Antique appraiser on hand for April ArtStroll

John Sollo will be at Broadway Bygones Saturday, April 9 to evaluate antique items. John's area of expertise is furniture from 1870 to present, although his real love is "modern" furniture." John has authored books on antiques, owned an antique auction house in New Jersey, and has had several appearances on TV appraising antiques. Brought to town by Chamber of Commerce Director Meri Ann Rush and board member Barb Heinze, the chamber seized the opportunity to use John's visit as a fundraiser.

"The chamber sold eighteen spots to people," Meri Ann said, "and John will be evaluating their treasures Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Only those who registered may bring an item, but everyone is welcome to come, watch and take a stroll down memory lane." 

Meet John at a welcome reception Friday evening at Broadway Bygones at 7 p.m. during the Second Friday ArtStroll.

 Maps of all activities and open businesses are available at downtown business locations during the Friday Evening Stroll.

A fun activity available this month is coloring a postcard that can be mailed or a unique picture to make and take. 

Look for junk piles and balloons along the way marking the locations of the local "junk" shops and you'll find junktacular specials and fun.

Joyce Fletcher enjoys the old time traditions of knit, tat and crochet. Fletcher began knitting at age 19, then began adding other crafts like looming and hair pin lace. In recent years, Fletcher has learned liquid embroidery and Tunisian crochet and has started learning to tat. Fletcher is not only learning a new form of art, or a new stitch, but is also teaching others.

 While you are strolling, visit with Mona Wilson who takes antiques and other items and hand paints scenery and wildlife on each piece. Jim Daniels will also be on hand with his handmade furniture. 

The Second Friday ArtStroll also welcomes photographers Sue McCann and Shailee Harvey who are both new to the stroll along with Claudia Augustine, Audrey Philips and Jeb Schenck. Flying Eagle Gallery will host an open house for Jeb, Friday evening from 5-8 p.m. Augustine will also be available to help with your framing projects. Bring a picture, a frame to fit and take home a framed picture ready to hang on the wall. New to the stroll is Stephanie Owens and her polymer clay items. Owens appreciates whimsy and the unusual or unexpected. She likes using bright materials and "unorthodox" tools. Currently, her favorite tool is an old toothbrush. She likes feeling materials between her fingers and under her fingernails. You'll see it from the finger and nail prints in her clay creations.

There will be art work and demonstrations by Gayle Phipps, multi-media and Jane Norskog, jewelry and an art display by Children's Resource Center. Other artists include Susan Lankford with handmade poultices and healing oils, Terry Sani with bird decoys and Lynn Burton with fairy dolls and hat accessories.

 Musicians playing at various locations include Rick Phipps, Shawn McWilliams, Jacky Wright and Michael Wright, Harold Hutson plus other local jammers.

 Many artists will give demonstrations throughout the business day on Saturday.

Second Friday ArtStrolls and Still Strolling Saturdays are sponsored by Hot Springs Greater Learning Foundation, Smoking Waters Art Guild and Main Street Thermopolis with financial support from Wyoming Arts Council and Hot Springs Travel and Tourism.