Art in the Alley

This past weekend the annual Art in the Alley festival was held here in Smalltownland. Started several years ago to celebrate artisans far and near, it is held in an alley right behind the historic town square. Once you squeeze through this little bottleneck opening, the whole alley opens up.

This year the alley held a wide variety of items, including handmade jewelry, paintings, pottery, woodworking, and flowers.

I have to admit that I was partial to the painting in the lower left hand corner of this shot. I adore the repetitive details of the second floor of the house.


Refreshments for the body and soul were available to patrons. Different music was scheduled during the day. While I was there my favorite local Bluegrass musicians were playing. *Bonus*

There was also a booth of metal work and sculptures for sale. And yes, I bought this bottle tree. It is now resting in the walkway of my garden. One can never have too many bottle trees.

One gentlemen had a booth full of checkerboards that he handmade. They were stunning pieces of art, but meant for utilitarian purposes. And yes.....I bought one of these as well. Just too perfect to pass up.

And it came with a wheat penny checker set.

I have discovered that just because your checkerboard is a piece of art and looks fabulous in your old house parlor, it doesn't keep your kids from arguing while they play the game.