William Morris at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC



I stopped in at the National Gallery yesterday to view the exhibit "Pre-Raphaelites - Victorian Arts and Design 1848-1900" (Feb 17th- May 19th, 2013). What a treat and if you have an interest in William Morris and his times!

Who are they? The Pre Raphaelite Brotherhood was a society formed by 7 young men, named for their admiration of art prior to Raphael (1483-1520). Disillusioned by the rigid rules on composition and painting at the Royal Academy of Art, where three of them were studying, these artists rebelled and sought the ‘simplicity and sincerity’ of the Gothic and Early Renaissance Art.

“As an official group, the Pre-Raphaelites stayed together for only five
years. But a second generation of artists, centered on Rossetti and led by
Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris, arose in the 1860s with the
aim of cultivating beauty in everyday life. “

The artists were reacting to industrial revolution, as was, William Morris, who thought that mass production ‘separated laborers from their creations’. Instead, he felt that collaboration amongst artists and artisans would create ‘”high caliber- goods”.

In this exhibit, William Morris’ designs are on display in wood-block printed books and fabrics, embroidery, wallpapers and textiles- as you will see, most inspired by British flora and antique fabrics.

Get to the National Gallery!

Deep Creek Dunk 2013

The annual Deep Creek Dunk will be next weekend February 23rd.  Unlike last year when unusually warm weather meant the lake didn't freeze over.  This year the ice is being broken away on Deep Creek Lake.  This annual event raises funds for Maryland Spacial Olympics.

The Dunk starts at 2:00 behind Uno's and The Honi Honi. Many of the participants dress in some very interestingly themed costumes, so stop by and check out why this is one of the most popular events of the winter at Deep Creek Lake.

45th Annual Autumn Glory Festival

The 45th Annual Autumn Glory Festival will be held October 10th -14th. Fall foliage is at its finest during Garrett County's Autumn Glory Festival, always an enjoyable small town celebration of our favorite season. Often named one of the best places to view fall foliage in North America, nature never seems to disappoint us in Garrett County. The trees seemingly change over night from green to bursts of flaming red orange and yellow.  There is no better time to be outside than fall in Garrett County. Swallow Falls is picture perfect in all its colors and the air is crisp and cool, perfect for hiking in any of our many state parks. For the autumn celebrations itself, there are activities all weekend, starting with the fireman's parade Thursday night. The grand feature parade is on Saturday with hundreds of units participating. All day Saturday there will be food, friends and entertainment, and fun guaranteed. Not to mention the old historical train station being open for visitors. so if you are looking for a good time Autumn Glory has you covered.

Fall Foliage Drives from Deep Creek Lake

Fall Foliage Drives from Lake Pointe Inn:

Take the High Road to Laurel Highlands!

Take a ride from the shores of Deep Creek Lake through the non -commercialized Amish Country near Springs, Pa. Stop at the Observation tower at Mt Davis (the highest point in Pa (3,213 ft) and pass by Deer Lake, High Pointe Lake and Forbes State Park. The changing colors will dazzle you!

Directions: From Deep Creek Lake – take route 219 North to Route 40 east towards Grantsville. Take a left onto Route 669 toward Springs, Pa. You are certain to see a horse and buggy along this route! Pass through Springs, Pa and continue toward St. Paul. This road will take you to Mt. Davis, the highest point in Pa. On your left of the historic marker is a parking area where you can walk up the 50 foot observation tower and view the surrounding countryside. Several hiking trails are marked if you wish to linger here.

Upon leaving the parking area, continue west toward Listonburg, Pa through the Forbes State Park – passing Deer Lake and High Point Lake. This scenic road will take you to Route 40 in Addison, Pa. Take 40 East to Route 219 South to return to Deep Creek Lake.

Alternate Route to Home (Baltimore, Washington Area)

If you are heading back to the DC – Baltimore area – you may wish to take this route back to Route 68 to view the beautiful ridges and their fall colors.

From the Inn – Take Route 219 South. Take a left onto Glendale Road (shortly after passing Uno’s). When it comes to a "T", take a left onto route #495 (Bittinger Road). Enjoy the scenery overlooking Big Run State Park – and don’t forget to stop at the Monroe Run overlook! Route 495 will take you to Route 68 in Grantsville. Drive safely and enjoy the scenery!!

If you are returning to the Inn, you may wish to continue on #495 until it reaches Route 40. Take Route 40 west, through Grantsville. Take a step back in time and stop in at the Spruce Forest Artisan Village – to view the artisans at work. Continue on 40 until you reach Route 219 South – which will lead you back to Lake Pointe Inn.

　

55th Annual Springs Folk Festival

The Springs Folk Festival will be held October 5th and 6th at the Springs Historical Museum in Springs Pennsylvania.  Running from 9 to 5 each day watch over 140 craftsmen demonstrate their craft in the way of our forefathers.  The festival offers Pennsylvania Dutch foods, music, hayrides, and antique farm equipment demonstrations.  Music performances are held throughout the day inside and cost is only $5 per adult.  More info at www.springspa.org

SavageMan Triathalon Festival

The SavageMan Triathalon was held September 15th & 16th at Deep Creek Lake State Park.  This event is gaining a well deserved reputation as one of the toughest and most scenic triathalons in the world and this year hosted over 1,200 competitors.  The SavageMan is'nt as long as a full triathalon with Sunday's race being 70 miles, but the biking portion (55.7 miles) is considered killer by many avid road bikers.  The bike portion includes climbs up Big Savage Mountain and the infamous Westernport Wall.  Dave Scott, 6 time Ironman World Champ, described the bike course as "the most relentless bike course I have ever seen". 

Saturday features a 30 mile race for less experienced triathletes or those looking for a lighter workload.  Participants also have the option of being on relay teams.  The weekend features vendors and music at Deep Creek Lake State Park, as well as fanatic spectators cheering on racers along the way.  Check out video and photos at www.savagemantri.org  Proceeds from this event go to the Joanna M. Nicholay Melonoma Foundation.

Deep Creek Open and US Nationals in Canoe Slalom

This weekend (Sept. 8th & 9th) Adventure Sports Center International, known to locals as ASCI, will be hosting the Deep Creek Open and the US National Championship in Canoe Slalom.  The competition is open to paddelers from around the globe, including those who competed in this past summers Olympic Games.  This event will feature both white water canoeing and kayaking.

ASCI's man-made river channel (located at the top of Wisp Resort in Deep Creek Lake, MD) is the world's only mountaintop whitewater course, and can be enjoyed by beginners, families and paddling enthusiasts. Check out their Hompage at adventuresportscenter.com for other upcoming events or to plan a guided rafting trip.