Mother Nature's weather show steals thunder from Bowling Green fest

Steve Harris of Bowling Green has a closer look at one of the artworks, which were spread among more than 25 buildings.

Hires / Blade

Steve Harris of Bowling Green has a closer look at one of the artworks, which were spread among more than 25 buildings.

BOWLING GREEN - Mother Nature's display at Bowling Green's Art Walk yesterday sent shivers down the spines of art patrons.

Her three entries - 37 degree temperatures, rain verging on snow, and gray skies, all done in realism - were works that show organizers from Main Street Bowling Green, had hoped she would not bring.

When Main Street director Earlene Kilpatrick saw Mother Nature's exhibit, she reduced attendance estimates from 500 to 200 for the show which spreads hundreds of exhibits among more than 25 downtown buildings.

And she pronounced Mother Nature's work the worst she had ever shown in the Art Walk's 13 years.

Of course, everyone knew Mother Nature has an unpredictably dramatic side. On yesterday's date in 1985, she set a record with 86 degree temperatures in the area. Then the very next year, she set another record with 21-degree temperatures.

Blustery, cold weather kept attendance low at yesterday's 13th annual Art Walk, which displayed artworks by dozens of participants.

But artists were hoping that Mother Nature would show improvement over the years of coming to the Art Walk - just like they have.

"We're getting better work each year," Bowling Green miniaturist Tom McLaughlin said, speaking of dozens of artists, ranging from preschoolers to professionals, at the exhibit.

He was wandering through a gallery set up in the Wood County Public Library where Denise Carter had a fun wool handbag, designed like a man's face, complete with three-dimensional ears.

There was a sharp, black and red sushi set for two and a matching platter from Robin Nunes Studios.

There was an amusing photograph of the Loveless Motel and Cafe sign in Tennessee, advertising hot biscuits, country ham, and air conditioning, shot by Jim Litwin.

Everyone agreed Mother Nature had the potential to produce work of the same caliber. But she can't always be counted on to be a community supporter.

After all, she even stiffed organizers on the $5 entry fee to exhibit three items in the unjuried show, which Mr. McLaughlin said is the best deal around for artists to get their name out and make sales.

Contact Jane Schmucker at:

jschmucker@theblade.com

or 419-337-7780.