Gourds, organs art show opens

 Arts Center of Cannon County is pleased to announce the opening of Gourds AND Organs WITH A Side of Kraut: The Works of Jai Sharonda, Brian "Goatboy" Thornton, and Sandor Katz Nov. 30 -  Dec. 22 in the Marly Berger Gallery.

An opening reception is set for Friday, Nov. 30 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Gourds are one of the first plants to be cultivated throughout the world and have been in use for many thousands of years. It is the only plant that experts believe to have spanned the entire globe. Many cultures have been and are still using gourds for bowls, vessels, hats, musical instruments and many other utilitarian purposes. Jai Sharonda is a talented gourdist who continues this tradition using locally grown gourds and locally sourced materials to create lighted sculptural works and functional lamps. 

 Also on display will be Brian "Goatboy" Thornton's collection of restored photo players, organ pipes, and player pianos. Brian is a long time tinkerer who discovered a love of working with intricate machines.  His business, Short Mountain Music Works, specializes in antique musical instrument repairs

Joining "Gourds and Organs" on the opening night is fermentation revivalist Sandor Ellix Katz who will be signing his new book, The Art of Fermentation. According to the New York Times, "Mr. Katz has become for fermentation what Timothy Leary was for psychedelic drugs: a charismatic, consciousness-raising thinker and advocate who wants people to see the world in a new way." Katz will also provide tasting from his home fermented batch of vegetable kraut for all that attend.

Do not miss this special opportunity to meet and greet three very exciting Cannon County artists.

Admission to this exhibit is free and open to the public. The Marly Berger Gallery located in The Arts Center of Cannon County is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The Arts Center is located on 1424 John Bragg Highway.