It's been a while since I've been here.

In September George and I were hit while sitting in our car at a red light. The girl that hit us, totaled our car and had no insurance. George's painters thumb was bent so bad the doctor thought it was broken but it turned out to be severely sprained. My neck and back were hurt but therapy helped me loosen those twisted muscles.

Then October 31st. George's dad passed away at the age of 99. You will remember that I have listed a lot of George's dad's artwork for sale over the years. He has been a tremendous artist for many years. He did wonderful tramp art, including large trunks, boxes, frames and whimsical items. He was a professional sign painter most of his life but had accomplished so much more. He taught auction school, specializing in tobacco sales. He had created many model steamboats and had opened a Steamboat museum in S. Illinois. He made hundred of miniature outhouses and also had an outhouse museum. He helped George, when he opened the Covered Bridge Museum in Rockville, Indiana. They built a life size covered bridge inside the museum and a miniature scale of a full maple syrup camp. His life was full and accomplished. You can visit his bio page and take a look at some of the items we have listed for him there and also on the NEW ITEMS page. We will miss him so much.

Because of a decline in tourism, we are forced to close down our Fun Spot in Shipshewana, Indiana. So, we have been busy emptying the building before the beginning of the next season.

As January 2013 begins, George is also creating folk art for a special project he is involved in and getting ready for shows that will sneak up on faster than we think. We are praying that you all have good health and happiness. We hope to run into some of you down the road. Feel free to email us. We'd love hearing from you. If you need some special artwork done, just jot us a note and we'll see what we can do.....Happy 2013!!!

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It's Folk Fest time again!

When August gets here we look forward to the largest folk art show in North America, held in Atlanta, Georgia.

Folk Artists from all over America (and our friend Sisi from Spain) gather at this great venue. It gives us an opportunity to meet up with friends we haven't seen in a while and catch up on the NEWS! of what's happening in the folk art world and our lives.

For the folk art collector it gives you the most beautiful spectacle in the world! FOLK ART EVERYWHERE! You will be overwhelmed by the color and the creativity of the artists that present their works at this show.

Missionary Mary Proctor, the number one female exhibitor, will be there with her doors. If you don't know Mary's story, please check it out on our artist page.

Also present will be CORNBREAD, the Number one male artist. His art flies out the door, so get there early. Again he will be in Stan The Potteryman's booth this year.

All in all over 90 booths will be exhibiting.

Unfortunately we have lost some wonderful artists in this last year....Mr Imagination, originally from Chicago and Chris Clark, from Birmingham. We will miss their presence.

If you want to see some really great works of art, this is the show to attend from Aug 17-19 at The North Atlanta Trade Center...Norcross, Ga.

WE CAN'T HARDLY WAIT! Hope to see you there!!

For more information check out Slotin's Folk Fest!

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This is my last catch-up and then I'm caught up! Yip-e-e-e-e-e!!

George and I took Saturday night off and went to see Otis Taylor in concert. We had a really good time.

Several years ago we attended Simply The Blues Festival in Ft. Madison, Iowa. MC for the show that year was Cassie Taylor, Otis' daughter. We met her and took a picture of her and George together. Be sure and check out that pix on our musicians page. It is so-o-o-o funny because Cassie is a tall gal and George looks like he's standing in a hole!!

We took that picture with us to the show to give Otis and George had made him a plaque with his name on it. Otis said "That's my daughter!"..George will have those pix up soon for you to see. We met the entire band and they signed a musicians board that George makes for me to hang in my music room. Everyone was so nice and I can't go without saying what a wonderful fiddler Anne Harris is. If you have never heard her you are in for a real treat. Google and u-tube her. She is amazing!

Thanks Otis for an enjoyable and much needed night out.

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THE BLUES FROM THE HEART & SOUL

That's the title of the show now at the Lake County Discovery Museum in Wauconda, Illinois.

George and I traveled up to Wauconda to see this fantastic show of blues art by our dear friend Barrellhouse Chuck. We were overwhelmed with the quality of this show. There is a massive amount of original playbills and autographs and original musical instruments.

Chuck has acquired so much and preserved this history of the blues for many generations to come.

Thank God for his foresight to do so.

We encourage everyone to take the time to go see this display.

The show runs through August 19th, so you still have some time to go there.

YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.

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The next week-end after the Day In The Country show was George's Dad's 99th birthday. We headed to southern Illinois to surprise him on his BIG day!. He didn't know we were coming because we didn't want to disappoint him if something got in the way and we didn't make it.

George's two other brothers Art and Jay were there also, along with grandson J J and his wife and family. It was a good time had by all.

George's dad is in a nursing home and we invited everyone into the dining hall for cake, ice cream and entertainment. Jay and George both made art tributes to some of the many accomplishments that George G has done in his lifetime. He is a master of many things. Jay did a drawing and George E (or....my George) made his dad a shadowbox tribute to a few of his accomplishments.

Here's a list of just a few things he's done....

Auctioneer

Instructor at Repperts School of Auction

Sign Man

World Class Penman

Rice Writer and Card Carver

Steamboat Historian

Old West Historian

Parade Float Builder

Tramp Art Craftsman

The list goes on and on....

Check out his artist page here at Possum County

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Well, here we go. We’ve been passing ourselves coming and going.

We attended the DAY IN THE COUNTRY show at Morehead, Ky.

We had such a great re-union with our good friends Minnie and Greg Adkins. And we caught up on some conversations with other friends that had traveled in for the show. Tom & Shelley Steck came from New Jersey. Joel Pinkerton was there from Louisville. And a new artist named Holly Hinkle set up and will be joining the ranks at Possum County Folk Art Gallery soon.

Be sure and check out Merline and Glen Maynard, Lonnie & Twyla Money, Bob Morgan and Levint Isik.

I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Ron Coopers two daughters Sharon and Linda and his son Tim. Ron was at the show and we talked briefly. Since the show, Sharon has told me that her dad was in the hospital again. We are hoping and praying that he is back home now and feeling better.

We just love doing this show, even though it is a long way for us to travel to but George knows I LOVE GETTING BACK IN MY OLD STOMPING GROUNDS!! Kentucky will always be home.

CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS ON OUR ART SHOW PAGE!

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Excited! Excited! Excited

We go over to Shipshewana, Indiana on Sunday to set up for the Memorial week-end . We will be open Monday, Tues and Wed. George will be painting signs at his booth there. Should be a crowded Monday with people getting the day off and schools in the area already closed....POOR OL' GEORGES"S FUN SPOT will be open and it will be the day to bring the family and attend a very unique attraction....RAN RAIN GO AWAY!!!

After Shipshe we are leaving to go down to Morehead for the DAY IN THE COUNTRY SHOW on Sat. June 2nd with our good friends Minnie and Greg Adkins. Day in the country is so unique because there are so many wood carvers there that Minnie has mentored. If you are interested in Appilachian wood carving , this is the show to attend.

