (614) 323-2784 for more information or to schedule a private viewing. For more information about YSAC, visit www.ysartscouncil.org.

photos by Susan Gartner -- August 19, 2011

Learn Veil Movement with Laylia at Senior Center

2011-08-18T22:41:00.000-04:00

Laylia’s Middle Eastern Veil Demo and Instruction class this past Monday at the Senior Center attracted eight enthusiastic participants. We are looking forward to the second class on Monday, August 29, 3 p.m. This is a free class and the public is invited. No dance experience needed. Wear comfortable clothes. All abilities welcome. Laylia is a wonderful teacher—encouraging, upbeat, and funny.

She is also teaching Belly Dancing on Monday evenings at 6-7:30 p.m. at Union Schoolhouse, 314 Dayton Street, Second Floor, Room #315. Fee: $15

Contact Laylia at LayliasBellyDancing@yahoo.com for more information and come join us at The Senior Center on Monday, August 29!

photo by Susan Gartner

New mural in Kieth's Alley

2011-08-18T17:43:00.002-04:00

New mural by Rac and Vesh (pictured) went up this week behind The Emporium and Underdog Cafe.

photos by Susan Gartner

A quiet little cove of art

2011-08-17T22:16:00.001-04:00

This beautifully tiled bench sits quietly away from the usual pedestrian traffic, behind the Little Art Theatre. It was created by Marcia Wallgren, owner of Ohio Silver. Marcia was the one who commissioned local muralist Pierre Nagley to paint the mural which is on the side back wall of the theatre. Thanks to you both for adding beauty to the "B-side" of our village!

Look closely at the bench and you will see what it says:

"Be the change you want to see"

photos by Susan Gartner

A spot of tea with your cone?

2011-08-17T17:04:00.001-04:00

A new sculpture went up in July in front of Corner Cone at the corner of Walnut and Dayton Streets. Sculpture is by William Mischler. Thanks, William!

photos by Susan Gartner

Lovely day for "Art on the Lawn"

2011-08-15T20:30:00.000-04:00

Photos from Saturday's Art on the Lawn, coordinated by Village Artisans.

Flash Mob Meditation for World Peace

2011-08-13T23:41:00.000-04:00

Sandy King (right) coordinated a "Meditation for World Peace" Flash Mob on Saturday, August 13, at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of Limestone Street and Xenia Avenue in Yellow Springs. Participants gathered to create an environment for people from all walks of life to come together in meditation.

photo by Susan Gartner

Yellow Springs Experience July 15-17, 2011

2011-08-12T17:09:00.001-04:00

Yellow Springs Experience
Yellow Springs, OH
July 15-17, 2011

Featuring Dance Piazza in The Art Park with “DJ JuJu,” Antioch Writers’ Workshop, Art Opening and Book Signing with Kathy Moulton, Fluid Core Movement Class with Jill Becker, Ayurvedic Healing with Sheila Johnson, Myths and Truths About Coyotes with Carol Cartaino, Glen Helen Wildflower Hike with Joan Horn, and Japanese Handmade Paper Lantern Workshop with Sarah Strong.

Photos by Corrine Bayraktaroglu
Wendy Beckman
Susan Gartner
Video by Susan Gartner

Music: "Jumpin' From Six to Six" by Colin James & Little Big Band 2

YS Experience: July 15-17 featuring Cirque Carnival

2011-08-12T17:00:00.000-04:00

Yellow Springs Experience
Yellow Springs, OH
July 15-17, 2011
Featuring Cirque Carnival

Coordinated by Dayton Street Alliance and Yellow Springs Arts Council

The Yellow Springs Cirque Carnival is an evening of live music, performers, fire dancers, food and artisan booths. Yellow Springs Experience weekend workshops included Intro to Belly Dancing with Janet Mueller, Jill Becker’s Foot Clinic, and Sterling Silver Ring-Making with Rhonda Newsome. Saturday night culminated in an opening reception and multi-art event at the Yellow Springs Arts Council Gallery with musical guests, The Show.

Photos by Dennie Eagleson
Corrine Bayraktaroglu
Susan Gartner
Video by Susan Gartner

Ballroom Dancing Under the Stars

2011-08-12T16:56:00.000-04:00

Yellow Springs Experience
Yellow Springs, OH
July 15-17, 2011
Featuring Dancing Under the Stars with The Cotton Club

Coordinated by Yellow Springs Kids Playhouse and Yellow Springs Arts Council

For their 2011 Summer Season, Yellow Springs Kids Playhouse presented “The Cotton Club,” written and directed by John Fleming with original music composed by Neal Kirkwood, performed by an all youth cast and featuring a youth jazz ensemble. Performances took place in the Antioch Amphitheater July 7 – 17.

The Cotton Club Stompers played swing favorites from Duke Ellington and others under the direction of John Fleming in this original play about the 1920s New York Jazz Club. Musical director and chief box (keyboard) pounder Neal Kirkwood was joined by Josh “Easy” Seitz on the clarinet, Claire “Southie” Heister on the sax, Mike “Cincy” Kremer on bass, Skip “Doc” Leeds on guitar.

After the Saturday, July 16 performance, the community was invited to “Ballroom Dancing Under the Stars” where they danced, along with cast members, to the Cotton Club Stompers with special guest Ellie Leeds on vocals.

Photos by Ayn Wood
Video by Susan Gartner

Village Vignettes

2011-08-12T16:44:00.002-04:00

Welcome Ubuntu Canteen to Yellow Springs

2011-08-06T15:15:00.000-04:00

There was a small, quiet post on A Yellow Springs Blog last week that didn’t get much attention unless you’re a major foodie like me.

Here’s the post again:

"Ubuntu" is an inspiring concept in many cultures of Southern Africa and emphasizes the spirit of sharing and honoring our connectedness.

In honor of our mutual humanness, I'll provide a fun, colorful, healthful, veggie-and-grain rich dinner to anyone who would like one :).

I will have one extra dinner (to feed 2-5 people) on each MWF. Pick-up and in-town delivery possible approx. 5- 5:30 p.m.

E-mail Ubuntu.Canteen@gmail.com (if you do not have e-mail, leave a brief message on 767-1611 to specify food restrictions and arrange.

(There is no fee.)

