I don't like this because I spoon with Juicy. I love it because I spoon with Juicy, and I wish I could spoon with her til I'm old and gray. (sob)

By the way, I made a painting about spooning. I don't have an image on this computer, but you can see it here. It's called I Love You (Let's Spoon).

Fun fact: It is the ONLY painting I've sold during an art opening. I think it's because spooning is a universal love language. A lady bought it for her brother as a wedding gift.

Living in Knoxville is pretty spectacular. I'm a big fan, you can ask anybody, but there are fleeting moments when I get a little antsy here.

It helps, in these moments, to focus on the things that make Knoxville great, the natural beauty, the people, the local businesses. One such business on this list that I've always admired is Yee-Haw Industrial Letterpress.





When Julie Belcher and Kevin Bradley joined forces in 1996 to create Yee-Haw, they were pioneers in reviving the practice of Industrial Letterpress. To see their shop thrive on Gay Street for the decade I've been in Knoxville, to know they create and sell artwork in a city that doesn't sustain its artists, to me, it's so exciting. Their work as creative entrepreneurs is impressive and has always made me a little starstruck.

With that said, I'm pleased to share (giddy, in fact) that Yee-Haw has recently asked me to be in an art exhibition with them. I'm one of four artists to show work alongside their prints this coming weekend, August 19-21, at the Slotin Folk Fest in Norcross, GA, just outside of Atlanta. Folk Fest is the world's largest folk art show and sale.



They've asked for twenty of my Mason Jar paintings, and so at this very moment, I'm in my studio busting them out. After I make these, I'll have a few more to make to reach my goal of 100, and then I'll be done.

If you've been thinking about purchasing one, you still have a chance to do so via Etsy, the Market Square Farmer's this Saturday from 9-2pm, or by emailing me at beth@bethmeadows.com. 

I just added a couple of new items on my Etsy shop. Hooray! They are drawings in shadow boxes I made using salvaged tin ceiling tiles.



The one above is of the IGA Grocery store in Fort Sanders, a historic neighborhood in Knoxville, Tennessee. The building is in bad shape, so I decided to send some good vibes its way by making a drawring of it.






















The one below is of Flynn Paint, formerly one of my favorite buildings; it has since been renovated in a hideous manner. I like to remember it the way it is drawn here, the way it was when I adored it.



I use salvaged materials from the Knox Heritage Salvage program, which I manage, to raise awareness about the importance of historic preservation. Part of the proceeds from these items goes to KH, which is a non-profit. You can learn more about their work at www.knoxheritage.org.

These babies will be with me at the Market Square Farmers' Market THIS Saturday, August 6 from 9am to 2pm. If I still have them, mention this post and I'll give you 20% off.

I've come across some pretty amazing things while researching architectural salvage online. Here's a little treat I've never seen before:

A Tub Sofa



I can't say that I'd ever want one of these, but I'm a strong advocate for creative re-use, and this is a fine example.

On a different but similar note, anyone in the market for a 30.5" x 60" antique cast iron tub?

Email beth@knoxheritage if you are.