Large Originals Displayed at Palmer Fair 2009
I love my booth at the Alaska State Fair its tall walls laden with huge paintings, spotlights illuminating artwork jewels, me camped in the back corner surrounded by music feet toasted by a heater. I watch the world walk by outside the wide double doors, face paint, colored spiked hair, feathers, snow cones, cotton candy, tank tops in the sun, hats and jackets during wind and rain. The one common denominator; all are having fun!
“What is pointillism?” “How long did it take to complete that big painting?” referring to the huge canvas of Sandhill Cranes dominating the back wall. I reply, “Forty years and two months,” and watch expressions of confusion on faces until understanding clicks. Forty years of experience, two months of labor. Questions, comments, explanations, curious seeking knowledge to understand art. “I’ve been admiring your work since the late 1970’s when it hung at the Glennallen Tastee Freez,” someone said with a smile “I always stop at your booth, the art lifts my spirits and brings me joy,” said another. It is good to listen to what people say. After long hours alone creating, working, perfecting, it brings satisfaction and fills my soul.
This is kids day and bus loads roam chattering, giggling, waving glow swords dizzy from upside down rides and too much sugar. I’m enjoying all of it, and think it is time to get an order of my favorite garlic potato chips from the booth across the isle. Forget the diet, this is the Palmer Fair and it is time to play!
Gail Niebrugge, Palmer artist