Well, I did respond and am very glad I did. What a unique treat this is! I’m including a photo of the luscious food that was prepared Wednesday evening by the Ubuntu Canteen chef. My partner, Tom, and I invited our friend Maxine over in the spirit of Ubuntu. Tom and I popped over to the chef’s house beforehand (she is conveniently located in town) and picked up the meal and brought it back to our house to eat.

The menu that night was:

Curried Eggplant, Potatoes, Tofu & Beans; Turmeric Fruit & Nut Rice; Cucumbers in Jalapeno Yogurt.

This reminded me of a restaurant I went to on a vacation a long time ago. I wish I could remember the name and the state! The staff decided on one particular menu for each evening and that’s all they served that evening. The menu changed daily. They wrote what was on the menu on a chalkboard outside the restaurant so you could drive by during the day and see if it was something you were interested in. I remember how different that was from my typical restaurant experience and what a treat it was to not have to make any decisions and just relax and enjoy whatever the staff wanted to prepare that night.

Yellow Springs News staffer Lauren Heaton has written a nice review of Ubuntu Canteen. Read her review here.

Scene Around Town

2011-08-06T15:06:00.001-04:00

"The Show" at The Gallery

2011-08-06T14:56:00.000-04:00

First of the Experience Saturday series. A multi-media, visual and musical performance presented by Yellow Springs Arts Council on Saturday, July 30. Performance by The Show. Video Projection by The Now Device. Salon Chat with Rod Hatfield of The Now Device. Art exhibit by The Show guitarist, Ryan Henry. The Show band members also include Jessica Kinzer and Matt Housh.

Event took place at the Yellow Springs Arts Council Gallery and Exhibition Space, 309 Xenia Avenue, Yellow Springs, OH.

Experience Saturday is funded in part by the Yellow Springs Community Foundation.

video by Susan Gartner

"Perfectly Frank Evening" at restored Frank Lloyd Wright house

2011-08-06T14:18:00.001-04:00

On Friday, July 1, 2011, the monthly cultural arts series, "Perfectly Frank Evenings at The Westcott House" featured musical guests "The Numbers Are Bad" and "The Show" and live video mixing and projection by "The Now Device."

The Westcott House is a fully restored Frank Lloyd Wright building, the only Prairie-style house in all of Ohio, located in Springfield.

The opening act was husband and wife acoustic duo Tony Weaver and Jamie Daugherty ("The Numbers Are Bad") followed by "The Show" featuring band members Jessica Kinzer, Ryan Henry and Matt Housh.

"The Numbers Are Bad" can be found on Facebook.

www.myspace.com/theshowwillgrow
http://thenowdevice.com
http://www.westcotthouse.org

video by Susan Gartner

Applause for Carr-Hamilton House restoration

2011-07-12T09:46:00.003-04:00

After almost two years of restoration work, the owners of the house at Herman Street and Xenia Avenue graciously allowed the Yellow Springs Historical Society to use the property to hold a fundraiser/open house so the public could finally get a peek inside. Over 500 people stopped by to admire the massive renovation project and satisfy their curiosity. Many of us had watched the stately mansion fall into disrepair over the years and were thrilled at the prospect that it would get a new lease on life. Renovations include a lovely mix of modern conveniences while still maintaining the original 1854 charm. During the tour, I learned about a hidden room, the hardwood floors, and how much care was put into trying to restore the original lighting fixtures.

Kudos to all who were a part of this incredible facelift. What had been a heart-breaking eyesore for years is now a beautiful jewel in the community crown.

top photo by Tom Osborne
remaining photos by Susan Gartner -- July 10, 2011

Art, music, and poetry on a beautiful summer's evening

2011-07-11T23:42:00.002-04:00

Art and music was plentiful last Saturday night in downtown Yellow Springs.

Rob Heiliger provided music accompaniment during the Opening Reception for artist Jason Augenstein at Emporium Wines/Underdog Cafe.

Up the street, Mark DeLozier played music for guests attending the poetry reading at the Yellow Springs Arts Council Gallery and Exhibition Space hosted by Anthony Fife and Lauren Shows. Current exhibiting artist Debra Wilburn spoke about her illustrations and the various responses she's received over the years. Featured guests Matt Vetter and Adrienne Cassel read selections of their poetry.

photos by Susan Gartner -- July 9, 2011

Get to know your neighbors

2011-07-11T23:33:00.000-04:00

Name tags were included in last week's edition of the Yellow Springs News to encourage new friendships and foster community spirit.

photo by Susan Gartner -- July 4, 2011

Yellow Springers show their spirit

2011-07-11T23:24:00.001-04:00

photos by Susan Gartner -- July 4, 2011

Two of the village's more colorful characters

2011-07-05T22:37:00.001-04:00

Jafagirl ("Just Another Flippin' Artist") Nancy Mellon takes her friend, Mr. Plato, out for some fresh air and socializing.

photo by Susan Gartner -- July 5, 2011

Canine celebrity endorsements to come...

2011-07-05T22:26:00.002-04:00

Famous canine celebrity Beetoe, who was recently featured in a Rand McNally Best of the Road video highlighting Yellow Springs as the “Most Fun Town,” hangs with her media rep and handler Pierre Nagley and their homeboys in front of Brother Bear’s Coffeehouse.

photo by Susan Gartner -- July 5, 2011

Sights of Summer

2011-07-04T11:51:00.002-04:00

photos by Susan Gartner

Kids learn kingly behavior at Summer Chess Camp

2011-07-02T15:22:00.000-04:00

Omar Durrani's (aka "Mister Omar") Summer Chess Camp which has been held at The Emporium all week long culminated Friday in a Classic Team Tournament held in the terrace and backyard garden space behind Asian Collection and YS Arts Council Gallery.

The second session of Mister Omar’s Chess Camp will be held August 15-19 for ages K-8.

For more information, e-mail Omar at durranio@gmail.com or (614) 209-5596. See camp details at www.misteromar.com

photos by Susan Gartner -- July 1, 2011

Village puts the kettle on for Rand McNally Best of the Road team

2011-07-02T15:03:00.003-04:00

The Rand McNally/USA Today Best of the Road Rally 2011 put Yellow Springs, OH, on the map, literally, when the town threw in its felted hat to compete for the category of "Most Fun Town."

On June 23, 2011, five two-person teams set out from New York to visit 30 Best Small Towns of America and determine Most Patriotic, Best Food, Most Beautiful, Friendliest and Most Fun.