We are really anxious to see lots of our friends at the show. People come from New York that we only get to see once a year. It is also close to my hometown of Painstville (about 30 miles away). Hoping some of my family can make it over to the show.

So, I'm watching the clock and counting down the days 'til we load up and head out!

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We lost a very good friend and musician last Sunday night. Michael Burks suffered a heart attack at the airport in Atlanta on Sunday, May 6th. He was only 54 years old. Michael and his band were returning from a month long tour in Europe.

Not only was he just the best guitar player around but his entire band was the most congenial people to be around. Chuck “Popcorn” Lowden, drummer; Wayne Sharp, B-3 organ, Don Garrett was his bass guitar player for years and retired due to some health issues. Terry Grayson stepped in and filled those shoes very well.

We were fortunate enough to get to know Michael through his many shows at The Midway and He played at Ol’ Harv’s 25th Radio Anniversary.. Harve is our local Blues DJ. Michael’s wife Bobbie is a folk art collector and has many of George’s pieces in her collection. George made Michael a special sign when IRON MAN was released and the first words out of his mouth was…Bobbie will want this!! We send her our deepest sympathies.

A funny story about Popcorn. Several years ago we met a girl named Ronda at the Folk art show in Atlanta. We always looked forward to seeing her once a year. One year she walked into the show and introduced us to her boyfriend and we said “Popcorn is that you?” and he said “George and Sheila is that you?” Ronda was about as shocked as we were that we already knew one another….and we were so happy that Chuck and Ronda were together. What a small world.

There was only one Michael Burks. He had an infectious smile and a heart has big as Texas. We really enjoyed the way he mingled with the crowd during performances. The first time we saw Michael back in 2007, he played for 3 solid hours, took a 15 minute break and played another hour…earning him the name “IRON MAN”. He was in his element on stage.

George had done a painting of his CD cover “I Smell Smoke”…the silouhette of Michael and his guitar. We took it over to The Midway for him to sign it so I could put it in my music room. Michael encouraged George to begin doing blues tribute artwork and having the musicians sign it. I now have a “Room full of Blues” thanks to Michael.

I was particually appreciative when he went to Iraq to entertain the troops. It was during the time that my son Matt was stationed in Ramadi, Iraq. I’m sure many of our troops were well entertainined, introduced to the blues and became instant fans.

RIP Michael….we sure will miss you a lot!

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Happy! Happy! Happy! Spring!!

We have had such a good late winter-early spring in northern Indiana we almost have to pinch ourselves to see if it is real!

We started Shipshewana and opened Poor Ol’ George’s™ Fun Spot with hundreds of new attractions including an Indiana wall of fame (there are tons of famous people from Indiana), a patriotic wall and lots of new photo props. You can come in and take your picture with Robert Wadlow, the tallest man in the world according to Guiness Book of world records. Poke your heads thru holes and you are in the American Gothic Painting! Or another one to become a Rock Star!! And many more “”pitcher takin’ opportunities”

We added a music center with a set of “Poor Man's Drums” made out of tin cans and plastic containers. The kids can play them until their Mom says STOP! (You big kids can play too!) There is a tribute to Delta Blues Legends, a Grateful Dead tribute, a Jimi Hendrix Guitar and hanging on the wall are funny guitars… like a pineapple guitar, a guit-TIRE and a bedpan guitar! You gotta see ‘em!

If you want a fun vacation this year, head up north to Shipshewana, IN. any Tuesday or Wednesday. This is a quaint little Amish town of 500 people during a normal week but explodes to over 10,000 visitors daily when the flea market of over 900 dealers comes to town every Tues. and Wed. for the summer. We have plenty of motel rooms, the great Blue Gate Restaurant and even a Water Park up here!!!

We are getting ready for the DAY IN THE COUNTRY SHOW in MOREHEAD, KY on Saturday June 2nd. This is the show that famed Kentucky carver Minnie Adkins started at her farm many years ago. The show is now at the Kentucky Folk Art Center at 102 West First Street in Morehead at Morehead State University. If you are close or planning a fun trip soon…this should be it! Our good friend Minnie will be there, with many other carvers and folk artists that Minnie has mentored and encouraged through the years. She has won many awards for her efforts to promote folk art.

Minnie was the 1992 recipient of the inaugural Jane Morton Norton Award given by the Norton Center for the Arts for achievement in advancing the arts in Kentucky. She has also received the Award of Distinction from the Folk Art Society of America in 1993 and the Appalachian Treasure Award in 1994. In 1998, she was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Morehead State University

Adkins' work has been featured in many museum and gallery exhibitions. Her work is in the permanent collections of the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, Ky.; the Kentucky Folk Art Center at Morehead State University; the Huntington Museum of Art, W.V.; and the Craft and Folk Art Museum, Los Angeles. Her carvings are also in the collections of Bill Cosby, Oprah Winfrey and Barbara Streisand....we also have several possum carvings by Minnie.

Walk around the fair and you will also find decorated walking sticks, stone carvings, assemblages made from junk and other found materials, as well as a fantastic selection of wood carvings, of all subjects, shapes and sizes. This year, some of the nation’s most creative folk artists will be driving in to participate in the event in Morehead from more than ten different states.

Here’s a small sample of names that may be there along with Minnie: George Borum, Ronald Cooper, Earl Gray, Chris Hubbard, Tim Lewis, Peter Loose, Lonnie Money, Twyla Money, Jim Gary Phillips, Cher Shaffer, Guy & Dollie Skaggs, Joyce Skaggs, Bonita Skaggs-Parsons, Joel Pinkerton and LaVon Van Williams “Mr Basketball” from the University of Kentucky.

Hope to see you all in my home state of Kentucky but if you can’t make it, keep checking out our blog and we’ll let you know where we’ll be and where you can find some really great folk art!

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GREAT NEWS!

We were excited yesterday to receive a package of FOLK ART from South Carolina. It was like Christmas opening the package...we never know what to expect...our artists are so creative!

We were thrilled to get 24 NEW PAINTINGS of NEW SUBJECTS from the memories of our friend...son of a scarecropper...Squeakie Stone. He’s one of our hottest selling artists. He paints subjects from his childhood of tobacco and cotton farming, oyster gathering, flower and basket sellers, etc., etc. YOU'LL LOVE HIS WORK!

Please check his NEW PAINTINGS. Click on "ARTISTS" at the top of this page and click on his picture.

We have another South Carolina memory painter SAM EZELL that you might love.

We still have a few of paintings on hand from South Carolina by ERNEST LEE the FUNKY CHICKEN MAN...

Check out all of our artists....it's a tough economy and we have to support them all we can!

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George and I took a load over to Shipshewana, Indiana in preparation of opening day May 1st. George changes displays every year in our fun attraction THE FUN SPOT (which is like a Rilpley's Believe it or Not!)

Take your picture with a life size painting of the world's tallest man, Robert. Wadlow 8' 11" tall...yep! That's right....He still holds the worlds record

Shipshewana is a sleepy Amish town of about 500 normally. BUT on Tues and Wed from May-Oct is tourist season and over 20,000 people travel to this quaint little town.

