Springs Community Notes, February 11

If the timing is right, I love nothing more than to be snowed in for the day, like most of us were last Friday. Ah, an entire cozy day at home to get a leisurely start to my column (for a change) along with the pleasure of being able to happily putter about the house, musing on what I could do to promote the flow of good energy chi to all corners of my home. While I have barely scratched the surface into my amateur research of the ancient practice of feng shui, I’ve had positive results already from just trying a few easy suggestions. For instance, remedying a stagnant energy in a space can usually be accomplished simply by rearranging a few objects, placing a plant here, or lighting a candle there, ridding the room of hidden dust bunnies, and taking a few minutes to finally sort through those piles of lingering clutter. For me, it’s never an all-day project. I favor doing a little bit at a time. As soon as one area feels good, I am naturally encouraged to tackle the next. It’s during this season, when most of our time is spent inside, that we should pay particular attention to the feel of our surroundings for maximum feel goodness.Also, stimulating for the soul is taking in beautiful works of art. It is during the wintertime, when I long to take a day to myself to hop on the bus and visit my favorite museums in the city. When I’ve grown weary of a colorless landscape, I know that I need to fill my eyes and mind with thought-provoking images and ancient, exotic things. For me, it’s an instant elixir to whatever may ail me. It’s also good to know that to experience a mood-lifting art show, I don’t have to venture far from home. There happens to be one going on this weekend at Ashawagh Hall.

Co-founded by plein air artists Gene Samuleson and Frank Sofo, and curated by Aylce Peifer, the Wednesday Group presents “Plein Air and Beyond” at Ashawagh Hall this February 13, 14, and 15. In this bound-to-be-stunning show, five plein air artists demonstrate their diversity of styles. Those who attend will be treated to Jean Mahoney’s paintings created from her travels through Venice, Deb Palmer’s take on the beautiful sites of the Nature Conservancy, Gene Samuelson’s scenes of New York City and Ireland portrayed in watercolors, Frank Sofo’s figurative works and Pam Vossen’s wonderful still lifes. Wow, that’s a lot of talent, and so much beauty to behold. Hope to see you at this Saturday’s opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Gallery hours are Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Monday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s a nice thing to do!

News from the Springs School Journalism Club reports a growing, and thriving Art Club, led by teacher Colleen McGowan. The students meet every Friday from 3:15 to 5 p.m. and paint at various locations, alongside and mentored by several of the plein air artists mentioned above. This after-school club is funded by the Visiting Artist Program and open to all students in grades six through eight. It sounds fantastic, so I’m hoping that Springs parents will encourage their budding young artists to give it a try!

The good cooks of the Springs Community Presbyterian Church will not disappoint this Friday with decadent and delicious lasagna as the featured entrée of this Friday’s Take-Out Dinner. A choice of either vegetable or meat lasagna, Italian bread, and homemade dessert for $12 will be available to take away from the church located at 5 Old Stone Highway this Friday from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Now, that sounds tempting!

Until next time, happy week all!