Tifton GA Arts In Black Festival

I arrived at Fulwood Park in Tifton a bit early for the Arts In Black Festival, so I took my cue from a historic landmark sign and headed north to see the Jefferson Davis Memorial. 

Little did I know I'd be driving all the way back to Fitzgerald, where I was last weekend, but as I said--I was early.  I had to wait for an Easter Egg Hunt to get under way to document this landmark for my book and then I headed back down to Tifton and the festival which, by this time, was already under way.

The Festival was absolutely surprisingly delightful.  There was, of course, lots of food and several charming booths of crafts by African-American artisans...I found the ones by Nairobi Gifts to be the prettiest and again, was tempted to take some of them home with me.

 

Two very delightful surprises were the renowned artist Gilbert Young whose print entitled 'He Ain't Heavy' has become his trademark and one which he considers to be his statement on social responsibility.  Mr. Young was kind enough to allow me to photograph him and THEN he autographed a copy of his 'He Ain't Heavy' print and gave it to me!  I will cherish it forever!  Thank you again, Mr. Young!

Unfortunately, I was not able to stay until 4PM to see and hear Heather Hayes, daughter of Isaac Hayes, but I did stay long enough to experience my second surprise.  The Soweto Street Beat is the only professional South African dance troupe in the United States and their primary mission is to teach audiences of all ages and cultural backgrounds, especially at risk youth, about the cultural arts and history of South Africa.  They were awesome and I'm so glad I got to see them.

All in all, it was a delightful affair and I congratulate the organizers,  Plight, Inc., for putting on such a wonderful event---I'm glad I drove the distance to be there, but had to say good-bye and head back home. 

Tifton GA Arts In Black Festival

It was a great day, and I am still editing photos...posting soon!

Tifton GA Arts In Black Festival

Heading out this weekend to the Arts In Black Festival  in Tifton GA and hoping to get some great shots of the Gospel Choir and maybe some of the dance.  Then maybe I'll head to Georgia Agrirama  while I'm in the neighborhood.  Should be a fun Saturday---if my energy holds up, that is!

Fitzgerald, GA Wild Chicken Festival

When I parked in downtown Fitzgerald and opened my car door, I was greeted by three separate and distinct sounds:  the church bells tolling, the loud whistle of a cargo train roaring through town and, lastly, the call of chickens (but they sounded like roosters) coming from every possible direction.  In Fitzgerald, chickens ARE everywhere!  As I walked around I asked some of the locals how they felt about these little critters and the response was mixed:  "If you have them in your garden, you will hate them.  I had one build a nest in my flower pot!" was one response.  Two other ladies I met said they 'loooved' the chickens, and offered to let me take a photograph of the 'chicken lovers'...I politely declined. 

According to the official Festival website, the story is this: 

Back in the 1960's, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources stocked Burmese chickens all over the state as an additional game bird to be hunted like pheasant or quail.  Flocks of chicks were released several miles from Fitzgerald at the Ocmulgee River. Populations of the bird never took hold in other areas of the state, but for some reason, they left the river site and made their way to downtown Fitzgerald, where they have propagated and prospered ever since!

Initially forgetting that I had set out to attend the festival, I followed the chicken sounds until I found one to photograph.  These Wild Burmese Chickens are bold and shy at the same time--bold enough to run across the main street of downtown--yet so shy that they ran for the nearest shrub when they heard me approaching.  Getting one to 'pose' for a photograph was a challenge, indeed.   I was determined and finally got a few good shots and then headed for the festival. 

The festival was a bit disappointing after the hour and one-half drive--and in fairness, apparently there were activities the night before and early Saturday morning that I missed completely, but the street festival was rather small--only two or three blocks--but cram packed with the usual festival fare.   Funnel cakes with assorted toppings seemed to be the most popular, but corn dogs and cotton candy certainly held their own.

A few of the crafts were interesting and colorful--handmade baskets and homemade pickles and jams were the most tempting. I've learned though that in order to save my bank account, when I see something I like, I just take a photograph and I can easily tote it home with me.

Before leaving the festival , I learned that the folks in Fitzgerald feel they have found the answer to an age-old question:  "Why did the chicken cross the road?  To get to the Fitzgerald Chicken Festival, of course!" 

Fitzgerald, GA Wild Chicken Festival

Been there, photos taken, done that. Uploading and editing photos tonite and tomorrow...uploading soon!  Stay tuned!

Fitzgerald, GA Wild Chicken Festival

Heading out this weekend to the Fitzgerald Wild Chicken Festival to get material and photos for my book. Stay tuned for details of the trip and the event!

 For more information, or to join in on the fun, go here:  Wild Chicken Festival

Apalachicola, FL - March 6, 2010

True, Apalachicola on the 'forgotten coast' of Florida is a very kewl place to visit.  Great shops, fabulous restaurants with fresh seafood (Apalachicola IS famous for their shrimp and oysters, after all), a working marina and lots of great photo opps almost everywhere you look.

But Apalachicola is more than just a great place to eat and shop. Named in 2008 as one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Dozen Distinctive Destinations, the original town plan, developed in the 1830's, remains intact. And the buildings that initially appear to be no more than the containers for quaint shops and restaurants all have their own rich history and unique story to tell.
 
The Sponge Exchange, for instance, was built in 1840 and was one of two warehouses used to store sea sponges--employing between 80 and 120 men in the sponge trade.  The Dixie Theatre, built in 1912, was the entertainment center of Franklin County hosting live theatre. The Orman House was built in 1838 by Thomas Orman; the wood for this fabulous two-story house was actually cut to measure in New York, and then shipped by sailing vessel around the Florida Keys.  The house was then assembled on the bluff overlooking the Apalachicola River. There are over 900 such historic homes and buildings in Apalachicola, about 30 of them can easily be viewed via a Walking Tour offered by The Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce

So when you visit, plan to spend the weekend or more at one of several B&B's in town; not only shopping and dining, but taking the time to look a bit deeper into the historic past of this quaint little village.

 

 

Great offer from Topaz!

A great offer from Topaz was in my mailbox today, and I just had to share it with all of you!  Their new software, Topaz Adjust 4 is offered for just $49.99.  Recommended by several pros that I admire, this will take your images to a whole new level!  PLUS, save 20% off the list price with the code:  NEWADJUST.

To download a free, 30-day trial, go to: http://www.topazlabs.com/adjust/  and if you decide to purchase, and I strongly recommend you do, just use the code NEWADJUST to receive your discount.  But, there's a catch (isn't there always?)....the discount offer ends March 15, so hurry!

Have fun!

Archi-Types are finally here!

What are Archi-Types®? They are better seen than explained, but in a nutshell, they are images of architectural details and common objects that form letters. Put them together to create a word or a name...your own framed photo art! 

Frames are available from two- to seven-openings to accommodate almost every name imaginable. They make great home décor or a unique and memorable gift…for new arrivals, weddings, birthdays, almost any occasion…just get creative and use your imagination! 

Accompanying frames are in the Custom Products Gallery and new images will be uploaded frequently, so check back often for fun new additions!

 

http://www.alfieandcompany.com/p776402645 

The World Wide Photography Gala Awards

Great information sent to me by Rocky Mountain School of Photography  (which is also a great school, by the way) about a photo contest which  is open to amateurs, semi-pro's and pro's a like, and there are some great prizes and perks for the winners. I encourage you to seriously think about entering, regardless of your skill level.

www.thegalaawards.com

At Last!!

After struggling with a couple of blog sites, I've settled on this one.  User friendly, not very complicated, and doesn't take a rocket-scientist to understand.  Leaves me more free time to do what I love...photography!