The Fun Spot in located in the center of the flea market in two large buildings (U can't miss the signs) which is Indiana's largest flea market with over 900 dealers. It is an experience in itself!

1,000's have enjoyed it and we are anticipating another great season....AND... all of the good weather we've been experiencing. If ya' get up our way, stop in and see us!!!

Follow the link below to see previous pictures of the Fun Spot...

CLICK HERE TO SEE IT

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We had a hot time in the old town of Mishawaka, Indiana Friday night March 16th. Junior Combs and his band blew into town from LaPorte and put on one of the best shows we have seen in a while.

JUNIOR COMBS AND JESSE SCUTCHFIELD were great as always and we were happy to meet their new drummer MIKE McCALMET. Mike fit so well with the group that it seemed like they had been playing together for years. It's a great trio.

If your foot wasn’t tapping, there was something wrong with you. Even George , just recently getting out of a foot cast couldn’t sit still.

Junior and the Igniters played tirelessly for 3 sets. Playing Roots Rock, Rockabilly, Early Rock n Roll and blues. Junior had a new guitar he was trying out and I thought it was going to catch on fire!

They had harp wizard Tom Moore stand in on a couple songs and let me tell you, these guys never slow down (MUCH!!!)

Next month they will be in South Bend as one of the opening acts for Johnny Winters when he come to town. BUT, let me tell you this….anytime you see they are playing around your area….’RUN DON’T WALK!!”

CHECK OUT SOME OF THE PIX WE TOOK AT THE SHOW BELOW….

CLICK HERE TO SEE IT

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POOR OL’ GEORGE™ RELEASES A NEW eBook for Kindles, iPads, etc

Back in 2005 George published a 48 page book called Poor Ol’ George’s™ Book of Outhouses illustrated with over 50 of his pen and ink cartoon drawings with an outhouse theme. There are 8 full color pages of outhouse races including George’s won’n’only brick racing outhouse. His creation won many trophies back when he lived down in Kentucky.

It was a great seller at $7.95....the book has been out of print for a couple years now. He’s had many requests to republish it....BUT...publishing costs have skyrocked forcing up the retail price, making for a questionable investment. So we’re happy to announce that it’s now available as an eBook from Amazon for the small price of $2.99 and it can be downloaded instantly. If you’d like one .....JUST CLICK HERE

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©2013 Possum County

It's been a hectic week but we got through it.

George's stitches all came out yesterday from the foot surgery he had Jan 24th. There was a lot more to it than we originally thought but thanks be to God it is over! Now, to get the healing process moving along!!

He is antsy because he wants to be out in the shop working, so that is a good sign.

Here is a link to a BLUESMAN he did. While you are there look around at some of the other folk art on the website. CLICK HERE TO SEE IT

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Check out the fantastic piece of New Orleans artwork George did commemorating Mardi Gras.

Parades start on Feb 4th and run thru FAT TUESDAY Feb.21.

Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday, is the last day of feasting before Catholic Lent begins on Ash Wednesday

3 weeks for the biggest party around!!!

Click on this link to see the George's creation with Mardi Gras beads, big red jingle bells and lots of his famous bright COLORS!

If you are having a party at your house you will need this artwork

CHECK OUT OUR WHAT'S NEW PAGE

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Happy January 2012!

Hope you all are doing just fine!

I apologize for the delay in posts but am anxious to get back to work.

George has been really busy creating artwork and doing custom work for folks. Unfortunately, I can’t post pictures to the website like administation told me but where there’s a will there’s a way…or as George’s old pappy use to say….”Where there’s a will, there’s a crooked lawyer to break it!”

So, I am sending you to Facebook…Possum County Folk Art Gallery, where I can post pictures. Here’s the link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Possum-County-Folk-Art-Gallery/249229431889

You will find a really neat shadowbox of FOUR great bluesmen we lost in 2011. Pinetop Perkins, Honeyboy Edwards, Willie Smith and Hubert Sumlin. Willie was a close, personal friend of ours, along with his son Kenny “Beetie Eyes” Smith. Losing Willie was hard on Bob Stroeger who had played with him for many years since their days with the Muddy Waters band.

Also, I’ve put up a picture of Bluesman Joe Louis from England. Joe contacted us and said he’d be doing some gigs in California. He had seen our artwork and wondered if we’d do something special for him. So, George did a great guitar!! Be sure and check it out…you’ll see it before Joe does…it’s IN THE MAIL!!!

Let me know what you think about the new stuff and what’s going on in your neck of the woods!

Sheila

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Just two days after the folk art community lost Chris Clark, news was received of the fatal car accident involving Missionary Mary Proctors son Christopher. Chris was 32. Our hearts are just broken for Mary and Tyrone. They were at Folk Fest when they learned the news. I'm glad they were surrounded by their folk art friends for moral and spiritual support.

We just can't imagine as parents what they are going through! I just ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers. The funeral is Saturday, Aug. 27th in Tallahassee.

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We returned home from Shipshewana to learn of the death of our dear friend Chris Clark.

Chris was planning on attending Folk Fest in Atlanta this year. We always looked forward to meeting up with him in Atlanta. He had such a calm and pleasant spirit. Just gentle and easy going soul.

Chris was born in Birmingham in 1958. Studied at Livingston University and served 7 years in the Army. He worked in masonry for a few years before he began his battle with diabetes.

There are many publications and videos that document Chris' artwork. "Revelations: Alabama's Visionary Folk Art" and "Rare Visions and Roadside Treasures" just to name a couple.

Chris was taught how to quilt by his grandmother...eventually he began painting quilts. Chris' art was easy to recognize by his vivid colors.By 1991 his quilts were selling for hundreds of dollars. Chris was a Chrisitan and his early works were all Spiritual and Scriptural themed.

He was part of a Black Southern Artist exhibit at the Smithsonian along with Missionary Mary Proctor, Charlie Lucas, Mose Tolliver, Jimmy Lee Suddeth and Sam the Dot Man.

Two years ago, Chris called me over to share his excitement of having done all of the artwork for the latest CD release of THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA. He signed a copy for me and I treasure it.

Save me a spot in heaven, my dear friend!

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©2013 Possum County

Last winter our dear friend Barrelhouse Chuck brought Barcelona piano wizard Lluis Coloma to America.

Chuck produced a new CD "Rockin The Blues in Chicago".

The CD has now been released.

George was honored to contribute the artwork for the new CD.

Check out Lluis' website http://www.lluiscoloma.com/

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I know it’s been a while since I last posted but I promise to do better.

George has had some health issues and surgeries but all is well and he is back on his feet and doing great. He is out in his shop working on folk art as I write this.

It’s been a strange beginning to our season in Shipshewana where we operate Poor Ol’ George’s™ Fun Spot. It is a Hysterical (not historical) museum of oddities, interaction photo opportunities and pokes at us hillbillies (We can take it!)

