Good afternoon, Berryville. This week I’m going
to introduce you to the latest artist to find a home in
Ozarts, Valerie Hubbard Damon. Valerie arrived at our door
step with her prints and books and I have to confess that
the first five minutes, of what Valerie said, was lost to
me, as I was transfixed by one of the prints, she had
propped up against a desk. As I began to hear her, I could
tell that she was not aware that Ozarts was a Center for the
Arts. I took my eyes off the print long enough to explain
the center and ask her who had done the print, that was when
the conversation shifted to her wonderful books and
incredible art work.
Valerie left two of her children’s books on consignment
and I purchased them. I was immediately captivated. These
books are about sparking your child’s curiosity,
creativity, and self reliance. To go further they offer a
real chance for parents to interact with their children.
There are detailed teachers guides for Grindle Lamfoon
and the Procurnious Fleekers and Willo Mancifoot and
the Mugga Killa Whomps. It is a great way for parents to
be involved in the child’s learning from a very early age.
Reading with a child sets the ground work for a healthy
relationship down the road when kids become more
complicated. And all the books reinforce positive values and
responsibility for one’s self and environment. To quote
the Los Angeles Times: Grindle Lamfoon and the
Procurnious Fleekers was "full of love, magic,
wisdom, and high standards for Children’s books."
"Now come with me to Willobee, a land both small
and grand..." begins Willo Mancifoot and the
Mugga Killa Whomps. "A village of strange
creations, With fright things, Light Wings, And
fly-in-the-night things..." The stories embody the
use of, tongue twisting, poetry that teaches children
diction, an appreciation for finely crafted words, and makes
reading both fun and challenging.
The illustrations of these, heirloom quality, books are
far beyond the commercial grade art of most children’s
books. Grindle Lamfoon and the Procurnious Fleekers
and Willo Mancifoot and the Mugga Killa Whomps are
signed, numbered, first editions. These books are ones your
children will save and read to their children. And the
prints will make a fantasy land of any child’s room.
******
Ozarts is looking for an artist, or multiple artists, to
replace our mask exhibit. This is not to imply we want
masks, we are looking for a hanging art, which starts with a
good painting and goes to the well of imagination. This is a
highly visible window on the world, and a great opportunity
to display your work. If you are interested in having your
work considered for this space please submit a portfolio,
proof sheets, or loose pictures.
Ozarts is still looking for: Independent Publishers,
Bands, musicians, artists, potters.
The art mystery is yet to be solved. Test your Antique
Road Show skills and see if you can find the special
combination, that unlocks the secret, that makes three worth
more than each tallied alone.
If your looking for Christmas presents the Ozarts Gallery
is a great place to start. We have reasonably priced
pottery, local handmade jewelry, and gifts, as well as fine
art for that special some one, and gift certificates if you
want to leave, the choice, to them.
Support Ozarts by donating your previewed videos, DVDs,
and CDs. Clean out your closets and bookshelves and help
Ozarts. Please come by and give us a browse, we’ve got
some great movies for sale. All profits from the gallery go
towards Ozarts Center for the Arts.
I’ll have more details for you next week. Please feel
free to send me your questions by mail, or email. I will do
my best to incorporate answers in future columns.
Ozarts Center for the Arts
108 East Madison Avenue, Berryville.
(Across from the post office.)
Ozarts.org (870) 654-3231 Alexander@Ozarts.org
