Spring is peeking through, so visit the Gallery and perhaps hike along the creek on our nature trails. Lots of lovely and unique art is available now, including Patrick’s kaleidoscopes, Michelle’s little bird paintings, Asha’s lampwork glass hearts, and Carol’s pottery. Our yearly Spring Wildflower Hikes will be on March 24 and April 13, so add these to your schedule!
Our Groundhog lied to us—now winter is returning, despite the masses of daffodils now in bloom! Those daffodils date back to the coal miners who lived on this lovely rugged mountainside back in the 1920’s. We think of the brave strong women who took the time from carrying water and wood and bearing children to planting those precious bulbs around their homes, the golden glowing blooms bringing joy into their hard and lonely lives—and now to us!
So brave the colder temperatures, drive on out and walk across our hand-built bridge to discover the newest work in our Gallery. The tiny bird paintings by Michelle will brighten the day, the Fairy Dishes by Carol will be loved by the children, and Patrick’s kaleidoscopes and sculptures will amaze you. Don’t miss Asha’s lovely handmade glass heart necklaces and her charming sun-catchers!
Our Groundhog lied to us—now winter is returning, despite the masses of daffodils now in bloom! Those daffodils date back to the coal miners who lived on this lovely rugged mountainside back in the 1920’s. We think of the brave strong women who took the time from carrying water and wood and bearing children to planting those precious bulbs around their homes, the golden glowing blooms bringing joy into their hard and lonely lives—and now to us!
So brave the colder temperatures, drive on out and walk across our hand-built bridge to discover the newest work in our Gallery. The tiny bird paintings by Michelle will brighten the day, the Fairy Dishes by Carol will be loved by the children, and Patrick’s kaleidoscopes and sculptures will amaze you. Don’t miss Asha’s lovely handmade glass heart necklaces and her charming sun-catchers! Wear warm clothes and hiking shoes if you want to walk our trails. Hemlock Grove Trail is an easy walk along the side of Hicks Creek, and now you can forest bathe as you glory in the sound of wild running water.
Be sure to put our Spring Wildflower Hike Sunday March 24 on your calendar! Guided by botanists, herbalists, and foresters, you will discover the beauty of early spring in the old growth forest and coves of the Sequatchie Valley western escarpment.
You may have to walk across our lovely bridge built by us on the old piers from the coal-mining days above the roaring Hicks Creek! Be sure to bring your phone for a picture. Just don’t try to drive across the ford! Awaiting you will be some lovely art that might make that special Valentine very happy. You will be able to choose between the mugs impressed with local plant designs, pendants, and sweet Fairy Dishes by Carol, tiny bird paintings by Michelle, lamp-work multicolored glass heart necklaces, and unique sculptural art and kaleidoscopes by Patrick. If the rain lets up, walk along the creek on Hemlock Grove Trail, listening to the flowing water’s sweet melody. We will be open next weekend also, so you may want to bring your Valentine for an early spring walk, discovering the first forest flowers peeking through the leaves and admiring the beeches, still holding their golden winter leaves until the new ones push them off.
Be sure to put our Spring Wildflower Hike Sunday March 24 on your calendar! Guided by botanists, herbalists, and foresters, you will discover the beauty of early spring in the old growth forest and coves of the Sequatchie Valley western escarpment.
Please plan to come see us February 3-4! Perhaps the weather will be less exciting. Don’t despair from all the cold and ice as the famous Sequatchie Valley Institute Spring Wildflower Hikes are now on the calendar! March 24 and April 14 will give all the stalwart wildflower lovers a chance to explore the trails through rocks, pristine forest, streams, and cliffs to find the true beauty of our beloved valley. More information upcoming, but feel free to register now! Just give us a call at 404-698-5444 or message us.
Our work is to care for our beautiful land and share it with others—to learn, to discover, to be enveloped by the beauties and wonders of Nature around us, even in the cold and dark of winter.
The sound of wind blowing the fallen leaves, the quiet of foggy mornings, the fall of rain-sometimes gentle, sometimes in torrents-the running water of streams and springs to discover and hear, babbling, rippling, or roaring. Streams and springs suddenly reappearing, flowing over moss-covered rocks and awakening the silent ferns.