We sit in the middle of the largest flea market and tourist attraction in Indiana. Usually, this destination spot draws 1,000’s of visitors every Tuesday and Wednesday but this year, with the economy as it is, we are not seeing those tourists or bus tours coming.

I know that we are not alone in this economy. I pray for everyone that is struggling. I’ve been in touch with our artists and know that it is tough on them also trying to make their shows, pay entry fees and buy gas and motel expenses…and keep up their own living expenses.

You all know we don’t have anything that anyone NEEDS but our love of the art is always burning in our heart. I guess you could just call us FOLK ART HOARDERS!!!

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What an entertainer!

We saw Pinetop in concert in South Bend last year.

He and his friends Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Bob Stroger, Frank Krakowski and the Amazing Jimmy Mayes...formed the band that night

Be sure and go the the Musicians Page and look at the pictures from that show

Everyone worked their hearts out on that stage

After the show we presented Pinetop with a folk art plaque dedicated to him!

He asked if we had anything we wanted signed and we had a flat sign George had made with a swirled keyboard on it, along with his name, birthdate, birthplace, etc...He signed on the keys:)

We bought the CD "Jointed at the hip" and the Grammy Winning musicians are coming to our venue soon. We were going to send the CD with Little Frank to have Pine sign it.

We will have Frank, Willie, Kenny and Bob sign when they get it. It will be a happy/sad reunion with our friends

And John Primer can sign next time he's in town.

The blues piano is ringing in heaven...God's gain...our loss

So happy we have his recordings and our Friend Barrelhouse Chuck and young blues Pianists like Katie Wassenhove picking up the torch!

We'll miss you Joe Willie!

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The Grammys were held Feb. 18th and we are proud to announce that some very special friends of ours WON in the blues category!

Congratulations to Willie “Big Eyes” Smith and Pinetop Perkins for their CD JOINED AT THE HIP.

Also receiving a Grammy was our local guitar friend “Little Frank” Krakowski, Willie’s son Kenny “Beetie Eyes” Smith on drums, Legendary bass player Bob Stroger and John Primer, guitar.

This fantastic group of musicians plays our local venue The Midway Tavern and Dancehall…all but Pinetop, because he is now living in Texas BUT he was a resident of LaPorte, Indiana for most of his life and was a frequent sight at The Midway before he moved away.

This is the nicest group of musicians you could ever meet.

Pinetop and Willie were with Muddy Waters for years. Willie was playing drums back then and passed that gift on to his son Kenny. Willie now plays harp. So, next time you are listening to a Muddy Waters CD listen for the drums and bass.

If you ever get to see Bob Stroger, you will never forget him because he always has this infectious smile on his face and has more fun than anyone else.

John Primer puts on a heck of show when he comes to town and has some get CD’s.

Little Frank is so down to earth and accessible. He has his own band Little Frank and the Premiers with front man and harp player Tom Moore. Frank received two awards on Grammy night. The Grammy and a new baby girl!!

We are just so proud of all of these guys and think it speaks for itself that they were chosen to receive this honor!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

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Would like to welcome you all to our world!

We have plenty of snow to go around and hear our friends in Georgia are out playing in the snow!

Just west of us in SOuth Bend they got over 3 feet but we ended up with only a foot and a half!!

Talked to a friend from around the Atlanta area and she said they'd probably not have school for a week!

Is that the school bus I hear out in front of our house?

YOU Southerners...enjoy and have fun!

How often does it come around for ya?

Visit my facebook to see some pictures!

I don't know how to add them here!

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©2013 Possum County

Well, let me catch you up and tell you what’s been going on.

My Mom has been diagnosed with the early stage of Alzheimer’s. She was living in Arizona but in late July I flew out to bring her closer to me. I found her a great assisted living apartment just 15 miles from my house. I can now work and spend time with Mom knowing she is being cared for when I am not around. It was an adjustment for her but we are moving forward. It took so much of my time, that things are just now settling down. Mom didn’t want to venture out at first, so for a couple of months stayed at her living facility. I finally convinced her to ride around with me and see the fall colors… We spent Thanksgiving day at my house and we recently decorated her apartment for Christmas. So, things are looking up. God is good!

In between finishing up at THE FUN SPOT in Shipshewana the end of October and dealing with Mom’s needs, I have had several new artists join us at Possum County Folk Art Gallery. George and I have their artwork posted now. Let me tell you about them...

As you know when you first come to the website there are options at the top right under our sign. Clicking on ARTISTS takes you to that page and you can browse through the artwork.

We met Ken Pease in Atlanta this year. His blues folk art is wonderful and I love his colors. He is an avid blues fan but has other interests also. Childrens art and has written a book…Check him out. I think you’re going to like it!

I also met Sam Ezell in Atlanta. Talking to Sam is a history lesson in folk art. He was encouraged to create by one of the most famous artists….Bernice Sims. Sam is a known character in his neck of the woods. Be sure and read his bio and check out his folk art.

Also, this fall a friend introduced me to Karla Hayden. Karla loves folk art and had a grandmother that was also into folk art and encouraged the folk art bug. I like her themes and colors. She is reasonably priced…so be sure and check her out and see what she does.

All of our artists have been busy. Be sure and see the new arrivals that have been coming in to the gallery just in time for Chistmas. I got a package from Missionary Mary just a couple of weeks ago and Squeakie says his is on its way.

Enjoy the holidays and appreciate every moment you have with family and friends. Keep in touch. Contact me thru this website or put me in your address book: sheila@possumcounty.com

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©2013 Possum County

We had such a good time and we are really sorry if you missed FOLK FEST this year. We traveled down to Georgia in torrential rains. Sorry to pass Nashville, Tn while the mess was coming down. They sure didn’t need the rain! Saw lots of accidents, mostly trucks going too fast. But, nothing was going to deter us from Atlanta.

We arrived on Wednesday evening and got settled into the hotel. Then, on Thursday we headed over to the Trade Center to get loaded in for the show. IT WAS HOT! But, thanks to the help of a porter, we finally got everything inside. (Have to have everything in the building on Thursday).We started on filling the walls and then setting the tables in place. Ran out of time, so we headed to The Wafflehouse to eat. There we met our new friend “T” ..Tenesha..who was waiting tables. What a trip. If you get to this Waffle House, don’t miss her. She was a talker and we liked her right away. Grand dreams of traveling, going to Japan or maybe she’ll just join the military after graduation and see the world that way. So, each evening after the show, we’d head to the Waffle House just to hear what she had dreamed up next. We hated to leave her behind but gave her some lucky Mardi Gras beads to remember us by! Hoping to get a picture of us on here somehow!