Yellow Springers young and old came together to plan, schedule, and decorate the town in preparation for our visiting dignitaries, Juliana and Joan Broste of Littleton, Colo. The mother-daughter judging team arrived Tuesday, June 28, along with a fully-loaded RV and media crew.

I was particularly impressed by the way the Rand McNally media crew threw themselves into the fun including spending time learning about yarnbombing with Jafagirls ("Just Another Flippin' Artist") Nancy Mellon and Corrine Bayraktaroglu and a full table of Flower Power participants at Brother Bear's Coffeehouse. Even their driver, Bob, got into the act!

Follow the adventures of all the traveling teams as they cross the country on a mission. Click here to read the team blogs and watch their videos.

photos by Susan Gartner -- Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Papermaking with Sarah Strong at Strong HeArt Studio

2011-06-29T20:27:00.001-04:00

Above are photos from Sarah Strong's Papermaking Workshop which took place at Strong HeArt Press & Studio last Saturday. Participants Sally Childs-Helton and Cy McQuigg are pictured creating unique handmade paper in a beautiful setting behind the studio at 143 1/2 E. Limestone Street.

My timing was just right to capture the entire process from lavender stems to the sun-dried finished product. The whole experience was other-worldly...a peacefully-paced, pre-computer, serenely meditative creative experience filled with the lush smells and sounds of summer. If you missed this wonderful experience, there will be another opportunity coming up as part of the YS Experience July 15-17.

Japanese Handmade Paper Lanterns with Paper Artist Sarah Strong

• Limited to six participants. Adults only please.
• Two-part workshop:
Saturday, July 16 – Create Hand Crafted Paper
Sunday, July 17 – Make a Beautiful Japanese Lantern
• Both workshops run from 9 a.m.-noon
• Meet at Strong HeArt Press & Studio, 143 1/2 E. Limestone St., Yellow Springs, OH 45387
• $65 per participant

Strong HeArt Press and Studio is situated along the edge of Historic Antioch Campus and The Glen Helen Nature Preserve in Yellow Springs, OH

Go to yellow-springs-experience.org to view all classes and register. Click on "workshops" under Categories and look for Japanese Handmade Paper Lantern

Contact Sarah at sarah-strong@sbcglobal.net or call 317.525.1785

Flower Power Project 2011: Come out and play!

2011-06-28T09:12:00.003-04:00

Jafagirls ("Just Another Flippin' Artist") Corrine Bayraktaroglu and Nancy Mellon organized a Flower Power 2011 Sew-In yesterday at Brother Bear's Coffeehouse to prepare for the arrival of Best of the Road Contest Judging Team Joan and Juliana Broste. It's all part of vying for the title of "Most Fun Town" in the Best of the Road Contest sponsored by USA Today and Rand McNally. Pictured Flower Power participants are Kipra Heermann with her granddaughter Corinne Totty, Kim Krier and her children, Marian and Noah, and Molly Finch. We're doing it again this morning at Brother Bear's, after the 10 a.m. Welcome-to-Yellow-Springs ceremony at the Train Station. Watch for these beautiful felt and yarn creations to show up on a telephone pole/sign post/railing/bench near you. Come join us!

photos by Susan Gartner -- June 27, 2011
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- June 28, 2011

Community Yoga celebrates Summer Solstice

2011-06-22T14:26:00.000-04:00

A Summer Solstice Celebration was held on the front lawn of the Bryan Center on Tuesday evening, June 21. Participants gathered to celebrate the longest day of the year and the fact that an earlier summer shower ended in time for the event to go on as scheduled. Included in the event was a community yoga class led by Yoga Springs Studio instructor Carmen Milano and WYSO's General Manager Neenah Ellis.

photos by Susan Gartner

Cut-a-thon and more at June 17 Art Stroll

2011-06-18T13:44:00.000-04:00

Wavelength Salon Spa stylists Michael Harrod and Gayle Sampson cooled off their clients during the salon's Art Stroll Cut-A-Thon to benefit WYSO. A make-shift salon was set-up outside in the Art Park at Corry and Dayton Streets. Customers kept three stylists busy nonstop from 5-9 p.m. while DJ Bobby Lite (aka Robert Hasek) provided the perfect music accompaniment. The salon raised $760 in 4 hours and had a great time doing it!

Up on Xenia Avenue, Asanda Imports featured a live painting demo with local artist James E. Harrah who worked on a contemporary portrait of Clint Eastwood as the High Plains Drifter.

photos by Susan Gartner -- June 17, 2011

More yarnbombing

2011-06-16T22:01:00.000-04:00

International Yarnbombing Day -- a community event

2011-06-13T07:53:00.000-04:00

International Yarnbombing Day – June 11, 2011

[from Wikipedia] "Yarn bombing, guerrilla knitting, or graffiti knitting is a type of graffiti or street art that employs colorful displays of knitted or crocheted cloth rather than paint or chalk. While yarn installations may last for years, they are considered non-permanent, and, unlike graffiti, can be easily removed if necessary. Nonetheless, the practice is still technically illegal, though it is not often prosecuted vigorously.

"While other forms of graffiti may be expressive, decorative, territorial, socio-political commentary, advertising or vandalism, yarn bombing was initially almost exclusively about reclaiming and personalizing sterile or cold public places. It has since developed with groups graffiti knitting worldwide each with their own agendas."

The local effort in Yellow Springs was coordinated by Jafagirls ("Just Another Flippin' Artist") Corrine Bayraktaroglu and Nancy Mellon and attracted men, women and kids. Although the holiday is technically June 11, Yellow Springers had to celebrate one day early due to the biannual Street Fair scheduled for the same day.

photos and video by Susan Gartner

Yellow Springs Street Fair June 2011

2011-06-12T13:33:00.000-04:00

photos by Susan Gartner -- June 11, 2011
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- June 12, 2011

Celebrating a peaceful form of bombing

2011-06-12T10:25:00.001-04:00

To celebrate International Yarnbombing Day, local yarnbombers waited out the rain Friday morning and then took to the streets -- mostly Dayton and Corry -- to wrap their town in soft, colorful knit graffiti. A special effort was extended to the Morgan House Bed and Breakfast and a newly planted tree in honor of Arthur Morgan. The community event was coordinated locally by Jafagirls Nancy Mellon and Corrine Bayraktaroglu.

photos by Susan Gartner -- June 10, 2011

They came, they saw, they chewed

2011-06-05T23:18:00.001-04:00

On Sunday, June 5, the World's First Traveling Gum Wall made its public debut at the Yellow Springs Arts Council Gallery, 309 Xenia Avenue. The Traveling Gum Wall, an interactive public art project, was created by Jafagirls ("Just Another Flippin' Artist") Corrine Bayraktaroglu and Nancy Mellon as a fundraiser for YSAC. Packets of gum are on sale to participants who then chew the gum and stick it on the wall. All participants get to sign the back of the Gum Wall for a permanent record of their contribution to art. A free Jafagirl postcard goes to anyone who donates packets of gum. (Please no sugar-free gum or gum advertised as not sticky.)

