ODDS AND ENDS

Cabbage Patch Dolls “Cabbage Patch Years” During the Cabbage Patch doll craze in the 80's, I was home with our 2 sons. I created over 500 dolls for little girls and boys in our community.

Turkey Toilets “Yes, I said Turkey Toilets” Thanks to Randy Showalter (associated with the Wild Turkey Federation) who has a vivid imagination, I was asked to paint a wild turkey's body on an abandoned toilet Randy found in a ditch! It turned out to be a success as it was carted around by Randy to serve as a ticket bowl for drawings at Wild Turkey Federation meetings.

Randy approached me to paint a second turkey toilet. This was a brand new toilet...I was certainly moving up in the world! This toilet was auctioned off to raise money at the 1998 National Convention of the Wild Turkey Federation in Indianapolis. Who would want a turkey toilet? It was purchased by John L. Morris, owner of Bass Pro Shops. Mr. Morris and his friend, General Norman Schwarzkopf, carried my toilet to his waiting limousine and flew it back to Springfield, Missouri. What became of my toilet........... who knows? All I know is that this is as close as I have come to riding in a limo!

Warvel Park Bench – “How I Spent My Spring Break 2006” – Twenty or so area artists were asked to paint park benches for Warvel Park, North Manchester. The themes could be anything, but geared toward children. I chose tropical fish – especially with the popularity of “Finding Nemo.” While it was fun to do, I spent five days painting the back, front and seat. My bench was abducted by the community pool manager and is housed in their building on the corner of 9th street and Market Street!