ArtStroll mixes things up

The Second Friday ArtStroll, November 10 and 11, is themed “Any Art, Any Artist,” will mix things up a bit.  There will be a block party showcasing the retail stores on the south side of Broadway. 

Stroll hours on Friday evening are from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Ten artists who have participated in past ArtStrolls will be showing in the Mammoth Quick Draw at the Washakie Museum in Worland. 

The ArtStroll continues Saturday during regular business hours and into the evening with many events at the Hot Springs County Museum and Cultural Center. 

This month’s Still Strolling Saturday falls on Veterans Day when we, as a community, salute our military men and women who have given of themselves so that we might enjoy our freedoms. 

In the eloquent words of Craig D. Lounsbrough, M.Div., “You are silent now who once stood on battlefields ravaged by destruction unimaginable, holding in those desperate places the line of freedom for others you would never know, and who would never know you.  And being one of those you never knew, I would give all I have to clasp your hand one single time, look into eyes that witnessed the bloodied carnage that results when freedom refuses to bow to chains of any kind, and simply say ‘thank you’”.  The displayed art and performances, especially the works by our children, exemplify that freedom.

Gooseberry Garden Quilt Shop, the host business welcomes Levi Shinkle and his photography on Friday night.  Shinkle is ramping up his shutterbug endeavors and will talk about his upcoming projects, and Quilt Shop owner Susan Turnbull is always happy to answer questions about all things quilting and can show you newly arrived seasonal fabrics.  The textile gang of four – Donald Vincent, Joyce Fletcher, Jane Oldridge, and Andrea Linn will be downtown along with Susan Langford’s healing oils demonstration.  Look for One More Spin custom cut recycled records.  Tom Butler and Sawdust Factory’s Jondi Alcorn recycle vinyl records by turning them into cool art clocks and earrings.  There will be raffle tickets sold to win a $30 custom cut clock. 

Art from the Children’s Resource Center and Amy Ready’s Pre-School will be on display, along with an extensive selection of Bobcat clothing. 

The block party continues with Ken Smith’s Lasers Edge etching and woodburning, Ana Mosser’s jewelry, and Barb Rice’s repurposed items will be available to purchase, along with the Hospital Auxiliary bake sale.  Harold Hutson and Friends will provide musical entertainment. 

Hot Springs County Museum and Cultural Center will be the base for activities on Saturday, Veterans Day. 

There will be art on display from the Children’s Resource Center and Amy Ready’s Pre-School all day.  The High School Drama Club will give a performance from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.  There will be a Make it and Take It family art activity, from 10 a.m. to noon, where all ages can make holiday cards under the guidance of artists Angela Siems and Marcia Nelson. 

At 2 p.m., the Hot Springs County Historical Society presents a special Veterans Day program on “Korea, the Forgotten War” and “Flags Around Thermopolis”.  Refreshments will be served.  On Saturday evening, the Friends of the Library will present a Poetry and Song Writing Contest for all ages, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.  There will be cash prizes.

 Strollers are encouraged to pick up a map at any stroll business to find the location of artists and musicians. Return the map to the host business, Gooseberry Garden Quilt Shop, at the end of Friday evening’s stroll to be entered to win a piece of art work donated by the artists.

The Second-Friday ArtStroll and Still Strolling Saturday are organized by Hot Springs Greater Learning Foundation and Smoking Waters Art Guild with additional help from Main Street Thermopolis, Hot Springs Travel & Tourism, and local businesses.