Barren trees raising their bold limbs high above the forest floor in myriad patterns of light and dark. Only the bold beeches stay clothed with golden dancing leaves on long winter days, until the sharp anxious buds of spring push them off to fall sadly over the welcoming earth.
The forest floor still covered with plants, Partridge Berry, Pipsissewa, Little Brown Jug, Cranefly Orchids, struggling bravely, thrusting through dry leaves to grasp the precious energy of the sun randomly appearing through the bare canopy of trees above to feed their searching roots for the coming summer shade. Acorns and hickories layer the pathways, feeding the creatures searching for survival on these barren days, flying squirrels, raccoons, coyotes, chipmunks, possums, and even lost and sad armadillos wondering why they have come to this strange cold country from their sunny homes in the south.
Below a flowing spring, magical creatures sometimes appear on sunny days, flying in mysterious formations, for no apparent reason. Too small to be more than a wisp of life, they circle and fall to the cool water then rise upward to circle again, over and over in infinite patterns of the life of all living things.
The weather outside may be frightful, but the Gallery is so exciting! Come see our beautiful and unique kaleidoscopes and other amazing and fascinating sculptures by Patrick. Michelle has brought yet more of her beautiful tiny bird paintings to bring joy to January days. You may even get to see our creek begin to flow if it rains hard enough on Friday to finally bring it down—an exciting sight to see and hear as the babbling waters first arrive, full of leaves and limbs from the long drought. When it begins to flow, you will cross it on our bridge, built by us on the old piers from the coal-mining days. Brave the cold temperatures and let Hemlock Grove Trail guide you along the creek through the winter forest for the best Forest-Bathing around!
Missed the Reception? So sorry, but there is still lots of art, and we might even have some Sequatchie Cove Creamery cheese and crackers left over– and lots of spiced cider on the stove! The weather will be warm and settled this weekend, and our friend and Woofer, Nate, has cleared the trails beautifully, so come on over to enjoy Tennessee winter, friends, and lots of lovely art made by Sequatchie Valley artists! We will be open from 11 till dark, but you may want to give us a call to be sure.
Sequatchie Valley Institute and Liquidambar Gallery are located at 1233 Cartwright Loop, Whitwell, TN, off Hwy TN-28 between Dunlap and Whitwell, just 45 minutes from Monteagle or Chattanooga. Watch for a subtle sign! Turn in and park, then walk across the bridge to the gallery.
For appointments or information, call 404 698 5444 or email carolkimmons@gmail.com
SATURDAY DECEMBER 16
Cross the creek to experience the Gallery and studios located in the magical heart of the Sequatchie Valley, featuring NEW WORK by our local artists, including Patrick, Carol, Leah, Asha, Michelle, and Linda Johnson who will be here with her exquisite baskets.
Enjoy this visual feast of art made locally and here in our studios featuring ceramics, flameworked glass, metal ornaments and sculptures, kaleidoscopes, jewelry, baskets, and paintings, all unique gift ideas. Sample wine, hot spiced cider, and Sequatchie Cove cheeses as you relax in the Gallery library with SVI’s favorite books on the good life--a cozy place to chat with the artists. Kids welcome!
While you are here, hike on over two miles of marked forest nature trails and Arboretum Trail, through 350 acres protected by the Land Trust of Tennessee. Dress for adventure!
SVI is located at 1233 Cartwright Loop, Whitwell, TN, off Hwy 28 between Dunlap and Whitwell, just 45 minutes from Chattanooga.
Website: https://liquidambarsvi.wordpress.com; svionline.org
Facebook.com: liquidambargallery.SVI; Sequatchie Valley Institute
For more Info, contact: 404-698-5444; Carolkimmons@gmail.com
Proceeds from the Gallery help support the educational programs of SVI.
SVI is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization promoting
education and research in sustainable green living, ecology, and art.
Holiday Opening Reception
at Sequatchie Valley Institute
where Nature and Art Converge
Sat. Dec. 16, 11-6 CST
Liquidambar Gallery 