Despite being a bit wind blown, we thoroughly enjoyed our outing Friday afternoon in downtown Ft. W. for the 26th annual arts festival. There was no shortage of gusty breezes (clocked at 40+ mph) or artsy items offered up for sale; the vendor booths stretched for seven blocks along Main Street.
The artists generally do not allow people to take photos of their work; however, I was able to shoot pictures of some of the bigger pieces of sculpture without violating any rules. Mr. Smith, the girls, and I did not spend any $$$ on artwork, but we certainly had fun window shopping. The only items that I liked were too big, too expensive, and would require approval from our HOA to go in our 'hood.
My favorite artist at the fair is a sculptor from Seattle named Andrew Carson. His sculptures are colorful and whimsical. http://windsculpture.com/index.html There are multiple moving parts on these pieces that the Texas breezes put into motion -- these pieces are a fusion of art and engineering. Prices ranged from $3,500 for a small sculpture to $8,000 for a larger one.
Mr. Smith's office is in downtown Ft. W. at 7th and Main, so he is all too familiar with this part of town. He normally works at home on Fridays, so it was rather cruel of us to have him take us to Sundance Square on his afternoon away from the office. We even saw several of Mr. S's coworkers at the festival. A highlight of the afternoon was being treated to a late lunch at one of the favorite workday eateries.
Ooooh!
Ahhhh!
Before we left the fair, I just had to shoot pics of a few more sculptures that definitely make a statement. These metal pieces have multiple moving parts, are colorful, and completely frivolous. I cannot imagine where I'd put this rooster if I were to buy it -- not that I would want to! He reminds me of a more vivid version of Cornelius, a.k.a. Corny, of Kellogg's Corn Flakes fame. He is kinda cute...
Longhorn and Longhairs
Much to Millie's dismay, we swung by the Justin Boot Outlet in Fort Worth before heading back to the ranch. Boy, howdy! The colorful array of western footwear lining the shelves was a feast for the eyes. It was a veritable "art festival" of boots!
Now that we have been in TX for over a year, three out of five Smiths agree that it is time to own a pair of honest-to-goodness western boots. My Okie husband has a pair of Justin lizard skin boots collecting dust in the closet. He's owned these boots for years; however, they are really pointy-toed and they just are not that comfortable. It was time for an updated look, any way.
We found just what we were looking for: fashion and comfort! And great prices.
These boots are made for walkin'...
Mr. Smith ended up with "real cowboy" stirrup-friendly, full-quill ostrich boots. Yee-Ha! These beauties are even approved by the AQHA (American Quarter Horse Assoc.), so now all my big buckaroo needs is a horse to go with the boots. Liesey opted for high-heeled, "city-slicker" cowgirl boots, and I chose a stylish black and teal pair. No cowboy hats this time around. We're gonna have to ease into this western wear thing slowly.
Our salesman told us that we needed to go walk around in the dust and dirt before wearing our boots in public so the double-stitched welt doesn't look so clean, white, and conspicuously NEW! He ought to know about how to get the right look, as he shared with us that he's a rancher who owns over 100 pairs of cowboy boots. He works part-time at Justin just so he gets a discount on his boots. Maybe his corral is really filled with boots, not cattle...
I'm off to find that dusty trail. (I hope it's not windy.)
