a tangled web

The Internet is certainly an interconnected web of wonders. Have you ever sat down at your computer to do a quick search for something, then hours later, you emerge from the fog of wandering through an endless trail of treats you didn’t even know you were seeking? If you have the patience, the rewards can be, well, rewarding.

That happened to me recently, while working on an article for the next issue of our magazine. We mentioned a local art venue, Artisans at the Dahmen Barn, in Uniontown, Washington. The Dahmen barn is a beautiful old barn in a tiny farming town about 15 miles outside Moscow, Idaho, that’s been known for decades for its whimsical wagon-wheel fence, assembled by owner and artist Steve Dahmen over a 30-year period. Today, the fence exhibits over 1,000 wheels.

In 2004, the barn was falling into disrepair, so Steve and his wife Junette, also an artist, donated the barn to their community to be made into an art center, providing studio space for artists to work in and sell their creations, a place for local artists and fine craftspeople to sell their work on consignment, a venue for local performing and exhibiting artists, and creative experiences for children and adults through classes and workshops. Read about the transformation of the barn here.

d-barn-1

When working on the article, I poked around their website to do a little research, and saw they are planning an Annual Art Demonstration Day on Saturday, April 11. This year’s theme is books—books of all types, things made from books, or information about books. And that led to an amazing video from bookmaker Randi Parkhurst. I don’t see that Randi is slated to appear at the event, but someone else’s rabbit trail must have led to her video to provide inspiration for those interested in books, or art, or lessons in patience … you see how the tangled web is woven. Anyway, watch this lovely video to the end, and your patience will be rewarded, I promise!

  1. Cindi says:

    That is the most wonderful wagon wheel fence I have ever seen! The weather vane on top of the barn is fun, too. I love stories of rescue and restoration of amazing buildings like this. And books! Maybe I will mosey on over for that Art Demonstration Day ~ but first, off to watch that video and enter my own absorbing internet fog of wandering.

  2. Cindi says:

    Oh my gosh that video was Amazing!! Mary Jane, how is it that you so often touch on those things that I enjoy? It’s almost like we’re… well, sisters! hahaha 🙂

  3. Donna Johnston says:

    GLAD TO SEE YOU ON FACE BOOK…MISS MY EMAILS

  4. Winnie Nielsen says:

    Watching this video was mesmerizing to me. The six minutes flew by so quickly I could hardly believe it. Plus, that Dahmen Barn is beautiful and a work of art in and of itself. I think it makes the perfect art haven for people of all ages!

  5. Karen(old cowgirl) Montoya says:

    I always love and appreciate the work of other artists. Yes, I even get a little jealous of some because I was not able to get the training in art that I wanted.
    This person is just WOW. He or she is the ultimate artist.
    Thank you for sharing it with us.
    I learn a lot from you.
    I am also the Mother of Diana Gibson who has been in contact with you. I am so very proud of her.
    Hugs from this Farm/Ranch women #5275
    Kay

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