I live in Staunton, Virginia, which is considered by many people to be one of the most livable towns on the East Coast of the United States.
Much of Staunton’s charm has to do with it its historic areas–particularly the downtown commercial area, which is full of interesting stores, restaurants and bars.
Elaborate window displays for stores are an important part of downtown culture. A major window display competition is held each year before Christmas. Separate from this competition, I have regularly created art pieces for storefronts. Some, like my ‘Book Angel” have become semi-permanent installations.
Magic and Mischief is an annual festival/street fair and celebration of the Harry Potter books. Held every September, it attracts thousands of people from the region. Together with Angus Carter, the Director of the Staunton Augusta Art Center, I created a fairy garden in the R. R. Smith Center’s patio. The garden was based on19th century silhouette artists Paul Konewka and Karl Wilhelm Diefenbach. Konewka is most famous for his illustration of Shakespeare’s plays, and Diefenbach for his Nyads and Fairies.
