Spring in East Tennessee is a delightful time of the year. Crocus and Daffodils bloom in early March to announce the beginning of the season, and, by April, flowering Dogwoods, Weeping Cherry trees, and brightly colored tulips let us know that Spring is here in all its grandeur. I love it, but it just doesn’t last long enough. Hot weather sneaks in before we know it, and the air conditioner runs non-stop.
We celebrate the arrival of Spring in our region with the Dogwood Arts Festival. This 67-year-old celebration began with driving trails featuring our blooming trees and flowers and grew into a month-long celebration of the arts and nature. Festival organizers do a marvelous job highlighting our region and our artistic community.
A favorite event of mine is the annual Chalk Walk, a competition among 150 artists challenged with creating works of art on the sidewalk of our Market Square. COVID caused a suspension of the event for two years. Thankfully, it returned this year along with thousands of festival attendees. I joined them late in the afternoon, hoping to photograph many of the drawings upon completion or nearing it.
Anticipating a larger than usual gathering of attendees, festival organizers expanded the area for the artists. Good idea: the crowd size was enormous, with people, children, and dogs everywhere admiring the works in progress. Food truck operators were extremely busy serving up many menu items. Street musicians provided both Bluegrass and Classical music for the spectators.
My timing was good, and I captured most of the drawings near their finished state but could still include some of the artists in the photograph. The artwork is jaw-dropping in detail and color. The festival provides free chalk in unlimited quantities to the artists, and they put it to its highest and best use. I have inserted a gallery below of a few of my favorites and included the artist’s name on most of them. My thanks to Alan Sims (Inside of Knoxville) for help identifying a lot of them.
The drawing by Mene Manresa claimed the prize for Best in Show. It’s easy to see why.
A predominately Black and White drawing by Ryne Sandberg was heralded as Best in the Sidewalk of Fame and was probably my favorite.
Sonia Summers and her drawing of a Boy and His Bubbles was runner-up in the Sidewalk of Fame.
Around 4:00 pm, a bit of drama occurred during the competition. A festival spokesman announced rain showers in the area and advised participants to cover their drawings with plastic in the event of rain. Thankfully, the rain held off, and the artists completed all pictures before the judging. This is a great event, and I’m glad it’s back.
Now for the BIG event of the week…
Helen entered the hospital Thursday morning for breast cancer and reconstructive surgery. A two-surgeon team completed both tasks in about three hours, and she came home. After surgery, I spoke with both physicians. They described the surgery as “textbook” and that everything went well. We have a special place in our hearts for two nurses, Wilma, who retired the next day but treated us as if we were her first patients, and Richard, a skilled nurse, who left us after one of the most powerful prayers I’ve ever had the blessing to receive.
During our days (and nights), time involves keeping up with meds and drains, and thank-yous to all of the wonderful friends, family, and church members who have reached out to us with love, support, and incredible food. We’re blessed, and we’re grateful for it all.
A final event for this week…
With Dogwoods comes Dogwood winter, and it arrived today. Temperatures plunged into the low 30’s, and along with it came the rain, sleet, and snow—go figure.
Time to be Easin’ Along.
Hi Joe! Helen looks great…so glad that the surgery went so well…I foresee a speedy and complete recovery. All those prayers are standing her in good stead.
Happy Easter.
Hi, Nancy,
I agree that Helen looks good, all things considered. We’ve got a long road ahead, but she has a lot of support and prayer warriors out there, helping to clear the path. Great to hear from you! Joe
What a week! So grateful Helen’s surgery is over and that her medical team was exceptional all around..she looks gorgeous! And thanks for sharing the amazing sidewalk art– send to the girls so they can work on their art!
Good morning, Carolyn,
The artwork and the artists were fabulous. Our girls have that talent, and I hope they continue to work on it. Helen is doing well and had a restful weekend–she looks good too! Have a great week, and we’ll be in touch! Joe
Was Wilma tall, striking with beautiful short white hair? From Oak Ridge? If so, I know her! Wouldn’t that be a wonderful “God-incident” thing! I had prayed for Alan to be surrounded by wonderful caregivers at the hospital. And if it was my ““ Wilma than I know my prayer request came true! She is a lovely person
& a great nurse!