This was one of the best shows ever!! This year we were surprised by a visit from MINNIE ADKINS, the famous wood carver from Newcome Creek near Isonville, Ky. Minnie has influenced so many people in her life . If by chance you don’t know of her, just do a search on her! She puts on a show in May every year in Morehead called

A Day In The Country

We met up with Missionary Mary Proctor and her husband Tyrone…Mary brought some really interesting pieces to the show..including the very first door she ever painted! Wow! It was something else. We visited before the show with Eric Legge, Ruby Williams (My bestest friend from Florida and famed Produce Stand Artist), Cornbread (the most collected artist of the show), and all of our Gallery Friends who work so hard to bring the artwork to the show for you all to see and enjoy!

We met a lot of new artists and are working on getting a few of them on the website for you to see and start collecting. So, keep watching…we’ll Get R Done!

Thanks to Slotins and everyone involved that help us the Galleries get to come to this show and exhibit our wonderful artists and artwork!!

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Well…hey it’s that time of the year again! Folk Fest Show in Atlanta. Where did the time go? Seems like summer just started and here it is August already. We’ve had our fair share of the heat in Northern Indiana and we look forward to some of that fine Southern heat in Georgia.

George is busy painting and we are ready to escape Indiana and go south.

We look forward to seeing our folk art collector friends and our art friends. We are just sorry that we are so far away that it only happens once a year.

If you have never attended Slotin’s Folk Fest, you don’t know what you’re missing. People travel from all over the world just to get to this show. Be sure and put this show on your...

MUST DO LIST!

We have lost some of our older artists, Rev Howard Finster, RA Miller, Jimmie Lee Suddeth and of course our dear friend Danny “Bucketman” Hoskins. These guys were the foundation blocks of what we know as folk art today. Get to know the current creators who are trying to fill those shoes. Start collecting now….we are so glad we did so many years ago. We have a piece of each of these artists in our home and hearts. Just looking at folk art makes you happy!

Let’s meet up in Georgia August 20-21-22!! We’re ready!!

 

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Sheila and George, sorry I'm going to miss you guys at folkfest this year. I severely broke my ankle May 30. I have not been able to put weight on it and have been stuck in the bed and on the the couch since then. Your Friend, Jimmy W.

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Just an update on what’s been going on. George apologizes for not getting any pictures posted to the website lately.

He has been extremely busy. Besides working the flea market, he’s been doing a lot of custom sign work for the vendors in his work shop at home. And of course, he sells his own “Funny” signs (Something to make you laugh) in his booth.

AND it’s that time of the year again when he is busy working on the calendar that he has published for over 37 years. He started doing that B-S (Before Sheila)! I’m proud of George, the Poor Ol’ George Calendar is the number one fund raiser for the Hillbilly Shriners and all of the proceeds go to the transportation of the kids to and from the hospital. It’s a good thing those Hillbillies do!! Both George and the Shriners! So, if you happen to buy one, you know you’ve contributed to a good cause.

He is also making artwork to go to the big Folk Art Show in Atlanta. We leave mid-August…we’re old, so it takes us a couple of stops before we hit Atlanta, the same coming home. Remember, we’re a mile from the Michigan boarder!! But we look forward to this show every year. We get to reunite with friends and meet the folks that are buying our folk art in person!

So be patient with George. He says he should be able to do website work around the first of September…It’ll be here before we’re ready!

He’ll be getting postings for 3-4 blues shows we have attended, The Morehead Kentucky “Day In The Country” folk art show we did in May and the Atlanta Folk Art show coming up in August.

He will be adding new folk art to the sight and look for the Poor Ol' George News From Possum County BLOG. Don't forget that along with everything else he's done he published the Possum County News™ for many, many years! He was a rag sheet publisher before I met him.

p.s. I’ve got a long list for him too but guess it can wait! Did someone say Winter Projects in Northern Indiana?

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I want to thank all of you who visit our website. Since overhauling the sight last winter, we have received so many compliments on the looks and from our customers, the ease of buying folk art and checking out!

We are so committed to two things…Folk Art and The Blues. We will do all we can to educate and promote these two art forms! Yes ART! The artists that work to create paintings, assemblages, signs, etc. that show their creativity. AND the artists that hit the road and go from venue to venue to bring their talents to us! They are both so extremely committed to their gift. Both are some of the finest friends you will ever want to get to know. When you meet a folk artist there is an instant connection to them, the same with the blues people. It just seems like you’ve known each other forever. Maybe it is because we are not MAINSTREAM, maybe it is because both forms of talent break the mold of what is politically correct! Whatever it is, it is a good thing. Neither one of these forms of art are self gloating or pretentious. Isn’t it nice that God left some NORMAL, down to earth people just for us?

Here’s how kind these folks are. We have a 16 year old friend named Katie Wassenhove. Heard that name before? She’s the granddaughter of Albertina, owner of the Midway MIDWAY

Katie’s been faithfully learning to play the piano and is involved in music at her high school. As Little Charlie previously of the NIGHTCATS says … “The key is…PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE everyday!” And we’ve watched her blossom right before our very eyes. Well, I’ve told you before that the best of the blues bands play at our MIDWAY! Every piano player that comes to the MIDWAY calls Katie to come up and play with them

. She’s played with Detroit Mike (The Elwood Splinters Blues Band)ELWOOD SPLINTERS

Barrelhouse Chuck (Chicago Blues Piano Man & did the sound track for Cadillac Records Movie) BARRELHOUSE

Bruce Katz (Bruce Katz Band, music professor at Berkley and tours with the Greg Allman Band)BRUCE KATZ BAND

Last week-end with Honey Piazza THE MIGHTY FLYERS

You tell me that these are snooty people…absolutely not! These PROFESSIONALS are encouraging Katie to reach out and go for the gold! She’s on U Tube and Facebook! Check her out for yourself and join The Blues Family!! You will not be disappointed! Isn’t it great when you see kids doing something positive? George made her a “Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year 2025” sign! YOU GO KATIE! Make your dreams come true! We’re in your corner

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We took a break to go see our dear friends Rod and Honey Piazza…yes THAT Rod and Honey MIGHTY FLYERS. We got an email from Honey and assured her we’d be there! (We couldn't go to K-zoo because our store manager Jessie got hitched on Saturday. Jess worked for us for over 12 years!) The Flyers hadn’t been back here in 5 years and it sure was good to see them! And they reassured us they wouldn’t stay away so long! They ONLY live in CALIFORNIA!

They had flown in to Chicago and worked Buddy Guys on Friday, went to Kalamazoo, Michigan on Saturday to headline the Blues Festival there. And then came to MISHWAKA, Indiana at THEIR favorite venue of all to play THE MIDWAY TAVERN

The Midway was packed to overflowing. It was a really hot Sunday night but no one complained! Hey The Flyers were in town!! We chatted with everyone before the show and George had some artwork for everyone. This was the first piece of art for Dave and Henry … immortalizing them on a plaque for their outstanding musical talents and a sign to Rod and Honey naming the band OUR FAVORITE BAND OF THE YEAR AWARD! This isn’t just our opinion, the band has won the blues award many times and Honey the Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year more than once.

