BlueFrogArts

Organic Funeral Gourds for Pets by Jan Meng

Friends and animal lovers:

Many of us have struggled for ways to acknowledge and recognize the significance of our beloved pets at the time of their passing.  I received the following e-mail from Hungry Holler, the Oklahoma studio of Blue Frog artists, Jan and Marc Meng, last week and thought this was a fascinating and moving art form.    What a beautiful answer. 

"Check out the Fall 2007 issue of Modern Dog Magazine, page 68 for a blurb 
ab"out Jan's funeral gourds for pets. Modern Dog is on sale at Petco and 
other pet stores.

Peace to you. Hug that pet! Jan"

Pictured at right is Gussy's Funeral Gourd.  The smaller image of
Gussy on the right is of her playing with a sock. She often tried 
to wear the socks over her head!  A personal note from Gussy's 
veterinarian is written on one side of the gourd. For a beautiful 
photo gallery and more detailed description of Jan's "Organic 
Personalized Eternal Gourd Urns" for the ashes of beloved pets, 
click on the blue words at the top of this paragraph.

Jan is best known at the Blue Frog for her bird house gourds and 
her luminary gourds that add a celestial glow to a room. If you would like to hear Jan 
talk about gourds and her perspective on working with them go to the gorgeous 
 Hungry Holler website Then, in the bottom right hand corner click on the "Jan's Video" 
button.  Jan is articulate and AWESOME!  She is truly a fascinating woman.

Jan in her garden, and her faithful friend, Molly, hanging out in her gourd studio.

http://hungryholler.com/ 
Hungry Holler Art Center
1589 State Highway 20
Eucha, OK 74342
918 253-4554

John Knotts exhibits at top shows in New Mexico

Native American art and artifacts are more than a passion of Blue Frog artist John Knotts - it's a way of life.

At the Blue Frog, John is known for his sterling silver cuff links, tuxedo studs, brooches, and  pendants.  Inspired by Victorian pieces and other collectibles such as Crackerjack prizes, John's designs combine the artful with the whimsical.  Check out his website www.dot925.com to peruse his complete line.

John, and his able partner Suzanne, worked together this August in two of the Nation's top antique shows.  August 3-6, 2007, (pictured above) John showed at Albuquerque's Great Southwestern Antique Show. Although John does not sell jewelry of his own designs at these shows, he admits his over 20 years of experience collecting and selling Native American art helped him develop his own unique style.

I dropped in on John in Santa Fe one week later at another Nationally recognized show, the 24th Annual Antique Ethnographic Art Show  August 9-12, 2007.  The event features the sale of Ethnographic and tribal art from around the world.  One of John's pieces that really impressed me was a quilt made by African-American slaves in the 1800s.  It created quite a stir in Albuquerque where it held a prominent place in his booth (see right wall in the above photograph - click on image to enlarge.)

Whether old or new, the works of artisans  around the world were treasured at these two shows.  I left the Ethnographic Show in Santa Fe truly inspired.

Hop Back in Time at the Blue Frog! Sept. 1 Civil War Days

Voted one of Iowa's top tourist attractions, Lamoni's Civil War Days August 31-Sept 2, is packed full of activities for a multitude of interests.

Once again, the Blue Frog artists are thrilled to participate!  We will be hosting an Open House, Saturday, September 1, from 7-9pm.  We will be open during our regular business hours that day as well from 10am to 5pm.

Thanks to award winning professional artist, Beth Knotts, Civil war participants can sign up to have their image drawn while they wait!  Sign up at the Blue Frog for 30 minute time sessions throughout the day from 10am-9pm Sept. 1.

During the open house from 7-9pm, Su Knotts will demonstrate wheel and spindle yarn spinning, Vikki Morain will demonstrate weaving on a small 5 harness table loom, Myrna Morris will be at her easel sketching the artists working, and Rebecca Abarr will demonstrate basket weaving from various locally harvested materials.

Come enjoy the magic of watching art happen right in front of you!  Take a break and have a cool glass of ice water and visit with the Blue Frog artists!  We'd love to see you.