Happy Earth Day, everybody! Since 1970, April 22nd has been a day meant to motivate people to take action to protect the environment and bring awareness to climate change and other environmental issues. Commitment to the environment is included in our mission statement. It states, “We will protect the environment and natural resources and we will use sustainable practices where possible.” With over one billion people participating in some form of Earth Day activity, it is the largest civic observance in the world. However, it’s not the only nature related observance this week.
April 26th is both Audubon Day and Arbor Day. Audubon Day recognizes the birth of John James Audubon, who wroteThe Birds of America. With over 700 species of North American birds detailed in this book, it is considered one of the greatest ornithological works of all time. In the USA, Arbor Day encourages individuals to plant and care for trees. Countries all over the world have tree planting events on various other days based on their seasons. Speaking of trees, we just got in some new tree paperweights from Three Crow Glass. They are a great addition to the group of glass artists we feature in the gallery.
Something I just learned about today is National Sky Awareness Week, which is observed during the last full week of April each year. It’s a simple thing to observe yourself. Take time when you’re outside to look up and pay attention to the sky. Note the shapes and movements of the clouds, the colors of the sky, and appreciate that you are looking into the atmosphere that makes life possible.
Hutchinson and the surrounding area are home to numerous individuals who recognize the beauty and importance of nature. There are farmers, hunters and fishermen, hikers and campers, and many other types of people who depend on the environment for both their livelihood and for recreation. I am thankful to live here and to work at Clay Coyote because it makes it easy to appreciate nature. Each day when I arrive at work and every day I leave, I get to take in the open sky and look out on Lake Todd. Plus, it is exciting to work some place that has brought charging stations for electric vehicles to our community, has plans to implement more renewable energy sources in the future, and features artists who use recycled materials like Yardbirds, Spirit Glassworks, and PoCo Paper.
This is a great week to come out to the gallery to take in the beauty of the country yourself and do some shopping while you’re at it. We are open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This weekend, April 26th through April 28th, is our Spring Open House. You can enjoy live cooking demos, see the work of three visiting Minnesotan artists, and browse all of our beautiful handmade art. While you’re here you can also walk the path through the property, watch the birds around Lake Todd, and practice nephelococcygia (the act of finding shapes in the clouds).