Hi, Linda,
Our Wilma was tall with white hair, but she told us she was from Florida. Nevertheless, she was a wonderful, lovely person, as was Richard, the other nurse who worked with us. God put us in the hands of great caregivers and surgeons. Thanks so much for stopping by, and please come back! Joe
Yes, I think my Wilma grew up in Pigeon Forge so not the same. Yet, I like that you had a “Wilma” for your nurse.
Big “thumbs up!”
HURRAY for Helen and her medical team (and her ever so supportive husband)!!! So happy to hear that all went well, Joe. Hugs to Helen – very gentle ones, please.
That chalk art is absolutely amazing. My artistic endeavors are limited to stick figures, so the talent evident at the festival boggles my mind. Very impressive!
Best wishes to Helen for a speedy recovery and smooth sailing all the way through it!
Good morning, Mary,
I’d like to give Helen a big hug for you, but my hugs are limited to light squeezes right now, LOL! I agree about the artwork, I don’t even try stick figures, my skills are so limited. Thanks for checking in. We’ll keep you posted. Joe
We received snow today as well. Absolutely crazy weather. The Charity Walk Arrwork is beautiful. Soooo pleased to hear Helen’s wonderful report!
Hi, Donna!
Our weather is so erratic this time of the year. Snow on Saturday morning, then a bluebird day on Sunday with temps nearing 70 degrees–what a ride. Helen is coming along well, we’re taking it one day at a time, but the support of our online friends means a lot to us. Have a great week! joe
What a lovely post to read, Joe! I’m so glad Helen’s surgery went well and that you were both treated so nicely. I just had an MRI done to check my strange hearing loss and the staff was delightful. Spring in Tennesee sounds an awful lot like Sacramento- short, sweet, bloomy, then time for the A/C! We are just now getting daffies and crocus here in Eastern WA, and are having the same Dogwood winter as a cold blast is running through now. I’ll be back on the blog for a quickie this Wednesday then back for Sunday Stills on Easter Sunday. Take good care!
Hi, Terri,
I sincerely hope that the hearing issue is nothing serious–please keep us posted! This week, spring really burst forth here, and the weather is supposed to be rather balmy. I love it! Enjoy your break; I really enjoyed your FB pictures, but I’m ready to have you back online, posting comments from your thoughtful readers. Have a great week! Joe
Joe, we’re so glad to know that all went well with Helen’s surgery and that she’s home! It’s wonderful to see her smiling face…what a bright spirit she is. I know you’re taking wonderful care of her as she recovers. Thinking of you both.
Hi, Laurel,
Helen is rarely without a smile which makes for a good patient. My nursing skills are improving (even learning how to shampoo and blow-dry her hair, but she’s picky) but it’s a job that requires a skill-set I’m not sure I have. Nevertheless, we take it one day at a time. Always great to hear from you, so please stay in touch! Joe
Hello Joe,
So glad to hear that Helen’s surgery went well! Alleluia! Hope the post-surgery period goes well too. I’m sure you’ll make a great “caregiver” for her! Spring has sprung here in central NC too with all the flowers, shrubs and trees starting to bloom and show their beautiful colors. Happy Palm Sunday and we’ll give thanks and continue our prayers for both of you.
Ron
Good morning, Ron,
Thanks for the prayers and for checking in. We’re taking things one day at a time here, and, so far, things are proceeding just like we were told by her medical team–great people! NC is a beautiful state, and I’m sure that your spring is as beautiful as always. Enjoy! Joe
Hi Joe, I’m sure the festival was a good diversion for you this past week. A little spark of joy amid the upheaval. I like the black and white piece a lot. That one has soul.
I am sure Helen must be relieved to have her procedure completed and to have been tended to by such caring individuals. Now, the healing can begin and the two of you can keep easing along. Blessings
Hi, Suzanne,
Agree on the Black and White piece–amazing artwork and a HUGE crowd. We have missed this event due to COVID for two years, and it is always a grand time.
Helen is doing much better than expected today and we are grateful for all of the support. Still have a long road ahead, but, for today, we’re fine. Thanks so much for checking in. Wishing you a very good week! Joe