An Artistic Celebration

Welcome!

"In the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia
On the trail of the lonesome pine..."
-From "The Trail of the Lonesome Pine"
by Ballard MacDonald

This past weekend, Greg and I went to Southwest Virginia which is a beautiful area.

We spent Friday night at a fantastic place, "The Inn at Wise," which was newly renovated four years ago.

The Inn at Wise

The decor is lovely.

The food is delicious.

Greg and I easily give this inn five + stars!

The next day, Saturday, July 7, 2018 was a very special day for my family and me since it was the "50th Anniversary Celebration of Paintings" of my father's first art show (on July 7, 1968) at the June Tolliver House in Big Stone Gap, Virginia (which is just a 20-minute drive from Wise).

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June Tolliver House

My brother, Nick, and I took several of Daddy's paintings that we had at our houses for the special exhibit at the June Tolliver House. Those were displayed along with the permanent collection of Daddy's artwork. My mother, Jean Botts and my grandmother Fan H. Botts were also honored with a couple of their paintings on display, as well.

Nick was assisted by Joyce, a volunteer at the Tolliver House.

The house looked beautiful, all dressed up in finery.

In case you missed the show, here it is in instant replay-

Come on in, the celebration is about to begin!

You are greeted at the door by a talented banjo player.

The first order of business is to sign the guest book, and to make a much-needed donation.

 And, don't forget to smell the roses!

The program is in progress in the parlor with a standing-room-only audience. Speeches are made by Mary, Nick, and me. 

Mary

The mayor of Big Stone Gap reads a proclamation that honors the June Tolliver House and the Botts family's contribution to the arts and to the community.

And the winner is-

This lucky lady from Elizabethton , Tennessee won the Tolliver House raffle with several prizes including tickets to "The Trail of the Lonesome Pine" outdoor drama which is next door to the Tolliver House.

With the program completed, viewing the paintings throughout the house is next on the agenda.

Partaking of delicious refreshments is a must!

And, so is a visit to the gift shop with lots of interesting items.

The June Tolliver Guild ladies (including Judy, president and Joyce, vice president) are more than happy to help you with you purchases, and please thank them for such an outstanding job of hosting the special art show.

All good things must come to an end, but we value the wonderful day, and all of the special memories that we'll always cherish.

I'd also like to remember my very special artistic mother (who is in heaven) on her birthday today (July 9). We love you Mama!

Positive thought: "Don't save things for a special occasion. Every day of your life is a special occasion."-Thomas S. Monson

Thanks for visiting! Until Sunday, August 5, 2018, Becky