Neil Jacobs sampler from April 15 concert

I’m not a music reviewer but I can appreciate the reviews on Neil Jacobs’ website which, although they were written for entirely different concerts, really capture his 12-string guitar performance at the YS Library on April 15th:

"Imagine Russian cowboy music. Imagine flamenco joined with Balkan dances. Imagine one guy doing all that while sounding like a whole orchestra." - The Cleveland Sun Messenger

"For more than 25 years, Ohio native Jacobs has circumnavigated the globe performing his exotic hybrid of gypsy jazz, flamenco, and Eastern European Folk on solo 12-string guitar." - Vince DeMasi, Guitar Player Magazine

And my personal favorite:

"He does everything to that guitar but give it a massage." - Livingston Taylor



Jacobs is originally from Columbus, OH. In addition to touring with Balkan musicians at refugee camps in Eastern Europe and studying with the gypsies of Spain, he also lived for a brief time on Glen Street in Yellow Springs. His most recent release, "12 String Guitar", was nominated "Best Solo Guitar CD" at the JPF Music Awards in Nashville. For more information, visit www.NeilJacobs.com.


video by Susan Gartner
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- May 18, 2010

Fairy sighting on Dayton Street

In addition to being Flower Power Friday (every Friday 9 a.m. to noon at Brother Bear's Cafe), last Friday was also "Fairy Friday" as designated by Lily (black fairy dress) and Gabriella Kibblewhite (pink fairy dress) and Olivia Hasek (pink and purple fairy dress). Dayton Street Flower Power Project co-originator Nancy Mellon got lots of fairy assistance as she attached flowers to the railings in front of the cafe and next door at Village Herb Shoppe while Flower Power Sew-In participants created more flowers inside. Join us again this Friday for more felt fun. Go to jafagirls.wordpress.com for more info and photos.

photos by Susan Gartner -- May 14, 2010
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- May 20, 2010

Great stuff (and great hats!) at Great Stuff Garage Sale

Great stuff went to happy homes at the Glen Helen Great Stuff Garage Sale which took place on Saturday, May 15 at the Glen Helen Corry Street parking lot. Pictured above, Glen Helen Executive Director Nick Boutis (in green Oberlin t-shirt) was among the many bargain-hunters making their way through the treasure aisles. Proceeds of almost $4,000 will go to the Glen. Thanks to all the volunteers, donors, and shoppers for your support!

photos by Susan Gartner -- May 15, 2010
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- May 17, 2010

Calling all artists and artist-wannabes

“Artist’s reception at The ArtSpace…” “New exhibit at ‘Would You, Could You’…” “The Winds will feature works by…”

Each week, A Yellow Springs Blog and the Yellow Springs News post notices telling villagers about various upcoming art exhibits. Do you ever fantasize about having your own work exhibited in a gallery? Does the pressure of a blank canvas or the responsibility of creating enough artwork to justify a full exhibit keep you from pursuing this dream?

If this sounds like you, a rare opportunity to have your dream exhibit in your dream gallery is available June through July.

On Tuesday, May 25, from 1:30-3:30 p.m., calligraphy artist Ann Bain and mixed media artist Nancy Mellon will be offering an Artist Trading Cards workshop at Village Artisans, 100 Corry Street. Fee: $12.


Artist Trading Cards, or ATCs, are miniature works of art, 2½ x 3½ inches, and are small enough to fit inside a standard baseball-card-collector pocket or sleeve. The idea behind ATCs is to encourage artists to trade their cards with one another rather than sell them. After creating their miniature masterpieces in an ATC workshop, participants then spend the latter part of the workshop trading cards with each other. Everyone goes home with a full gallery of new and unique art that fits in the palm of their hand!

The greatest part about ATCs is the size of the “canvas” which is much more user-friendly and forgiving than standard-sized canvases. Sometimes an ATC artist will be inspired to create a larger piece of work and then cut or tear the work into 2½ x 3½-inch pieces. All mediums are welcome: acrylic, watercolor, markers, collage, stamps, pen and ink, calligraphy, fabric, wood carving, even knitting! The possibilities are endless!

Here’s where the unique opportunity comes up. Any ATCs created in the May 25 workshop or at home will then be exhibited at two local galleries – “Little Art at The Little Art” (for the month of June) and “Size Does Matter Part II” at Village Artisans (for the month of July). There is no entry fee or artist statement required, no lengthy forms to fill out, all submissions will be accepted, and you don’t have to worry about sending in photos of your work for pre-approval. Anyone of any age or artistic ability is welcome to submit up to eight cards. ATCs dropped off at Village Artisans by May 31 will be exhibited in both shows. ATCs submitted after May 31 will go in the July exhibit only.

Face-to-face trading will occur on the final day of the show, Saturday, July 31, from 1-3 p.m. at Village Artisans. If you cannot be present that day, be sure to include a self-addressed stamped envelope when you mail in your ATCs along with instructions for whether or not you want your cards to be included in the trading. Village Artisans will send back your cards (or ATCs from eight other artists) after the July show.