The next scheduled appearance of the Gum Wall will be Street Fair, Saturday, June 11. The wall will be located in front of the YSAC Gallery at 309 Xenia Avenue. In the revered tradition of sticking your gum somewhere, Jafagirls invite you to Stick It For Art.

For more info, contact jafagirlart@yahoo.com

photos by Susan Gartner -- June 5, 2011

Dance Piazza: Salsa!

2011-06-05T23:04:00.001-04:00

This week's Dance Piazza, a biweekly outdoor international dance party hosted by "DJ JuJu" (aka Judith Wolert-Maldonado), featured special guest instructor Lali Chaves of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Lali taught an enthusiastic crowd Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata. The next Dance Piazza will be June 18 and will feature International Folk Dances. The dance party takes place 7-10 p.m. at Art Park, corner of Corry and Dayton Streets in downtown Yellow Springs.

video by Susan Gartner -- June 4, 2011

Dance Piazza Saturday night at Art Park

2011-06-05T10:33:00.000-04:00

Scene Around Town

2011-06-05T10:26:00.000-04:00

Last Day of School Rhapsody

2011-06-02T09:57:00.000-04:00

I walked past this impromptu concert happening downtown Yellow Springs at 9 a.m. Wednesday morning.

This is Dennis Farmer’s 6th grade band class. He gave the students several options of what they’d like to do for their last day of class and they unanimously picked the option of playing downtown.

photo by Susan Gartner -- June 1, 2011
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- June 2, 2011

Swap inspires new appreciation for plants, books, hats and heritage

2011-06-02T08:57:00.001-04:00

Maxine's Annual Plant and Book Swap took place on Sunday, May 29. Participants are asked to bring and browse through previously loved books and plants with the hopes that all will find an appreciative new home in the end. The remaining books are donated to the annual Planned Parenthood Book Sale. Maxine also encourages participants to wear their favorite garden hat and kindly supplies emergency loaner hats for those who come unprepared. This year I was fully prepared, having been inspired by a recent viewing of My Fair Lady (shown on the big screen at the downtown Dayton Victoria Theatre as part of their Cool Film Summer Series -- highly recommended) and a photo of my greatgrandmother, Victoria (on the left), which arrived the day before the swap.

photos by Susan Gartner and Corinna Lyon -- May 29, 2011

Scene Around Town

2011-05-26T18:48:00.000-04:00

What I like about this unexpected piece of art is that it really is "hidden in plain sight." The face is not visible to motorists who pass by it unknowingly every day. It's only visible to pedestrians. I wish I knew who the artist was...

Third Weekend Fling serves art and music

2011-05-22T09:41:00.000-04:00

On Friday night at the YS Arts Council Gallery Opening Reception, exhibiting artist Bridgette Bogle, center, chats with former gallery committee member Jessica Roller (holding new baby Wren) and current gallery co-chair Deb Housh in front of one of Bogle's paintings. The exhibit, "Cavort," is shared with diorama designer Michelle Blades. Extended gallery hours are Sunday, May 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, May 28, 1-5 p.m.; Friday, June 3, 5-9 p.m.; and during Street Fair on Saturday, June 11, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information about the exhibit or to schedule a private viewing, visit www.bridgettebogle.com or www.ysartscouncil.org.

Folk/Bluegrass band Blue Moon Soup entertained a crowd of all ages on Friday night in King's Yard.

photos by Susan Gartner

Busker-in-training

2011-05-14T22:07:00.001-04:00

Joseph Minde-Berman practices the art of busking with his dad, Matt, in front of Ohio Silver on Friday afternoon as Joseph's mom, Jennifer, and friend Amy Harper look on. Joseph is currently taking mandolin lessons from Sam Salazar (of Wheels fame).

photo by Susan Gartner -- May 13, 2011
posted on A Yellow Springs Blog -- May 14, 2011

Everybody and their mother...

2011-05-08T20:20:00.002-04:00

Everybody and their mother was out for Mother's Day enjoying the beautiful biking weather, ice cream at Corner Cone, and carriage rides provided by Willow Wind Carriage Service. Ellie Leeds puts the final touches on a floral bouquet at Glen Garden Gifts.

photos by Susan Gartner -- May 8, 2011

YS Community Dance 2011

2011-04-08T20:00:00.005-04:00

"Flam Tap, Body Slap" debuts at YS Dance Concert

2011-03-20T18:50:00.001-04:00

Dancers rehearse "Flam Tap, Body Slap, Be Your Own Drum," choreographed by Ali Thomas and Lara Bauer and part of the upcoming YS Community Dance Concert. Concert dates are Friday and Saturday, March 25-26 at Antioch College South Gym, 8-10 p.m. Cost: $8 for adults, $5 for seniors and students.

photos by Susan Gartner

Healing arts weekend comes to a restorative close

2011-03-20T18:38:00.001-04:00

The Opening Reception for the YS Arts Council's "Art of Healing" group exhibit took place Friday, March 18, in conjunction with Third Friday Fling and YSAC Experience Wellness Weekend. The event highlighted 30 artists and performers and included music by Yellow Springs Strings, food, wine, and a Fundraiser Arts Raffle.

I participated in two of the weekend's wellness workshops: a small group session with keynote speaker Dr. Sherry Wheaton yesterday afternoon at Antioch Midwest University and a Soul Collage workshop at the YSAC Gallery this morning. Both sessions were well worth the $39 registration fee and made for a very thoughtful, reflective, and restorative retreat following Friday night's high-energy party.

Thanks to all who volunteered in front and behind-the-scenes and made the weekend such a big success.

