Upon entering the parking lot and noticing that the building was an outdoor warehouse, in need of some repair I may add; I honestly didn’t thing this would be work my time. It had the typical will call building in the center, and quite a few people gathered around in various places. I noticed as I got out of my Jeep that there were various pieces of unfinished carvings on one side of the building, and finished carvings on the other. Some of these were quite large and uniquely carved. Maybe this would be promising after all?
I found Joe Autry and was greeted warmly. I had met Joe while at an exhibit earlier this year; he is a quiet, soft spoken man that is very ardent about his sculpture. To quote his own words, “Be patient with the things you love the most.” He has traveled to Siberia to learn Ice Sculpture and is scheduled to return to Russia this month. Joe sculptures wood, metal, ice, glass and stone. Joe had several wood sculptures displayed that had some of the most intricate work and carvings. His carved stone smile, which can be viewed on his website, I really liked.
Other sculptures present were Rex Owen, whose tables were of absolute showroom quality. My favorite was the multi-media table. The wood was in perfect grain, no nicks, scratches, and very smooth. Contact Rex at… https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000182614252&ref=pb
James Napier, whose bust of the lady with the eagle on her abdomen caught my eye. A fan or one who appreciates the beauty of the female body and just “gets this image” would certainly be quick to display it on their fireplace mantel. Interested in James work? https://www.facebook.com/j.napier.ky
Troy Haggard, a sculpture of ceramics and lime stone. His bird bath with the ceramic inset would be a great addition to any backyard. The wicker looking ceramic umbrella holder would be a wonderful addition for the inside foyer in any upscale home. Troy had on display a sculpture of a bomb that took him 30 hours to finish. You can find out more about Troy’s work by asking him. https://www.facebook.com/Troy.Haggard
There were 2 music groups playing and although I had to leave before the 2nd group started (2nd job called.) The River Sirens were absolutely amazing. These 3 young ladies have voices like honey and their harmony is perfect. It helps that Stephanie, Claire and Emily (who also plays guitar), was in the University of Louisville Cardinal Singers before they decided to start their own group after graduating UofL. The other group, The Company of Sons, set up and played after Emily and Matthew did a dual set.
Out of the box…there is always something, or someone, unique and different at every art show and that is exactly I found at Open Air. The paintings of Wilfred Seig III, also known as Art Cartel drew me from the beginning, as I am drawn to art that speaks of eclecticism. Wilfred’s painting (Dropping the Ball) is displayed at Slugger Field. One of my favorites, and he had a few sketches there, was Perplexed. If you would like to see this artwork contact Art Cartel at http://www.theartcartel.org/about/ or go shopping at the store at 802 E. Broadway.
I found out 1st impressions, at least in the art world, aren’t always what they may seem, and you certainly can’t judge a book by its cover…or a sculpture studio!
To contact Joe Autry:
