Rooster Cottage Holds Annual Open House

By CHERYL JENSEN

The Progress

The annual Day of Local Art, now in its sixth year, was held in the parking lot of Rooster Cottage Consignment Store in Mesquite on Saturday, April 9.

A large crowd in attendance for the event was entertained with country western music fromthe Black Mountain Band including Terry Bart and Gene Gipson on their guitars.

Twenty-five local vendors displayed their art and hand-crafted creations. And each one brought a unique flavor to the event.

Don Chase builds miniature old west houses, buildings and villages. He also had handmade shelves painted with desert background scenes on which the small buildings could be displayed.

Crocheted and hand sew items included mermaid dolls, bunnies, zombies, and gnomes made by Cheryl Goodwin.

Pine needle baskets and crocheted items were for sale by Carolyn Uhl and Joyce Ridweik who also used old horseshoes to make sun catches.

Val Campbell makes bead suncatchers fastened to polished wood. Her meticulous bead work of necklaces was stunning.

Many artists had paintings for sale which were created using various techniques with acrylic paint. Linda Hancock displayed landscapes using an impasto style with a pallet knife. Tricia Schield often turns her paintings into puzzles. Terry Sicotte enjoys painting scenes from Cedar Breaks, Zion and other regional and local scenes. Jeannie OJack displayed fluid painting of bright colored swirls and also made glass ornaments using this method.

Wood burned designs and reclaimed items decorated wood plaques that were displayed by Jan Stensland.

Sterling silver hand-woven pendants and hand-made arrowhead pendants wrapped in silver thread were made by Nancy Hewett. She also made leather pillows in geometric designs using various kinds of real leather and some faux leather. Interesting patterns on each side made them reversible.

Coil and slab pottery glazed with bright desert flora were made by Elain Durfee and her husband. Elaine said she always wanted to make pottery but now that they are retired, they keep busy making pots and firing them in their own kiln.

Durfee had some advice for young people. “If you have something you want to do, don’t wait, find a way to do it now!” she said.

Everyone attending the event was treated to cold water bottles and cookies. Everyone could also choose a free magnet and sign up for a drawing for a Rooster Cottage gift card.

Rooster Cottage owners Dana and Carol Bullock have been in business for 11 years selling décor, gently used furniture, antiques and gifts.