To those who missed the Friday night opening, the YSAC Gallery will have open hours on Saturdays, March 26 and April 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Gallery is located at 309 Xenia Avenue, next to Speedway. Feel free to stop by and enjoy the stone terrace and garden areas anytime.

photos by Susan Gartner -- March 18, 2011

First sign of spring

2011-03-20T08:45:00.002-04:00

First sign of spring spotted in downtown Yellow Springs this weekend.

photo and video by Susan Gartner

Let me a create a collage of your work

2011-03-11T15:54:00.001-05:00

Need a picture that will incorporate many images into one? Let me create a collage photo for you. Combine family photos, artwork, or graphics into one image suitable for a website, t-shirt, or notecard. Contact me at basedonatrueblog@gmail.com to discuss rates.

Pictured is a selection of artwork from the Yellow Springs Arts Council Permanent Collection.

collage by Susan Gartner -- March 11, 2011

Red Cedars at YSAC Gallery

2011-03-11T15:36:00.001-05:00

Cincinnati folk duo Red Cedars (Pat Kennedy and Dinah Devoto) performed Monday night, March 7, during an evening of poetry and music hosted by villagers Anthony Fife and Lauren Shows. Poets Katerina Stoykova Klemer and Barbara Sabol also read selections from their poetry collection.

The event took place at the new Yellow Springs Arts Council Gallery located at 309 Xenia Avenue. To rent the space for your next event, e-mail art@ysartscouncil.org or call (937) 532-6237.

photo by Susan Gartner -- March 7, 2011
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- March 8, 2011

IKEA Cincinnati hosts Gartner family reunion

2011-03-11T15:23:00.001-05:00

My sister-in-law, Lisa Gartner, came through Cincinnati on a recent trip and we met at IKEA to catch up on life, career aspirations, and home furnishings.

photo by Susan Gartner -- February 27, 2011

Mister Omar's Chess Kings go to Cincinnati

2011-03-11T15:12:00.003-05:00

This weekend, Omar Durrani will be taking 12 of his Yellow Springs Kings to Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati to participate in the 10th Annual Queen City Classic Chess Tournament. Durrani, founder of Mister Omar's Chess Academy, has been teaching chess at Mills Lawn Elementary School this winter as part of their afterschool enrichment program. His fundraising goal of $1,200 will cover lodging, registration, food and gas for the participants. Contact Durrani at (616) 209-5596 or durranio11@gmail.com for more information. Contributions may also be dropped off at The Children’s Center.

Check out his new website at www.MisterOmar.com

Video and photos by Susan Gartner -- March 7, 2011
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- March 7, 2011

Mardi Gras masques at Village Artisans

2011-02-19T19:34:00.000-05:00

Village Artisans kicked off an early Mardi Gras celebration on Friday evening, February 18, as part of Third Friday Fling. Artist-made masques and New Orleans-style food was part of the fest along with a special try-one-on section of masques for guests who wanted to disguise themselves as a dog, a cat, or local artist Amy Achor.

photos by Susan Gartner -- February 18, 2011

Senior Art Project at Emporium

2011-02-08T11:24:00.000-05:00

On Saturday evening, Feb. 5, YSHS seniors Melanie Rudolf (with mic) and Sadie Rehm welcomed guests to their senior project art show opening reception at Emporium Wines/Underdog Cafe with entertainment provided by Wheels. The exhibit includes work by student artists Sam Lovering, Gabe Amrhein, Savannah Amos, Philip Kellogg, Melanie and Lilli Rudolf and Sadie Rehm. All proceeds from artwork and donations will benefit Nuevo Paraiso orphanage in Honduras, where Sadie volunteered last summer. Over $300 was collected Saturday night. The exhibit will be displayed through the month of February.

photos by Susan Gartner -- February 5, 2011
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- February 7, 2011

Winter Wellness: "Movement and the Arts"

2011-01-22T18:03:00.002-05:00

Part one of the three-part Winter Wellness Series took place January 8, 2011, at the Yellow Springs Library and was presented by Carmen Milano, RYT and Kristen Andreae, RN, LAc. The interactive workshop focused on ways to incorporate movement into your life during the winter months. Watch for all three programs to air on the Yellow Springs Community Access Station (Channel 5) soon.

photos by Susan Gartner -- January 8, 2011

Hire me to videotape your next presentation

2011-01-21T09:01:00.001-05:00

Excerpts from presentation by University of Pennsylvania's Dept. of City and Regional Planning Prof. Tom Daniels speaking in Springfield, OH. Hosted by Tecumseh Land Trust's Executive Director Krista Magaw. November 10, 2010

Video by Susan Gartner -- filmed November 10, 2010

Attracted to shiny objects

2011-01-18T16:37:00.000-05:00

Ellis Pond, Yellow Springs, OH

photo by Susan Gartner - January 18, 2011
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- January 18, 2011

Winter Wellness at YS Library

2011-01-13T11:58:00.001-05:00

The Winter Wellness Series continues this Saturday at the Yellow Springs Library when facilitators Kristen Andreae, RN, LAc, and Carmen Milano, RYT, will present the topic "Boosting the Immune System". See video highlighting last week's program, "Movement and the Arts". On Saturday, January 22, the topic will be "Reflect Inward, Prepare for Spring". The interactive workshops are from 1-3 p.m. No registration necessary. Learn, share, enjoy yourself. Bring a friend.

video by Susan Gartner -- January 13, 2011
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- January 13, 2011

Spring comes to the Emporium

2011-01-10T13:37:00.003-05:00

The opening reception for the Flower Power Group Art Show took place Saturday night, January 8, at Emporium Wines/Underdog Cafe in downtown Yellow Springs. While it was wintery weather with temps in the teens outside, inside the coffeehouse it was sunny and Spring-like with flowers everywhere.

The group collection includes flower-themed paintings, embroidery, quilts, mosaics, and photographs. Also included were felt flowers from the Flower Power Dayton Street Project that took place last spring. Many of the exhibiting artists took part in last year's project by creating realistic and fanciful flowers that were then attached to benches, railings, sign posts, telephone poles, trees, and trellises. For this exhibit, some of the flower creations were recycled and given new life in vases and on coffeehouse chairs

The exhibit will be up for the month of January. Stop by and bask in the warm glow of Spring.

photos by Susan Gartner -- January 8, 2011
photo of Susan Gartner in black hat by Tom Osborne
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- January 10, 2011

New Year's cards

2011-01-01T15:19:00.001-05:00

A new year's batch of my handmade cards.

New art lights up Brother Bear's for the New Year

2011-01-01T15:16:00.002-05:00

New art installation by Pierre Nagley at Brother Bear's Coffeehouse

photo by Susan Gartner -- December 31, 2010
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- January 2, 2011

Christmas in Yellow Springs

2010-12-26T14:07:00.005-05:00

The blinking red-and-green streetlights along with the lights from the businesses on Dayton and Walnut Streets blend in perfectly to make for a magical Christmas night in downtown Yellow Springs.

photo by Susan Gartner -- December 25, 2010

YS Brass! plays downtown in December

2010-12-09T09:04:00.004-05:00

Yellow Springs Brass! will perform holiday classics on Saturdays in December at various locations in downtown Yellow Springs. Members Bruce Heckman, Dave Vrooman, Steve Vrooman, Robert Love, and Dave Triplett will be playing for donations to benefit the Yellow Springs Emergency Welfare Fund.

The Yellow Springs Brass! will also perform at Friends Care Community on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 6:30 p.m. The performance will be part concert and part sing-along. All are welcome to attend.

Video and photos by Susan Gartner
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- December 9, 2010

November's Third Weekend Fling Artist Reception

2010-12-05T22:36:00.006-05:00

The Yellow Springs Arts Council held an Artist Reception at their new gallery, 309 Xenia Avenue, on November 19, 2010, as part of the Third Weekend Fling in the Springs. Featured artists Travis Tarbox Hotaling and Jade Nikita McConnell served wine and food, greeted guests, and enjoyed the entertainment provided by belly dancers Cami Knick and Erin Wolf and music provided by singer/songwriter Rachel Mousie.

photos and video by Susan Gartner

"What?" performed by TAFKATTFP

2010-12-05T13:59:00.008-05:00

“What?: An Exploration of Dreams, Reality, And Numbers (another meta philosophic dramatic sketch comedy performance)" took place at multiple locations this weekend in Yellow Springs. The Artists Formerly Known As The Third Friday Players are Jennifer Johnson, Lenaya Rebekah Levigne, Skip Leeds, Vanessa Query, Ali Thomas, and Charlotte Walkey.

Sketches included: "Buy Nothing Day" by Ali Thomas; "A Simple Philosophy Of The Foundation Of Our Cultural Thought" by Vanessa Query; "The Third Wheel" by Vanessa Query; "The Sum Of His Problems" by Charlotte Walkey; "Waking Up" by Dario Fo; "Ayn Rand Vs. Jesus: A Love Story Of Phantom Menaces" by Skip Leeds; "Businessman Part 2: The Saga Continues" by Ali Thomas

For more information, visit http://vanessaquery.com/theater/thirdfridayplayers

photos by Susan Gartner -- December 3, 2010

"Season's Joy" at Emporium/Underdog Cafe

2010-12-05T13:47:00.004-05:00

This year's holiday fundraiser for the First Presbyterian Church of Yellow Springs, "Season's Joy: A Song Book," was held Saturday night at the Emporium/Underdog Cafe and featured a wide variety of local musicians and theatre performances.

photos by Susan Gartner -- December 4, 2010

Living History Theatre project

2010-11-30T12:32:00.004-05:00

Creating a Radio Drama: "Dangerous Women" by Living History Theatre. Yellow Springs, OH, playwright Kay Reimers explains the process behind her historical radio dramas. Her current work, "Dangerous Women," explores the beginning and end of the nearly century-long struggle to give women the right to vote. For more information, contact livinghistorytheatre@gmail.com.

Neighbors and guests give thanks at community dinner

2010-11-26T14:22:00.011-05:00

by Susan Gartner

Friends, family, neighbors, and guests came together yesterday for the Annual Yellow Springs Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the First Presbyterian Church. Sponsored by the Yellow Springs Interspiritual Council, the event attracts young and old, friends and strangers, encouraging a spirit of community and connection.

"It’s kind of like sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner with two-hundred and ninety-nine family members.”

That’s how Dana Foster described the event when I spoke with her the morning after an estimated 300 guests showed up at the church. Foster is one of the coordinators of the Community Thanksgiving which holds a certain magical quality for me when I think of all the “elves” that help pull it off each year.

Coordination of the event is three months in the making with meetings starting in September. Volunteers are recruited in advance for a long list of tasks including the cooking of the turkeys, table set-up and clean-up, and washing dishes. Guests are invited (but not required) to bring a dish to share. The overflowing tables of food — including vegetarian and vegan entrees — suggests that Yellow Springs is a village that likes to cook!

Foster is grateful for all the assistance that makes the event so successful including the ad placed in the Yellow Springs News, courtesy of Jackson Lytle & Lewis Funeral Home, and the impromptu elves that turned up on Thanksgiving day.

“People just showed up early,” she said, “and asked, ‘What can I do?’”

The plan for next year is to reimburse the turkey cooks for the cost and preparation of the turkeys. This year’s free-range turkeys came from Tom’s Market and Foster hopes that next year’s cooks will follow in that tradition.

About 25 volunteers are needed the day of the event to cover tasks such as room set-up, keeping the serving tables continually supplied with dishes that are warming in the church’s oven, managing overflow and directing people to available seating, monitoring coffee and drinks, clearing dirty dishes from the tables, washing dishes, taking down tables, putting away chairs, and putting the room back in order.

Each year towards the end of the dinner, Foster makes the announcement encouraging guests to use one of the carryout containers provided, load it up with leftovers, and bring it to someone who was unable to attend. Foster would like this to become a more coordinated effort next year with homebound persons signing up in advance and volunteers committing to deliver the meals afterwards.

“You don’t even have to come to the meetings,” she assured future volunteers. “I do a lot of coordinating by e-mail.”

I asked Foster what the view was like from the kitchen – how were the volunteers holding up from the barrage of dirty dishes? “They were tired but happy,” she said. “They felt good about being part of such a good thing.” Foster herself enjoyed looking out over Westminster Hall and seeing villagers greeting strangers and engaging in conversation. “That’s the payback for us,” she said, “seeing people enjoying themselves, meeting new people, having good conversations, and eating good food prepared by villagers.”

As for Foster, herself, having a chance to enjoy the meal, she told me with a laugh, “I did sit down long enough to eat with my dad!”

