Sandtastic: Wonderland in Huntsville Botanical Gardens

The Huntsville Botanical Gardens held an event for spring break. They called it the Sandtastic Work of Wonder. It was in anticipation of their Alice in Wonderland theme coming next month. Now, I love all things Alice, so it was amazing to me just for that. But, as usual, no one in Huntsville realized how AMAZING of a thing this really was.

I had many questions, but felt reluctant to interrupt the artist, doing such detailed work. Upon doing some internet research I discovered the artist was working for the Sand Sculpture Company. When I went to look for their website, I found a 'topshelf' company doing work around the globe. I thought, surely this can't be the right company.

I went to their Facebook site, just to make sure. There I was shocked to see a photo of a familiar face - the sculptor I'd watch work in the gardens for hours - working on a several ton piece at a sandart festival in Kuwait! 

This reminds me of the time Tibetan monks came and did a mandala at the Huntsville Museum of Art, and no one talked about it. Huntsville! What wonders you let slip by unadvertised! While everyone knows when the latest beer festival is, this receives no attention? 

Watching him sculpt was a great experience -- probably a once in a lifetime event for me, since I'll doubt I'll head to Kuwait any time soon.

He kept spraying the sand with water, and I wondered if this sprayer contained some kind of setting agent. One of many questions I keep trying to find answers to.

The work was still a few days away from completion when I visited.

 

Compare the above image with the first one and you will see the work he added in about an hour and a half. The front of the Queen's dress and the flamingo are taking shape.

As always, you can click on any image to enlarge and see the details.

I'll be uploading some video of the artist sculpting on my YouTube and Instagram, so check them out over the next couple of days. And hopefully, I'll be able to track down more information about this work of art. You can see the completed work at the Huntsville Botanical Gardens.

Fat Tuesday 2014 - Chickenbone Blues at Amendment XXI

Huntsville may have had it's big celebration on Saturday, but a few places still had some fun events happening on Fat Tuesday. After seeing Athen's One-Block Parade, we headed back to Huntsville.

Amendment XXI, my favorite place to relax and have a quiet drink, had parties all that week, including this one Mardi Gras Tuesday.

We'd enjoyed listening to Brotha Ric at AXXI before, but this was our first time hearing Chickenbone Reunion Blues and Soul Trio jamming together. They rocked the house with some more jazzy tunes for Fat Tuesday, inspired many people to dance, and making sure everyone laissez les bons temps rouler!











Couldn't stay out too late, since my partner and I had work the next day, but we enjoyed it while we were there.

Want to see a photo bigger? Simply click on the image.

Thanks for joining me and my Mardi Gras celebrations!

Fat Tuesday 2014 - Athens Art Heads

 Huntsville may have had it's big celebration on Saturday, but a few places still had some fun events happening on Fat Tuesday.

 

Athens had it's One-Block Mardi Gras parade next to the courthouse. A pretty good turn out, and absolutely amazing costumes made it worth the drive.

The theme was Steampunk Circus, so already my interest was peaked. Then I read more about Athen's University and their art program designing papier-mache heads for the Decatur parade and for their own. I went to Huntsville parade on Saturday, so I wanted to catch the Art Heads on Fat Tuesday.

I was not disappointed - fun ideas and great detail with electric lights mounted in the heads.























The parade was truly a night time parade, something lacking in Huntsville, so despite its tininess, the parade was unique in this area.

 I was even asked to join the parade. I did a lap giving out beads and then joined the crowd to take photos.

I tied for first in the costume contest and was awarded some awesomely huge beads. This almost makes up for the Bacchus beads I lost...almost.

With the mayor of Athens

With the Mayor on the Courthouse steps

Waiting for judgement

As always, click on any image to make it larger.

If you're scared of clowns, this won't help

Next up, check out Brotha Ric and the Chickenbone Reunion Blues and Soul Trio, playing for Mardi Gras Tuesday at Amendment XXI.

Thanks for looking!

Mardi Gras - Straight To Ale

Straight To Ale often seems to be where it's at in Huntsville, and the Mardi Gras parade was no exception. Next Satuday, Huntsville will hold it's St. Patrick's Day parade. Check out Straight To Ale in the parade and at the taproom for the party afterwards. Here's a look back at Saturday's Mardi Gras party.

Beer Trike

From killer tricycles to giant beer cans, Straight To Ale put some thought into their float. Loved the skeleton dancers, bringing a feel of classic Mardi Gras! Unfortunately, they were on the opposite side of the vehicle from where I was standing and I only caught glimpses of their performance.

Giant beer cans

Showcasing their awesome beer label art, the Krewe constructed several giant beers can for the parade. I wonder what they're doing with them now?

Livin' Like a Local

After the parade, I headed to Straight To Ale's taproom and brewery for some Mardi Gras partying, hosted by Livin' Like A Local, Huntsville's newest place to go for information on local happenings.

The first dancers start the funk

  
Funky Pirates Jazz Band played some great brass Mardi Gras music. Lots of fun, complete with plenty of room up front to dance, along with tables farther back.

Straight To Ale is starting to become one of the best places in Huntsville to see live music. 

  

 

 Of course one of Huntsville's food trucks, Crave Heat, was present for the event. Hey guys, when can we get some vegan fare on the menu?

Straight To Ale logo always makes for great photo ops

This Saturday, Feb. 15th, looks like a full day of Irish love at Straight To Ale. Catch the parade at 11:30, downtown (yours truly will be in it, BTW), and then there's dancing and jigs with great local bands and Irish dance troups at STA. Check out the Facebook event for more info.