For those of you who garden and are looking for ways to reduce the stress on our resources from watering and chemical use, I encourage you to stop by the Douglas/Sarpy Extension demonstration garden at the Village Pointe shopping center in West Omaha.
Newly planted this year on the southeast corner of the World Market building lawn, this gently bermed bed holds plants capable of withstanding low water supplies, Nebraska weather compatible native species, and disease and insect tolerant selections. The bed is well appointed with signs identifying the common and latin names of plants, as well as clear and concise informative signage designed to educate viewers on the best practices for sustainable gardening.
While just completing its first summer season in the ground, the bed shows promise of being not only a valuable educational tool for gardeners, but also a beautiful landscaping addition to the already attractive grounds at Village Pointe.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Elements Insider: The Blog Where Your Opinion Matters!
As you can see, I have added a poll on the blog to generate some excitement. While I can promise this will be a clean campaign, I cannot guarantee there will be no mudslinging. We are in a forest, after all.
Photos of the artists' work are below the poll, but the best place to view the work is in the forest. Fontenelle Nature Center is open seven days a week, from 8 am to 5 pm daily, and is located in Bellevue at 1111 N. Bellevue Boulevard. Check out their link on this page for more information.
You have until the end of the exhibit, November 3rd, to exercise your right to vote for art.
Photos of the artists' work are below the poll, but the best place to view the work is in the forest. Fontenelle Nature Center is open seven days a week, from 8 am to 5 pm daily, and is located in Bellevue at 1111 N. Bellevue Boulevard. Check out their link on this page for more information.
You have until the end of the exhibit, November 3rd, to exercise your right to vote for art.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Transforming Artwork
A visit to the forest today revealed many changes since opening night. The forest canopy gives way to blue sky as the trees begin to release their leaves, and the color of the forest is slowly changing from lush greens to gold and brown.
A few of the artworks, too, have transformed.
Mary Zicafoose's wrapped trees are slowly fading to lighter hues of blue and yellow, the natural dyes losing their brilliance over time. Interestingly, this muted coloration now allows a viewer to pay closer attention to the textural forms created by the wrapping.
The presence of forest creatures is exposed, as the hiding spot of one woodland animal is now evident from the hole gnawed through linen in Mary's work. Occasional footprints are discovered on the wrapping when the dampness is just right, and fungal growths covered by the fabric continue to grow through and beyond their barrier. The solid color backgrounds created by the textiles provides an excellent viewing field for otherwise invisible insects, such as walking sticks.
Dan Newberry's "Weird Sisters", the hanging pod series on the second loop, are losing some of their fibre to enterprising birds and squirrels seeking nesting materials, and Les Bruning's craftily hidden bird and squirrel icons, a brilliant orange/ochre color, are becoming much more difficult to see, now that the forest brings forth its fall colors.
Perhaps the most welcome change of all is the cooler weather; now is a perfect time to enjoy a visit to see the exhibit and hike the many trails at FNC.
A few of the artworks, too, have transformed.
Mary Zicafoose's wrapped trees are slowly fading to lighter hues of blue and yellow, the natural dyes losing their brilliance over time. Interestingly, this muted coloration now allows a viewer to pay closer attention to the textural forms created by the wrapping.
The presence of forest creatures is exposed, as the hiding spot of one woodland animal is now evident from the hole gnawed through linen in Mary's work. Occasional footprints are discovered on the wrapping when the dampness is just right, and fungal growths covered by the fabric continue to grow through and beyond their barrier. The solid color backgrounds created by the textiles provides an excellent viewing field for otherwise invisible insects, such as walking sticks.
Dan Newberry's "Weird Sisters", the hanging pod series on the second loop, are losing some of their fibre to enterprising birds and squirrels seeking nesting materials, and Les Bruning's craftily hidden bird and squirrel icons, a brilliant orange/ochre color, are becoming much more difficult to see, now that the forest brings forth its fall colors.
Perhaps the most welcome change of all is the cooler weather; now is a perfect time to enjoy a visit to see the exhibit and hike the many trails at FNC.
Monday, September 10, 2007
David Hansen Exhibit at Hot Shops
If you enjoyed viewing David Hansen's "Canopy" installation at "elements" this year, be sure to stop by the Hot Shops Art Center this month to see more of his work.
David is exhibiting his newest pieces, and is showing along with three other artists. The exhibit, entitled "Shelter: Concepts and Collaborations" will be on view at the Hot Shops gallery until Sunday, September 30th. The Hot Shops Art Center is located at 13th and Nicolas Streets, just northwest of the Qwest Center.
Two other "elements" artists, Wendy Krecek and Les Bruning, also maintain their art businesses at the Hot Shops, so take a moment to check in on them, as well!
David is exhibiting his newest pieces, and is showing along with three other artists. The exhibit, entitled "Shelter: Concepts and Collaborations" will be on view at the Hot Shops gallery until Sunday, September 30th. The Hot Shops Art Center is located at 13th and Nicolas Streets, just northwest of the Qwest Center.
Two other "elements" artists, Wendy Krecek and Les Bruning, also maintain their art businesses at the Hot Shops, so take a moment to check in on them, as well!
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