For more information on volunteering or to get on the list of homebound persons who might enjoy a meal delivered next year, contact the church at 767-7751 or e-mail ysic@earthlink.net.

photos by Susan Gartner -- November 25, 2010
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- November 26, 2010

Holiday Fling in the Springs

2010-11-21T21:51:00.008-05:00

Carolers, carriage rides, belly dancers and more made for a festive Friday night in downtown Yellow Springs. Included in the festivities was a free outdoor screening of "It's a Wonderful Life" hosted by Urban Handmade; an artist reception for Liz Zaff and "The Polaroid Project" at "Would You, Could You" In A Frame; and an artist reception for Jade Nikita McConnell and Travis Tarbox Hotaling at the Yellow Springs Arts Council Gallery complete with music by singer/songwriter Rachel Mousie and belly-dancing by Cami Knick and Erin Wolf.

photos by Susan Gartner -- November 19, 2010
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- November 21, 2010

Portrait

2010-11-21T18:37:00.001-05:00

Photo of Yellow Springer Anne Randolph

Art faeries decorate Snowflake Tree

2010-11-14T14:52:00.013-05:00

Last week, someone left an anonymous note criticizing a new yarn-bombing project by local Jafagirls (“Just Another Flippin’ Artist”) Nancy Mellon (in the hat) and Corrine Bayraktaroglu. To those unfamiliar with Nancy and Corrine’s work, they have brought international fame to Yellow Springs with their Knit Knot Tree (a tree in the downtown area that is sporting a handmade sweater) and ChamberPot (“Loo with a View”) Gallery (an art gallery housed in the Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce restrooms). The two are also a part of the Dayton Street Alliance to beautify

and bring more traffic to Dayton and Corry Streets. Just this past spring, Dayton Street came alive when hundreds of colorful felted flowers of all shapes, sizes, and varieties suddenly and mysteriously began to appear on benches, railings, telephone poles, and trellises. Nancy and Corrine coordinated the series of Flower Power Sew-In's (which lasted from March through June) whereby volunteer sewers -- beginners and advanced -- met each Friday morning at Brother Bear's Coffeehouse to create wildly inventive flowers, leaves, and vines.

The note-writer scolded the two artists for not using their energies and resources on something more appropriate such as knitting sweaters for homeless people. Corrine wrote about the incident on their Jafagirl blog:

http://jafagirls.wordpress.com/2010/11/09/snowflake-tree/

Undeterred, Nancy and Corrine continue to plan and plot their next artistic move.

I personally would like to acknowledge the efforts of these two village “elves” who devote themselves, tirelessly and voluntarily with no financial reimbursement, to making this town colorful and unique and for providing so many residents and visitors with unexpected treats (and photo opps) around every corner. I am always looking forward to what they will come up with next. We are lucky to have them.

To the anonymous note-writer: Thank you. We are blessed, once again, with another inspired and inspirational piece of art.

photo and video by Susan Gartner -- November 10, 2010
posted on A Yellow Springs Blog -- November 11, 2010

Tricks and treats

2010-11-04T19:08:00.004-04:00

photos by Susan Gartner
published to A Yellow Springs Blog -- November 2, 2010

Yelloween 2010 in Yellow Springs, OH

2010-11-04T18:59:00.004-04:00

"Yelloween" in Yellow Springs, October 30, 2010 -- featuring local DJ "Hallow Gene" mixing music for Ye Olde Trail Tavern's Creepy Carnival; music by Full Circle from the 3rd Annual Gravedancers' Ball at Corner Cone; "Thrill Yellow Springs" reprise at the BP gas station; and Dayton Street Alliance presents A Mad Hatter's Tea Party with musical guest, The Groove Prophets.

videos by Susan Gartner
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- November 3, 2010

Anatomy of a Sculpture

2010-10-25T15:53:00.001-04:00

"The Spirit of Creativity in Yellow Springs" Outdoor Sculpture Contest winner, Beth Holyoke takes viewers through the process of creating her mosaic tiled sculpture for the village of Yellow Springs, OH.

video by Susan Gartner
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- October 25, 2010

Get your Indian food fix at Corner Cone

2010-10-22T14:16:00.003-04:00

The Corner Cone is now on hiatus after another successful summer season but owners Sue and Bob Swaney are surprising villagers with a real treat to get us through the winter months. Akhilesh Nigam is ready to take your order at "Indian Food Corner". Hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Currently on the menu are numerous varieties of Naan Bread along with Lentil Soup, Chicken Tikka Masala, Saag Paneer, and Navratan Korma. Coming soon: Samosas and Biryani. According to a recent flurry of Facebook posts, the idea has hit an Indian-food-fan nerve. Thanks, Corner Cone!!

photo by Susan Gartner -- October 21, 2010
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- October 22, 2010

Published photos

2010-10-22T12:41:00.012-04:00

In addition to my photos being posted regularly to A Yellow Springs Blog (ayellowspringsblog.blogspot.com), photos of mine have recently appeared in the Dayton City Paper, August 18, 2010 (click here)
and October 13, 2010 (click here) and the August 17, 2010 Columbus Dispatch (click here)

A beautiful night for a Stroll

2010-10-21T20:11:00.008-04:00

“It’s All About Art” was the theme for this past 3rd Weekend Fling in the Springs. The semi-annual Art Stroll on Friday, Oct. 15, was held in memory of long-time Yellow Springs business owner and artist Eddie Eckenrode who died in May.

Artist receptions were held at various galleries including Sam & Eddie's Open Books, Village Artisans, "Would you, could you" In A Frame, and the Yellow Springs Arts Council Gallery. A tiki carving demo was given by Mike Garrett in King's Yard while a "meta philosophic dramatic sketch comedy performance" written by playwright and filmmaker Vanessa Query took place at Corry Street Plaza at 8 p.m. with a repeat performance in front of Sam & Eddie's Open Books at 9 p.m.

photos by Susan Gartner -- October 15, 2010

Studio Tour offers more art for the effort

2010-10-17T22:48:00.012-04:00

This past weekend's 10th Yellow Springs Artist Studio Tour paired up guest artists with local host studios to give participants more art for their effort.

Artist Studio Tour guests take in host artist Kathy Verner Moulton's display of colorful digital paintings, notecards, prints and children's books. Guest artist Cynthia McDonald of Wild Gourd Studio is pictured with her hand-carved gourds, talking with Hays Moulton.

Studio tour participants joke with guest artist Alice Young-Basora of Nina Carina. Alice displays her jewelry featuring hand-painted canvas, fabric, and beads made from recycled paper.

