The Ukazoo Journey-“Snapshots and Memorabilia”

Second week of Ukazoo Art Exhibit

“The Kiss”

Looking through the slowly diminishing box of retrieved mail, that had accumulated at the post office during my journey, I spotted a small box nestled in the corner. The return address was from Rhododendron, Oregon.

It was from Max and Melanie. Fond memories of a three day impromptu music fest on their apple farm came to mind. As I opened the box and peered at the contents, I remembered two small occurrences during of my short visit. The first, during my days of in and out of their home, I happened to notice, scattered around the rooms, a collection of beautiful, unique, ceramic Salt & Pepper shakers.

The second item of note, was, when Max and I went to gather additional apples for the growing assemblage of family and guests, we passed a small knoll near the apple orchard. Cut into the side facing us, was a crude stone laid, earthen pottery kiln. I questioned Max about the kiln and a nearby wooden state-of-disrepair shed. Max related how, years ago, Melanie had been heavily engaged in making pottery. One of her particular interests, beside the dozens of bowls, vases, and cups she made for our home was a series of salt and pepper shakers. Other home and family responsibilities came to the forefront back then and Melanie ceased to spent time with clay, and her kiln and shed has sat unused for years.

The note, accompanying the items in the box read:

Craig,

Hope your journey to Ukazoo was successful and you enjoyed the apple tarts. Max and I will always appreciate all the help you provided during those three crazy wonderful days in late September. With all the family members and friends that stopped by, old times/good times conversations were floating around continuously. A recurring topic of those reminiscences was my years ago flurry of pottery making.

After all the goodbyes and the approaching holiday season, Max and I toyed with the idea of dusting out the pottery shed and reworking the earthenware kiln to make some new cups and bowls, as well as my favorite, salt & pepper shakers, again for gifts. We did it! Enclosed, as a small token of thanks for your help and friendship is a set of salt & pepper shakers. Of all the designs I came up with, this one reminded me of the artwork you had shown us in your portfolio.

All the best,

Melanie and Max

P.S. If you are ever able to stop in again, let us know and we will have some apple tarts ready for dessert.

This is a picture of the small set of Salt & Pepper shakers I lifted from the box.

Art notes:

All images and text are copyright Craig L Haupt

Postings of “Ukazoo Journey” Slides are every Monday Evening.

New arrivals to the “Journey” please view:

See “Slide One” for a brief synopsis.

OPENING ART RECEPTION of New Art Works, Saturday, March 15th, 2014, 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., at Ukazoo Book Store, Towson, MD 21204