We were sorry to see the night end and our friends have to head home. Don’t miss seeing them perform live (that’s in person!) sometime, they will knock your socks off! Honey plays with her feet, Rod stands on tables, Dave throws off his jacket and beats the heck out of those drums and Henry is outstanding on his electric guitar and his vocals are GREAT!

WE PLAY THE MIGHTY FLYER CD’S IN OUR BOOTH IN ATLANTA SETTING UP AND TEARING DOWN!! We enjoy it and so does our neighbors and we might introduce some new folks to the Greatest, Hard Working band out there!

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We’ve been fans of the BRUCE KATZ Band for a long time. They recently returned to the MIDWAY TAVERN.Bruce Katz Band

They are not only one of the best bands around but they are the nicest and crowd friendly band. Compiled of Bruce Katz, Chris Viterello and Ralph Rosen…all three members are music teachers.

Bruce is a top of the line B-3 player. Spokensman for the Hammond B-3 and teaches at Berklee School of Music when he isn’t on the road with the Greg Allman Band.

Chris is one of the best electric guitar players in the country. He is amazing to watch and a heck of a nice guy! He teaches guitar and has a very special one of a kind blue guitar that one of his advance students made and gave him … number 0001! He’s proud of it and rightly so and boy! can he make that thing sing!!! Chris has also played with such notables as Jimmy McGriff, Dennis Gruenling, Mitch Woods and the Rocket 88’s, Jeremy Baum and many more.

Ralph Rosen is on drums. He keeps the steady beat of the band going and his instrumentals are fantastic! Ralph lives in Boston and is a mainstay of the blues and jazz scene there. He has released 2 albums.

Check out this band if they are ever near you!! You’ll find out why they are one of our top band picks!!!!

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On Saturday night June 12th we went over to The Midway to see the band BLUE LUNCH. The guys come from the Cleveland, Ohio area. They combine jump, blues and swing music. They are a fantastic band…and will entertain you thoroughly with their brass sections (saxaphone, trombone and trumpet) along with a great bass guitar player named Ray and guitar, drums and harp!

Their harmony is the best we’ve heard in a long time. Real tight and real sweet! They are definitely a band to see, hear and enjoy!

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We are pleased to welcome two new artists to Possum County

James "Squeakie" Stone is pretty well known in the south. He has been creating folk art for a long time being inspired by his uncle.

He's done odd jobs like house painting and as a youngster remembers cropping tobacco and picking cotton.

But folk art is his passion and he expresses it well in his artwork. Be sure and check him out on the artist page. Read his Bio.

THE WIRE DUDE, George and I met by accident a couple of weeks ago. We just stood and marveled at his ability to bend wire. His script is perfect and the end results will amaze you. He can do most anything!

We brought home a few pieces with us for you to look at. Remember the pictures do not do it justice.

You will find Wire Dude on the artist page under ANONYMOUS and UNKNOWN ARTISTS. Scroll down to the bottom of the page!

Thanks for looking...Sheila

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We’ve been really busy. The FUN SPOT opens next Tuesday in Shipshewana, Indiana. We are in the main aisle of the Flea Market. You can see our sign when you pull into the market off of State Rd. 5. We’ve added a lot of new attractions this year. Last year everyone enjoyed Robert Wadlow the tallest man in the world. This year we have Gen Tom Thumb, Cinderella’s Glitter Castle, The leaning tower of Pizza, Picture Ops where you poke your face through an opening and you can be a strong man, a country cutie, riding along in a buggy or being eaten by a shark. Visit Hillbilly Holler and laugh your belly off! You can even get your fortune told by Madame Louis the Bovine (that’s a cow)!

This is in the heart of Amish country and the little town of 500 becomes the BIG CITY on Tues/Wed with over 15,000-25,000 people a day. There are plenty of hotels, restaurants and even a Water Park! Make it your mini vacation this year!...Check it out on our front page-click on the FUN SPOT button

There is a huge Antique Auction every Wed on the Flea Market Grounds. You’ll find as many as 12 auctioneers going at one time inside one building. This is one of the largest auctions around and gets lots of media attention!

I’m also glad to announce that our artist OTTO has been doing a bang up job. He sent us a lot of art a while back and here are some comments:

• Hi Sheila - the Ottos arrived today and thanks so much! Love them! Thanks – Gaby

• Got the Folk Art today and had it in my truck when a friend saw it before I got it to the gallery and bought the Colorful Canvas by Otto-Lori

Be sure and check him out by clicking on....

OUR ARTISTS!

Summer's almost here...Have fun ya'all! Sheila

 

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The folk art world lost two great artists this week...

MYRTICE WEST and PURVIS YOUNG.

Myrtice brought her messages from the Bible to the masses through her artwork. She came back from a house fire that destroyed everything and did not give up!

Created between 1978-1985, Myrtice West’s Revelations Series is a triumph of visionary and outsider art. Each painting is detailed extensively in the book Wonders to Behold: The Visionary Art of Myrtice West. Each is a museum piece.

"I’d like to say I’m not much of an artist as I don’t have much of an education or training... I know also I am not a writer and unless Christ comes in, I am afraid I can’t explain how I did these pictures or why.” — Myrtice West

Purvis began at an early age...Young's symbols convey the on-going economic and cultural divides so prevalent in Miami and beyond through recurring images of black and white horses, pregnant women, highways and overpasses, convoys of trucks and trains, railroad tracks, airplanes, angels and Zulu warriors.

He was one of South Florida's most storied artists, a man who transformed a troubled life with brush strokes, painting the joys and sorrows of his people on objects discarded in his Overtown neighborhood - a great body of work that brought Purvis Young international recognition.

"My feeling was that the world might get better if I put up my protests [in the form of paintings]," --Purvis Young

Both of these artists have contributed greatly to the folk art community and are going to be so missed.

RIP

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Let me bring you up to date on

GEORGE BORUM (aka MUROB, Poor Ol’ George®)

As many of you know he had surgery this winter. He is fully recuperated now and is busy creating folk art

Many of the new artworks are already posted on the website, so jump over to the artist page and click on MUROB

All new artwork is added at the bottom of the page. Wish it would add it to the top but so be it! He has been working on a lot of guitars. Real guitars that are playable. One is the WE LOVE THE BLUES. It is posted and was played by guitar grammy winner Billy Flynn on a visit to our house one day. It sure sounded good in the hands of a Pro! Other guitars are Robert Johnson-yellow, Robert LeRoy Johnson – Blue, and a very colorful and eyecatcher of stars and colorful flat marbles.

He has new 3-D plaques ie. Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Junior Wells, Ray Charles, etc. These plaques have been a staple design by MUROB. They are great additions to any music room or musical collection.

Murob has also made some larger folk art pieces. Check out MR. PEANUT, who is about 3 feet tall, has a monocle and chain, and his body is made out of what else?PEANUTS Some other larger pieces are A Green ALIEN, Beautiful BLUE BIRD made out of thousands of blue bottle caps, Dino the Dinosaur (silver BC’S), Snail made out of bottle caps and flat marbles, Beautiful butterflies and crosses.

