Yes, I’m afraid the bad news is that there will be lots of sun to frighten our groundhogs. The good news is that there will be lots of sunshine with 60 degrees of lovely spring-like weather. So take advantage and try out our trails! Hick’s Creek is running clear and beautiful and the trails are clear and ready for walking. We are expanding the Hemlock Grove Trail so you will be able to walk further upstream along the creek.
Lots has happened since the Holiday Reception. Carol has been recovering from knee replacement and is already hiking the trails. Her nature-based pottery is practical and unique. The Gallery is replete with new work from Patrick and Nature of Reaction. This is a good time to see his unique sculptures before he packs up for springtime shows. We have new work from Asha Ironwood whose lampworking is beautiful. Michelle’s watercolors can bring the beauty of the nature around us into your home. We will provide some small refreshments for you, cheese and crackers no doubt, along with some fresh herbal tea collected from our gardens and forest.
It’s just 2 weeks until Valentine’s Day and we have a choice of ideas for your loved ones. Asha’s heart necklaces in all the colors of the rainbow make very special gifts.
If you missed the Reception, you must come by to see the exciting work from our first firing in the Alpenglow Wood Fired Kiln. This beautiful kiln was built by Carol and Johnny with help from Patrick and many others, using mainly recycled and salvaged brick. We fired the kiln with the help of the family and especially Loren Howard, our wonderful potter friend who understands all the complex technical details of firing with wood. The firing took over 24 straight hours of tossing in wood every 5-8 minutes plus controlling air flow, dampers, and chimney. The wood all came from the forest around us, from trees that have died or fallen and scrap from our sawmill which also only cuts sustainably harvested trees from our 300 acres of forest. We had to wait 4 days for cooling before we could open the sealed kiln and see the results, which are stunning. You can see the results here in the Gallery now. We are now planning a second firing in March, and you, yes you, are invited to come help out! Details upcoming.
As if that isn’t enough excitement for Spring, it will soon be time for our yearly Sequatchie Valley Wildflower Hikes, scheduled for March 28 and April 11. Save the date!
Liquidambar Gallery 