Take part in this opportunity to have the dream exhibit you always wanted! For questions and workshop registration, call Nancy Mellon at (937) 767-1366.

photo, video, and article by Susan Gartner -- May 12, 2010
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- May 13, 2010

Flower Power in Sister City, Tybee Island, Ga.

The power of the flower reached all the way to Tybee Island, Ga., this week where my sister-in-law, Lisa, and her 3rd and 4th grade class at St. Michael’s Elementary School created felt Flower Power pins.

Lisa was inspired by the Dayton Street Flower Power Project photos she saw posted on A Yellow Springs Blog for the past several weeks and came up with the idea as a Mother’s Day present for her students. She told me the boys were just as enthusiastic about the idea as the girls ― the sewing part in particular ― and everybody really threw themselves into the project. No blood was drawn, nobody accidentally (or intentionally) sewed their finger to a flower, and all the pins turned out beautifully.

“I could tell they were really proud of themselves,” said Lisa, who called me as soon as school let out on Thursday and the children had gone home with their presents. She originally thought of purchasing inexpensive jewelry boxes to hold the pins but instead found an appropriate template to use and taught the kids how to make their own triangular prism box.

“These worked out so much better,” she said, describing how each student individualized their own creation. “From top to bottom, these presents were truly something that they made by themselves.”

article by Susan Gartner -- May 7, 2010
photos by Glen Gartner
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- May 7, 2010

Creative cure for gloomy skies

Get your color "fix" at "would you, could you" In a Frame where Karren K. Brito's opera shawls are currently on exhibit. Also pictured are glass works by Ken and Ingrid Hanson, Fritz Glass, Anchor Bend, and Ed Branson. The custom framing and contemporary art gallery is located at 113 Corry Street in downtown Yellow Springs, OH.

photo by Susan Gartner -- May 7, 2010
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- May 9, 2010

Open House at MTFR May 18

“I should stay away but what can I do
I hear your name, and I’m aflame
Aflame with such a burning desire
That only your kiss can put out the fire…”

“That Old Black Magic”
by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer
Performed by Vikki Carr (1961)

Miami Township Fire – Rescue Station 81 presents its Open House on May 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Station 81, 225 Corry Street in Yellow Springs. Fire engine rides, Jr. Firefighter Kombat Challenge, ambulance tours, new fire engine dedication ceremony, pulled pork meal. Adult meal: $10, children’s meal $5. All proceeds benefit the Miami Township Firefighters Association Equipment Fund.

video by Susan Gartner -- May 7, 2010

A big fan of sculpture

Next time you’re thinking of throwing out a fan, think of throwing it at Bruce Parker. Well, not exactly at him, but maybe in his direction.

Taking inspiration from a growing collection of discarded fans, the local contractor has just installed his first piece of public art. The piece, entitled Davis Street Propeller Bush, was “unveiled” last week and is ready for viewing in Lori Beckman’s front yard at 115 W. Davis Street.

The “whimsical recycled kinetic art” stands not only as a reflection of Parker’s affinity for recycling materials but also as a creative solution to a common village problem: what to do with the exasperating honeysuckle.

“Laurie didn’t want to chop the honeysuckle tree down entirely,” Parker said in a recent interview, explaining the unique location of his artwork, “but she didn’t want it to grow either.”

Using the honeysuckle as a foundation, Parker combined plastic corrugated drain pipe, threaded rods, assorted fan blades, spray paint, and a sense of humor to create the piece which took an unexpected turn ― many turns, in fact ― as Parker completed the installation.

“That was an extra bonus,” said Parker of the pinwheel effect. “I wasn’t planning the movement ahead of time.”

Last year, Parker entered seven different designs in the 2009 Yellow Springs Outdoor Sculpture competition but none was selected as a finalist. Since then, he has been patiently waiting for an opportunity to display his public art sensibility. In some ways, Parker’s “public art” has been displayed all over town since he opened his business, Azur Contracting, in 1986. The village currently boasts 13 homes he has designed and built along with numerous remodeling projects.

“I had such a fun time,” he said, recalling the creativity that went into his contest submissions. “Afterwards, my mom [long-time villager Donna Cottrell] was encouraging me to keep pursuing it. She said, ‘You should do something with that bush down at Lori’s house.’”

Encouraged by the positive feedback and his mom’s support, Parker is looking for more public art opportunities.

“Now she wants me to do the same thing in front of US Bank,” he added with a grin.

video and article by Susan Gartner -- May 4, 2010
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- May 5, 2010

Artist reception for Chris Glaser at Emporium

The Emporium and Underdog Cafe hosted an opening reception for local artist and construction contractor Chris Glaser on Saturday, May 1. Music provided by The Corndrinkers.

video by Susan Gartner
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- May 2, 2010

Yellow Springs Community Dance Concert 2010

Local dancers and choreographers, first-timers and seasoned professionals, came together April 16 and 17 to present the Yellow Springs Community Dance Concert 2010 and celebrate their return to Antioch College South Gym Performance Space.

video by Susan Gartner
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- April 29, 2010