HE’S BEEN BUSY! Making up for lost time, I guess.

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On Friday night George and I went to see an extraordinary Rockabilly Blues band called JUNIOR AND THE IGNITORS

The band formed in 1995 featuring Junior Combs on lead guitar and vocals. Jesse Lee Scutchfield on lead vocals and standup bass. And Grant Darby on drums and rhythms.

Junior has a great voice that blends with Scutchfield like they are related! They do a wonderful duet with Junior on vocals and Scutchfield playing a repeat on the electric bass guitar. According to Music Master Bruce Bartlett it is called... “Call and Response"...It will blow you away! The musical balance is unbelievable and the "respond" exchange is dead right on!

Grant Darby is a first-rate drummer. He also accompanies with maracas while drumming! He sits back there by himself and keeps the drive going!

The entire band deserves more accolades and needs to be heard to be appreciated. If you want to be thoroughly entertained then don’t miss this great blues band! They perform every 3rd Friday at The MIDWAY TAVERN

See ya there!! Sheila

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Had such a good week-end with our good friend

BARRELHOUSE CHUCK

Chuck came to town with his Barrelhouse Blues Band on Sat. night. He stayed the night with us and we found ourselves reminising and talking to the wee hours of the morning….LITERALLY…George finally looked up and said “Do you guys know what time it is?” and Chuck and I checked out the clock….It was 4:45 am.

We decided we needed to get our old bodies to bed. Which turned out to be a short nap.

Chuck had to be at the radio station with Harvey for the 1:00 Blues Revue. I don’t think he got there at ONE o’clock! Chuck, Harve, Albertina, Katie and Johnny came over to the house for a quick bite after the radio show. Chuck headed to the bedroom to rest for a while before the show.

He ended up leaving the house at 7 to set up for the 9:00 show.. WHICH WAS A BLAST!! The Midway was rocking with Boogie Woogie and original Barrelhouse songs. If Chuck is ever in your area you really need to see this world acclaimed musician. Chuck is the keyboard performer on the CADILLAC RECORDS movie starring Beyonce’.

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WHAT? You may be saying! This is a great website full of fantastic folk art by some of the top artists in the nation.WHOHADADA

When I talk about COMPASSION and COMPULTION in creating, these artists come to mind. They work their hearts out to follow their dreams! What are we without dreams and goals? They carry on even after devastations like Katrina.

Hearded down the road by leader Paul Flack, the group travels around the country together and individually to offer their great works for sale. When weather doesn't permit travel, you can find their websites and contact info on the Whoha site.

Be sure and check them out! You'll spend lots of time browsing around!!! Tell them Sheila sent ya!

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Let me introduce you to one of the FUNEST (Fun-est…not funniest altho’ he is a trip) Folk Artists around. FUNKY CHICKEN MAN

Last fall Ernest Lee was in Chicago and a friend of mine called and said you need to get to know this guy! I called Ernest and we hooked up. Last August I took his folkart to Slotin’s Folk Fest in Atlanta. SLOTIN’S FOLK FEST

Ernest creates such fun, whimsical and entertaining folk art. It brings a smile to your face.

Watching him at work is entertaining in itself! He puts on a show! Eveyone should have at least ONE Funky Chicken in their collection.

Quote from Ernest:
"Be what you are. Don't be what you ain't.
Because if you be what you ain't
then you ain't what you are."
-- Ernest Lee

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I want to share our favorite blues venue with you. We met Albertina Wassenhove about 6-7 years ago. George had heard Ole Harve’s Blues Revue radio show OL HARVE and called me at our store and said you have to hear this piano player. It turned out to be Honey Piazza from the Mighty Flyers (George knows I love a piano!!). The MIGHTY FLYERS

We went to the St. Patrick’s Park Blues Fest and saw the Mighty Flyers for the first time and we had to have a CD…They were sold out there. Turned out PINETOP PERKINS was there also. That’s where Albertina comes in. The MIDWAY TAVERN She personally delivered the CD to me at my store. I learned about her blues bar and the next show she had we were there.

The history at the Midway is wonderful. Albertina’s Mom and Dad started the bar in 1924 after immigrating to the USA from Belgium. They went through the depression and survived (be sure and watch the video).MIDWAY VIDEO And also they had an interesting guest from Chicago during those depression years, which is also on the video.

Albertina’s Mom continued with the bar after her husband passed away and was inducted into the bartenders hall of fame after tending bar for 67 years at the Midway.

86 years later Albertina is still carrying on the tradition. It is a treat just to visit the Midway …all of the good music is an extra bonus. Everyone that plays there signs the walls. Everything inside is original including the bar, back bar, booths, fixtures, etc.

Check out the show dates on the website. Come to the Midway and become part of the family. You’re always welcome at the Midway…even if you are non-drinkers like us!!!

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Wanna have some fun????

Got a little time on your hands? Well, go to the Musicians Links page. We’ve got tons of music links for you to enjoy by the finest entertainers in the business.

We’re proud to say we’ve met most of them and even had them visit with us at our home

Blues folks are just like folk art folks. Once you meet you immediately have a bond. There are no pretenses in either art form. Both groups want to share their love of what they do with you. They have so many experiences to share. It reminds me of sitting down with my relatives that served in the military and listening to their stories.

Catch a show if they are ever in your area. Everyone needs a break now and then whether it’s a live music show or a folk art show!

When you can’t get out to one or the other browse through our folk artist pages and check out some really creative people!

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WHAT A FUN DAY!

After a great show last night at the Midway, Grammy guitar winner ....Billy Flynn .....(Soundtrack for Cadillac Records) and...Lil’ Frank... (Super guitar player from Lil’ Frank & The Premiers) stopped by the house today! We shared some folk art stories with them and they shared some blues stories with us. A good time was had by all!

POG had made a blues guitar from a Harmony guitar. (You all will know this is not the top of the line in guitars but a beginner). Billy tuned it up and he and Frank played it like it was a top of the line musical instrument. If you’ve got the talent you can make the best of any situation.

Frank’s wife Melissa came, too. They had to take off for her to get to work right after we shared a quick bite to eat.

If Lil’ Frank and the Premiers or Billy are ever playing in your area be sure and catch the show. YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED! Frank will be performing on stage at the legendary PINETOP PERKINS show March 10th in South Bend at CLUB FEVER…Get your tickets now. Don’t miss out on this show!! You get Pine, Frank, Willie "Big Eye” Smith and Bob Stroger. Pine, Willie and Bob played with Muddy Waters! Can’t wait!!

POG will be posting pictures from the show soon...keep checking the musician friends link.

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GREAT NEWS! The Legendary Pinetop Perkins is coming to town.

Pinetop Perkins

March 10 at the Club Fever in downtown South Bend. We are thrilled and were first to get our tickets.

Pinetop is 96 years old and a former Hoosier from LaPorte. He will be joined on stage with a local friend of his and great guitar blues man Little Frank , drummer Willie “Big Eye” Smith from the Muddy Waters Blues Band and Pinetop's longtime friend Bob Stroger.

