Makanda Fest

It's nearly that time of year again.  We're gearing up for the new craft fair season.  It kicks off with a bang at Makanda, Illinois next weekend with Makanda Fest on Saturday and Sunday, May 4 & 5.  We love this show, and look forward to it every year.  If you've not been. you owe it to yourself to come down and see it.  Makanda is a unique little village, quaint and quirky, and this festival reflects that.  Bands are playing all weekend, both in the Pavillion and in the Rainmaker's Garden.  You've not seen the Rainmaker's Garden?  It's worth the trip for that alone.  But it's also a chance to see the most varied and eclectic crowd of any event in Southern Illinois.  Add to that the best artists in the region and some beautiful spring weather...well, you have the makings of a memorable weekend.  Stop by our tent and say hello, and see what we've been up to all winter.  We'll be looking for you.

RRVAA exhibit at the Varsity Center for the Arts

The RRVAA is heading into the second weekend of its exhibit at the Varsity Center for the Arts in Carbondale, IL.  Ruth & John are well represented there.  Below is a picture of the pieces John has on display.  The piece on the left is a 12-bottle Zig-Zag made of black walnut.  Though pictures don't do justice to the grain of the wood, this is based on a spectacular piece from the forests of Southern Illinois.  To the right is a 12 bottle wine table, also of black walnut.  A six-bottle Zig-Zag is to the right of that, a unique piece of native cherry wood.  The rack on the floor holds a case of wine, and is another example of the beautiful walnut wood to come from the area.  In the middle of the table is a display of turned bottle stoppers, which have proven to be very popular.

Stop by the Varsity through April 21.  This exhibit runs in conjunction with the Stage Company's production of "Making God Laugh."  Check out all the wonderful work of the artists of the RRVAA.

Tonight's the Night!

Tonight's the night!  The River to River Visual Arts Association's gallery show at the Varsity Center for the Performing Arts opens tonight in Carbondale.  Stop by and see what the artists of the RRVAA have done.  The show runs through April 21.

Ruth & John have a number of new pieces made especially for this show.  We hope to see you there.

RRVAA Gallery Show

Head to the Varsity Center for the Performing Arts the next two weekends to see the River to River Visual Arts Association's member exhibit. The talented folks from the RRVAA will be displaying their works concurrent with the Stage Company's performances of Making God Laugh, running April 12-21. Ruth & John's will be well represented. John is putting the finishing touches on some new, large pieces made just for this event. Ruth will be there every performance, for when she is not making soaps and lotions, she is also the principal costumer for the Stage Company. Drop by and take a look, then let us know what you think.