I’m in Eastern Kentucky this morning, watching the fog roll
off the hills like a thick blanket. The air is moist and there are sounds of
people stirring below, as they set up for the Minnie Adkins Folk Art Day. The second
annual holding of this day celebrates the woman who has made such an impact in
the lives of folk artists here in Elliott County, and in many other places,
Minnie Adkins. At 81, she is an active artist making many beautiful and fun pieces
of art, inspiring others to share their art and creativity as well.
Last night was a cookout for those vendors coming to set up their
tents and those who are staying here at the Little Sandy Lodge. For us, it was like a
little family reunion as cousins came to visit. Such a sweet time to see dear
people. But now, the quiet of the evening has been replaced with the occasional
laugh, the sounds of tent poles tinging off of each other, Rubbermaid lids
being unsnapped, cars driving in, and tables being unfolded. Soon, it will be
the hum of voices and the timber of music that will echo off the hills behind
me.
This is a day to celebrate. Celebrate the courage of
following an idea and a dream, supporting it with hard work and determination,
and sharing it with others. This is a day to celebrate the artists who are and
are not in galleries and museums, both seeing something in their raw materials that has not been created yet. Family is celebrated today, getting to visit loved ones not
seen often, but are dearly loved. As I watch vendors setting up, this is a day
to celebrate partnerships and friendships, and the many hands that help these
things work. It takes many hours of planning to carry this off; many hands
working together. As our hostess said last night, today – we will celebrate
everything.
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