Pinetop joined the Muddy Waters band in 1969 replacing Otis Spahn

Pinetop Perkins is one of the last great Mississippi bluesmen still performing.

He was originally born in Belzoni, Missisippi July 7, 1913. He’s played with almost everybody, lives in Austin, Texas now and was inducted into the Blues Hall Of Fame

This is a once in a lifetime treat to have Pinetop back in our area!!!

YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS SHOW!!

Sheila

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We had a visitor yesterday. Drummer Rob Hunter from The Elwood Splinters Blues Band stopped by to see our private folk art collection. Time ran short and Rob vowed he’d have to come back again!

Rob’s girlfriend Crystal is in the hospital in Indy recovering from a double lung transplant. George (MUROB) created a special GET WELL SOON piece of artwork and Rob is taking it down to her Wed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Be sure and put the Elwood Splinters Blues Band on your “Gotta Hear This Band” list. They are available for private bookings

ELWOOD SPLINTERS BLUES BAND

Sheila

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A good time is had by all when ELWOOD SPLINTERS BLUES BAND shows up!

We were at the Midway last night and the band fronted by Ole Harve Stauffer (who happens to also be our local Blues DJ for 27 years) got the house to rockin’

Harve came over and sat down to talk at a break and was also kept busy autographing the new CD the band released last March. It was recorded live at the Midway in January, thus the name...”Live At The Legendary Midway Tavern”.

Click on the “MUSICIAN FRIENDS” button on the home page and then click on the Elwood Splinters Blues Band picture.

You’ve got to catch the energy of this band!!!

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After many laboring hours by George, Webmaster Donovan and Mac GURU Brent we have the website up and running. Thanks to all of you guys for creating a fabulous website!

Donovan spent a lot of time doing the basic set up work. George also spent many hours moving pictures, editing and re-writing bios. Brent came in to work out the glitches between PC and Mac!

I am so thankful to all of you.

And really happy with the looks, ease of browsing around the site and adding the shopping cart that really makes it simple to purchase folk art!

YOU GUYS ROCK!!! Sheila

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In the last few years, George and I have been so fortunate to meet, get acquainted and become friends with so many talented artists and craftsmen.

An example is Master Silversmith Donovan Leidelmeyer of nearby Middlebury, Indiana in the heart of Amish country.

Donovan’s specialty is turning antique and vintage flatware (forks and spoons) into unique fork and spoon jewelry. He makes rings, bracelets, earrings and pennants using classic patterns of sterling silver and silver plated flatware. He will also create jewelry using your flatware.

We know that you’ll love his creations, so we put a link to his website on the left side of our homepage. Check him out. Tell him that Sheila sent you.

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POG went out last fall and bought a truck load (I’m exagerating…but A LOT) of little green crafty type apples. I asked him what are you going to do with all of those apples and he said “I’ll think of something…they were cheap!”

The other day he came in and said “Remember all those apples I bought…I finally got an idea”. So, be watching for them little apples to appear!

He’s also been working on one for the best pieces I think he has ever done. It has some tie-dye material inside a shadow box, has some artificial roses….Do I hear Grateful Dead music playin’? Wait til you see this!!! Sheila

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The artists at Possum County have been busy as bees. They are not thinking about a recession. They have a one track mind… creating folk art. It will be easier now for us to get their new works out there for you to see on the website. As soon as it comes in, we should have it posted within a week.

We have added a couple of new “creators” to Possum County. Many of you already know The Funky Chicken Man-Ernest Lee. Ron Collins work is GREAT but most of his creations are large. He has sent us a few pieces that will be easy to ship. He uses “cottonwood” for his carved figure heads. The work is perfect and Ron’s a cool guy!

The artists have worked hard and need your support! Look over the available artwork and click the button to buy some very reasonably priced artwork.

Thanks for your continued support, Sheila

Be sure an click on the archive button to the top right of this page and view past blogs!

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Last year POG was asked if his sign work at The Midway Tavern & Dance Hall could be used on a new CD recorded by the Elwood Splinters Blues Band ELWOOD SPLINTERS BLUES BAND The CD is called “The Elwood Splinters Blues Band : LIVE AT THE LEGENDARY MIDWAY TAVERN”.Check out their website THE MIDWAY TAVERN

Our local blues DJ from 88.1) is lead man for the group and has been keeping the blues alive in our area for 27 years. POG was honored to be asked and the CD looks and sounds great….be sure and add it to your blues collection. Go to ELWOOD SPLINTERS BLUES BANDand order from their site

BRUCE BARLETT recorded the session and the CD was engineered, edited & masterd by him. Need someone for your recording? Give Bruce a call! Sheila

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A while back our Blues friend Barrellhouse Chuck paid us a visit at the house. He played my keyboard, signed it, we grabbed a bite to eat and then headed over to The Midway Tavern & Dance Hall for a show that night with Chuck, Kim Wilson (The Fabulous Thunderbirds) and Billy Flynn (Best guitar player).

You may recall last year a movie coming out called “CADILLAC RECORDS” starring Beyonce’. Well, our buddies did the sound track for the movie. If you haven’t got it in your collection be sure and get it. And if these guys ever get in your area either playing together or alone….be sure and go see them.

They are the nicest guys you will ever meet and you’ll get more than your monies worth…. Tell them we said “HEY”! Sheila

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A shelf fell in George’s workshop. He had a shelf built above the room to hold boards that he would create folk art with. Well, something gave and down came the shelf…just missing George (Thankfully). We worked together to rebuild the shelf and get his area cleared of the clutter…you folk artists know how it is! All is restored! The workshop is cleared! And POG (Poor Ol’ George) is back creating folk art!! Sheila

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Our daughter Jessica (her parents wouldn’t really let us adopt her…but she worked for us from the age of 13-22) came to see us over Christmas. Jess set up our original website and did a durn good job! Unfortunately, several people have monitored it before it got to George, so we had to re-do it so George had a clean slate. We loved our old website layout, but I think this new one will be much easier to browse around. Jess moved to Oregon and is getting married this summer (June 2010) and we wish her and Nick the best of everything. She gave us our start and here we are now!! Thanks again Jess…. Sheila

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Well, here’s what the new website looks like. We love it and think it will be much easier for you to browse through the pages that you are most intested in first. We will have a lot of archived materials to be added later, we wanted to start with Folk Art Shows and Blues Shows that we had not been able to get posted. Later, all of the older pictures will be in the ARCHIVE section. When you find Folk Art you just can’t live without…you will find that check out is very easy. Just a couple of clicks, add your mailing info and payment (all payments are secured) and you are done. It wouldn’t of been possible without our good friend and computer guru Donovan Leidelmeyer! Thanks Donovan! We look forward to hearing from you. Stay in touch…Sheila

Be sure an click on the archive button to the top right of this page and view past blogs!

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©2013 Possum County