Jalana Lazar of host studio Miami Valley Pottery arranges flowers for her guests.

Miami Valley Pottery is the host studio for guest artists Alice Young-Basora of Nina Carina and Lori Gravley (expressive fabric art and reusable cloth items).

Miami Valley Pottery owner and host artist Naysan McIllhargey reaches for one of his wood-fired pots.

Studio tour participants mingle with host artist Naysan McIllhargey and guest artists Alice Young-Basora and Lori Gravley (right).

Local artist Johanna Smith (left) talks beadwork with guest artist Theresa Mayer while Peg Peterson talks to host artist Pam ("For Quilts Sake") Geisel (hidden). Geisel's quilted postcards are on display to the right.

Host Artist Pam Geisel assists a customer with her quilted postcards while another shopper scans guest artist Theresa Mayer's beads.

An admirer looks over Theresa Mayer's pendants and earrings made with glass lampwork beads.

Guest artist Jennifer Jennings works on a nature-inspired collage and acrylic painting during the Studio Tour at the home of host artist Pam Geisel.

photos by Susan Gartner -- October 16, 2010

Capturing fall colors

2010-10-17T10:39:00.002-04:00

Dayton artist Leo Hong Mao (known for his Yellow Springs sunflower paintings) was spotted Friday afternoon capturing the brilliant fall colors on Dayton Street. For more about Hong Mao’s life, work, and contact info, go to http://artisthongmao.webs.com.

video by Susan Gartner
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- October 16, 2010

Perfect weather for a perfect Street Fair

2010-10-11T19:55:00.011-04:00

The spectacular fall weather on Saturday made for a very successful Street Fair filled with musical groups, vendors, street musicians, dancers, and more.

Included in the events: The Project Jericho Bucket Band from Springfield, directed by Ricky Kennerly, performed at the Jackson Lytle and Lewis Stage; later, the shanty group “Hardtackers” (comprised of YS resident Joe Cook and Brian Smith and John Schomburg of Columbus) entertained the crowd with maritime folk songs; villager Elizabeth Price danced and played percussion for The Piano Peddler, Eugene Beer; various street musicians added to the festival atmosphere; benches, curbs, stoops, and stairs made for makeshift eating areas all through downtown as fest-goers enjoyed the wide variety of food; the Coots Repertory Company (featuring Ron Siemer, Jerry Buck, and Walter Rhodes) performed Virgil Hervey’s 10-minute play (and recent 10-Minute Play Fest “Crowd Favorite”) “Parking Spaces” at the Corner Cone followed by Bettina Solas who played her mountain dulcimer.

photos by Susan Gartner -- October 9, 2010
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- October 11, 2010

Images of Madison, WI

2010-10-06T20:57:00.006-04:00

I spent a week in Madison recently, looking over the town by bike and by car, sampling coffeehouses, looking at rental properties, hanging out at libraries and community centers, participating in Zumba classes, reading bulletin boards and newspapers, meeting the staff of the local public access community television station (WYOU), and getting reacquainted with a town that has been in my dreams for decades. Lovely town, friendly people, sweet neighborhoods, thriving arts community, fabulous bike paths -- big city offerings wrapped up in a small-town feel. Thanks to all the people I met who made it such a fun trip and especially to my sister-in-law who was such a fun co-explorer.

photos by Susan Gartner -- September 2010

Blogging for Writers

2010-10-06T20:49:00.003-04:00

A Yellow Springs Community blog editor, Virgil Hervey, gives a talk on the benefits of blogging for writers on Tuesday night at the Yellow Springs Public Library.

photo by Susan Gartner -- October 5, 2010
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- October 6, 2010

A mug the size of a Buick...

2010-10-03T11:10:00.004-04:00

On a cold and dreary Saturday afternoon, villager Tom Osborne warms up with a large hot chocolate at Brother Bear's Coffeehouse, 118 Dayton Street in Yellow Springs.

photo by Susan Gartner -- October 2, 2010
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- October 3, 2010

Fling in the Springs weekend full of art, music, education

2010-09-29T16:33:00.011-04:00

Martin Harold Benedict Borchers made his public debut on Friday, September 17 with a show of prints and original pieces at 108 Dayton Street (upstairs by Yoga Springs Studio). Appointments can be made for weekday viewings by contacting Borchers at borchers.20@wright.edu

Joe Cook enticed guests with his guitar from the front patio of the new Yellow Springs Arts Gallery at 309 Xenia Avenue, while singer/songwriter Jordan Link entertained in the garden in back. Featured sculptor Sharon Mohler (pictured in red skirt) and fabric/repurposed-paper artist Karen Russell (print skirt) share a laugh with guests at the Opening Reception on Friday, September 17.

The "Shower of Stoles" exhibit at First Presbyterian Church of Yellow Springs is a collection of liturgical stoles celebrating those who serve God in countless ways yet have been excluded from their religious service because of sexual orientation. An Opening Reception was held at the church on Friday, September 17.

According to the exhibit's website, the Shower of Stoles collection is a culmination of over a thousand liturgical stoles and other sacred items representing the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people of faith. These religious leaders have served in thirty-two denominations and faith traditions, in six countries, and on three continents. Each stole contains the story of a GLBT person who is active in the life and leadership of their faith community in some way: minister, elder, deacon, teacher, missionary, musician, administrator, or active layperson. The collection bears witness to the huge loss of leadership that the church has brought upon itself because of its own unjust policies.

For more information about the traveling exhibit, go to
http://www.welcomingresources.org/sosp.htm

photos by Susan Gartner -- September 17, 2010
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- September 18, 2010

Urban Nights celebrates urban living

2010-09-28T22:34:00.014-04:00

Urban Nights is a free event that showcases downtown Dayton's dining, nightlife, art, music, retail, and urban living options twice a year -- once in the spring and once in the fall. The all-inclusive street party and open house has something for everyone to enjoy.

This season's event featured four public pianos placed at outdoor locations, a drumming circle, tap dancers, street musicians, belly dancers, choral performances, art gallery openings, a karaoke contest, a zentangle public art participation piece, tours of a new "green" urban living option and more. For information on 2011 Urban Nights, contact Molly Eaton at (937) 224-1518 ext. 229.

photos by Susan Gartner -- September 10, 2010
courtesy Downtown Dayton Partnership