A big thank-you to everyone that made Arts & Ales be bigger and better than ever. You helped make our one big scholarship fundraiser a huge success.

We changed things up a little this year and, instead of having draft beer, we served from bottles and cans. One of the reasons was because of you! We had draft beer last year that people liked but couldn't find in their area because, well, it was draft. This year, no matter what we served from a bottle or can, it is available commercially. If you liked a certain beer, you can ask and most businesses will be happy to supply it for you. And, by serving packaged beer, there was no waste. That is a win, win, win. Drink craft beer, be happy. 

Just to let you know, we were responsible with all those bottles, cans and boxes. We care about our planet and want to keep it clean in our neighborhood. So, we made sure that all the cans, bottles and cardboard got recycled, even if we had to go through the trash to do it. Thank you, Margie Galligher, Mark Ledbetter and Mackie Priest; you went above and beyond the call of duty separating all those bottles and cans.

According to a report from the EPA, in 2013, Americans produced 15.1 million tons of textile waste and around 85% of that ended up in landfills. Just one single person contributes roughly 70 pounds of clothing and other textiles to the landfill per year, the equivalent of 200 men’s T-shirts. But out of sight doesn’t mean out of mind. Just because they are now in the ground doesn’t mean they aren’t actively visible in terms of methane green house emissions and other gases that contaminate ground and surface water for humans and wildlife alike, through the dyes and chemicals of fabrics and other components of clothing and shoes that can leach into the soil. These are textiles that, with a little bit of thought on the part of the consumer, could be recycled or repurposed, lessening the burden financially on cities and counties that are in a constant dilemma as to where and how to dispose of these items.
 
But what does this have to do with an art show? The current art exhibit at the Artisan Depot Gallery in Cowan, TN is called "Wraps, Jewelry & Wearable Art" and includes art bags, original scarves, fun and beautiful hats, funky wire-wrapped jewelry, and handmade baby clothing and blankets. Many of these items include components of recycled materials such as fabrics, clothing, beads, copper wire and other materials to create unique wearables or wall art. The artists that work with recycled materials make a conscious effort to reduce waste in landfills and to give new life to materials that ordinarily might be discarded.
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Five artists are participating in this group show, including Pat Richards Bishop, wearables and jewelry; Kim Previte, copper wire wrapped jewelry; Frances Perea, wearables and wall hangings; Joyce Adams, hand-knit scarves, Pat Underwood, crocheted baby clothes and blankets.

The show opened February 22 and continues through March 31 at the Artisan Depot Gallery in Cowan. The public is invited to the opening reception on Friday, February 23 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.

​​The Artisan Depot is the gallery of the Franklin County Arts Guild and is located at 204 Cumberland Street East in Cowan, Tennessee. It is open each week from noon to 5:00 pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays and 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturdays. Click here for more information, like our Facebook page, or contact Diana Lamb at 931-308-4130.

Our upcoming member show includes art bags, original scarves, fun and beautiful hats, funky wire rapped jewelry, and handcrafted baby clothing and blankets. The public is invited to join us for the opening reception.

The next Community Show is "Earth, Wind and Fire," and anyone who would like to participate is encouraged to bring their work to the Artisan Depot beginning February 22; click here for details.

​The Artisan Depot is the gallery of the Franklin County Arts Guild and is located at 204 Cumberland Street East in Cowan, Tennessee. It is open each week from noon to 5:00 pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays and 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturdays. Click here for more information, like our Facebook page, or contact Diana Lamb at 931-308-4130.