A Brief Haitus

I'm on a brief blogging haitus while I celebrate a joyous time in my personal life.

I'll be back soon. Thanks for checking in.

Viewer's Choice!

I've received exciting news! My Mystery Fern received the Viewer's Choice award at the Images 2008 exhibit held at the Zoller Gallery at Penn State University this summer. I covered my visit to the opening of the exhibit previously on my blog here. At the time I commented on how grateful I was to the organizers for the way the work was displayed--it was well lit, and it looked like a million bucks (IMHO), and I'm sure that being properly displayed had something to do with the award. I'm very grateful to everyone who took the time to fill out a viewer's choice ballot.

I'm also very pleased to note that this was an exhibit drawing from all disciplines. This was the second year that fine craft was included, and there were only a handful of fiber pieces. I think this recognition shows how the textures and details of an art quilt can speak to the viewer. When I was at the opening I heard lots of surprised comments that quilt imagery could be this powerful. I see myself as part of a continuum of the many artists who have labored to change and enlarge the public perception of what a quilt can be, and hope that this award will in a small way help to pave the way for other quilt/fiber artists to receive acknowledgement of their efforts.

A Brief Respite

Summer is short. I took a day off from a too-busy schedule to go hiking in my beloved River Hills in southern Lancaster County, on properties preserved and maintained by The Lancaster County Conservancy. The pictures barely begin to convey the serenity and beauty of the experience.

We first walked a rugged, rocky ravine trail that winds along a clear, fast moving stream. The trail crosses the stream in several places--a good excuse to splash around-- and there are a few swimming holes, one where you can sit in a waterfall for a stimulating experience. Parts of the trail are bordered by extensive stands of towering native rhododendrons:

The main bloom is finished for the year, but we spotted a few late flowers:

No matter how many times I hike this trail, there's always something new to discover--a fungus, a rare native plant, a water strider:

This time I found a gorgeous caterpillar. I've looked through several guides, and haven't been able to ID it yet. If you know what it is, please leave me a comment:

At the end of the trail we took a short drive to another of my favorite places, Pinnacle Point, with a grand view overlooking the Susquehanna River. Last year I used a photo from here to make View From Pinnacle Point:

Here's the detail shot:

Summer is short. I hope you get a chance to get out there and enjoy it.