Photo Flash: The Hummingbird Tradition

One of my favorite memories of my grandma’s house in Ohio was the hummingbird feeder she kept hanging from the big tree in her front yard. My mother carried on the tradition and regularly attracts hummingbirds to her feeders each season, so when we started our garden in the spring I decided that I too would become a hummingbird aficionado.

Fail. I was so disappointed in my lack of ornithological skills that I said screw it, and just let the feeder hang there all summer while the syrupy nectar melted down to nothing.

But then…Monday morning while standing outside admiring our tomato and herb plants, a hummingbird started hovering right in front of me just a few feet away! I cleaned the feeder, made some food and put it back out in hopes of securing the little lady to stay. We now have at least two (they’re so fast it’s hard to keep track) female ruby-throated hummingbirds living in our backyard (males actually have a ruby throat and are very protective of their feeders). Feels nice to continue the tradition.

Learn more about attracting hummingbirds here

Maple Leaf Festival in Baldwin City, KS

Looking for some good family fun this weekend? Check out the Maple Leaf Festival in Baldwin City, KS.

From the organizers:
“Started in 1958, the Maple Leaf Festival began as a community event inspired by Dr. Ivan Boyd, a biology professor at Baker University. He noted that the third weekend in October was the optimum time to view the changing colors of the Maple Leaves in the area and the perfect time to celebrate the successful harvest.

“Over 50 years later, with over 300 craft exhibits, quilt shows and displays, performing arts, music, unique food items and activities for the family, the Maple Leaf Festival is the biggest fall family event in the area and provides an opportunity for local non-profit organizations to raise funds.

“The two day festival occurs on the third full weekend of October. Saturday begins with a parade at 11:00am. Complete with a children’s competition, marching bands, floats and antique cars, the parade starts the festival off with a bang. Sunday concludes the festivities with additional events and crafts for sale and a quilt show. Review our Schedule of Events to see all that’s offered.

“Craft booths (both indoor and outdoor) are open from 9:00am to 6:00pm on Saturday and 9:00am to 5:00pm on Sunday. Throughout the day, families can enjoy the Kids Zone with crafts and rides for children 10 and under, ride the historic Midland Railroad from Baldwin to Nowhere, KS and enjoy dramatic arts and music. Food for every taste abounds.

“And when the fun is over, the Maple Leaf Festival committee continues to enrich the lives of the Baldwin City, KS community. Two scholarships are offered yearly as well as donations to local educational institutions and non-profit organizations to enhance arts, education and community pride. Visit our Maple Leaf Giving page for additional information on scholarships and requests for assistance.

“Join us this year and create a family tradition.”

Find out more about the Maple Leaf Festival here

posted by: Tricia Rock

Black Monday Recap

The Rathaus would like to commend all artists and attendees for a great turnout at the “Black Monday After Black Friday” art show and sale. With 47 participating artists, the show featured a wide variety of media and interpretations on the theme.

Untitled Optical Spectacle – Jeremy Rockwell – mixed media on panel

Dream Inducter 02 – Yuri Zupanic

Wizard Ningxt – Aaron Storck – mixed media on canvas

Antler – Molly Murphy – mixed media on panel

Oil Boy – b. d. eek – spray paint on card stock

Black Monday or Edward III vs. the Captains of Capitalism
b. d. eek – mixed media on panel

Red Woods 4 and 5 – Scott Stewart

Jouvelt and friends

All Works by Jouvelt – mixed media on panel

a patron of the arts

Untitled White – Monica Gundelfinger – mixed media

M.O.M. – Betsy Timmer - wool felt

Anxiety Devils – Andy Burkitt – woodcut

Well to Hell – Andy Burkitt – drawing

Well to Hell (detail) – Andy Burkitt

Sara Rock and artist Scott Stewart

posted by: Tricia Rock

“Bestiary”

6 Gallery presents: “Bestiary”. Works by Andrew Hadle, Glen Mies and Christa Dalien.

posted by: Brent Carter

Seid Madr – Coppers, Dreams & Rituals

Ostaf Heller’s latest solo show, entitled Seid Madr, will feature “heat painted copper, sculpture, painting and wood works with a theme of sustained/repeated systems”. Seid Madr opens at DotDotDot Artspace on Friday, Nov. 21st from 6-10pm and will be on display until Dec. 7th. As always, The Rathaus will be at the opening so check back for photos.

posted by: Brent Carter