Vol.10 Red Cow Gazette, Amboy, Minnesota 56010 Summer/Fall 2016 No. 3Funding and Content for the Amboy Red Cow Gazette is Provided by the Amboy Area Community Club.

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Janalee Steinberg - 2016 Featured Artist Music in the Park, Friday September 9th

The 2016 Amboy Arts ’n more FestivalSeptember 9, 10, 11

“the art of music”

The Jamboyz (AGT alumni) to be 2016 Parade Grand Marshalls

Brad Blume, Dan Corbett, and Jeff Kaul – Three talented musicians, well known in this area and beyond: Brad grew up in Amboy, AGT Class of ’73; Dan also grew up in Amboy, AGT Class of ’74; and Jeff is from rural Good Thunder, AGT Class of ’74.

As the 3rd inductee to “Amboy’s Musical Hall of Fame” they have a varied and interesting musical history and we are proud that they are part of Amboy’s history as well. In high school, the guys sang in Concert Choir, played in Stage Band and various other groups. Many of you may remember that they started out as Shadows of Time, The Urban Express, The Grass Harp, and later Small Change.

When Norman built his new restaurant in 1973, complete with huge party room and dance floor it was always a good time to hang out with friends and dance or just listen to these guys we had grown up with. Together or separately, they played in various bands through the years, and can do many styles of music. All three of them are original members of the Hosanna Praise Group and played every Sunday for a decade in the 90s. We are looking forward to welcoming Brad, Dan, and Jeff back to their old stomping grounds to perform for us and share the honor of being our Grand Marshalls in the Arts ‘n’ More Festival Parade. Look out Amboy! The Boyz are back in town!

See www.artsnmorefestival.org

Mrs. Janalee Steinberg has been teaching and sharing the art of music in the surrounding communities for over 22 years. For the last 10 years, she has been teaching at Madelia Elementary Schools as the Music Specialist. Prior to this, she taught 9 years at Maple River Schools. Two years at Maple River East instructing Middle School Choir and General Music classes and 7 years were at West and Central Elementary teaching 5th Grade Beginning Band.

Along with teaching music in school, Janalee has been instructing private piano, guitar, vocal, and instrumental lessons for the past 22 years. Her students perform in recitals, nursing homes, community functions and in yearly competitions at Mankato State University and Gustavus Adolphus Colleges.

Janalee is a current member of the southern Minnesota branch of the Scherzo Music Club which promotes student festival programs designed

to promote study, stimulate interest in American and world music literature and encourage each participant to reach a high standard of musical achievement.

After graduating from Amboy-Good Thunder High School, she completed her bachelor’s degree in K-12 vocal and classroom music education from Minnesota State University – Mankato. Her vocal study was under the direction of professors Warren Hettinga and Dr. Alan Wortman. Her piano study began with area teachers Marlene Satre and Gail Graf and later with Dallas Weekly and Nancy Arganbright – well known piano duet composers and the late Ann Nadeau Britton. Guitar study with Linda Cox Karow.

Janalee enjoys working with youth and shares her music at the United Methodist Church of Vernon Center as the church pianist.

She lives in rural Vernon Center with her husband Al. Janalee stated “I am truly honored to

have been asked to share the art of music at this years’ Art’s n’ More Festival. The Friday night program is going to feature my current music students along with performances from some of my former students who are still sharing their musical talents in the surrounding communities. The art of music is a gift that we can continue to enjoy, even as we grow older. There will be a mix of music styles and venue included at the concert! “

“Teaching music and sharing my love and knowledge of music to students is my passion. My belief is that music is important for all students. It is such a pleasure to teach these fine young people and to watch them grow musically. It is also very rewarding to have former students continuing to share their talents in their communities! “

The concert will be held on Friday, September 9th

at the Amboy City Park from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Hope to see you there for some “Music in the Park”!

Janalee Steinberg Janalee and students will perform Friday evening, Sept.. 9, 6:30pm

The Urban Express and their delightfully Red & White Stage Setting - nowhere but in Amboy (the machinery capital of Southern Minnesota) could you get a great backdrop like that!

Spotlight on Youth at the Arts ’n more Festival

Chloe Flitter (left) receives $100 for her winning essay, “Music from Mozart to Prince” shown at right. Victoria Barkosy (right) was runner-up

Page 2 • Red Cow Gazette • Summer/Fall 2016

2016 Youth Photo Contest RulesAmboy Arts ‘n more Festival

Eligibility: Open to students grade 6 through 12 (including June 2016 graduates)Categories: •People (posed or unposed, single person or a group of people), •Nature(plants,animals,landscapes) •SportsAction(mustshowpeople/animalsinmotion) •AmboyLandmarks(objects,buildings,structures,insideoroutside)

Thewinnerofeachcategroywillget$25inAmboybucks.Oneoverallwinnerwillreceivethegrandprizeof$100

DeadlineforsubmissionswillbeSeptember5th.EntriesshouldbedroppedofformailedtoGraf ’sFurnitureinAmboy.

EntrieswillbejudgedonthebasisoftechnicalandartisticmeritbymembersoftheMankatoDigitalPhotographyClub.

Allphotosmustbetheworkofthecontestantusinganytypeofcamera.Contestantsmustsubmitaprintnolargerthan8.5x11inchesandnosmallerthan5x7inchesandmustnotbemountedinapictureframe.Eachcontestantmaysubmituptofourprintsbutonlyoneprintpercategory.

Questions: CallArtSidnerat651-303-1870oremailsidner123@earthlink.netEntryformscanbedownloadedfromtheFestivalwebsite:www.artsnmorefestival.orgorpickedupfromGraf ’sFurnitureinAmboy.

MUSIC–FROM MOZART TO PRINCEby Chloe Flitter

Music is a seemingly simple thing; it is a series of notes jumbled together with a certain rhythm, can be just a few measures, with some flats here and some sharps there, and can be written on paper using symbols for the notes. Yet, to the human heart it is so much more. It can make a person cry of happiness or grief. Music can provide the motivation to run a little farther or try a little harder. Music can help us understand the hardships we face or see the compassion we need toward others. Rather than a simple thing, music is a complex art form that humans have always used to express themselves.

Music has been around for centuries, in 4000 BCE the Egyptians created harps and flutes; in 2500 BCE. Denmark created the natural trumpet. The earliest form of music was probably drum beats; they were thought to be in religious ceremonies. Many musical progressions happened in Ancient Rome and Greece because of all their free time. Indeed, Aristotle wrote a scientific theory on music in 350 BCE. In 600 CE the first music school, Schola Cantarum, was created by Pope Gregory. Catholic musicians came up with church “modes” in 850 CE, which later became known as the major and minor scales. Music has come a long way and has been reinvented, with new styles and melodies ever evolving, which are still used and enjoyed today. This history, found on the website “Method Behind the Music.com” on their history link, reflects the human fascination and connection with music for much of our days here on Earth.

Life would be very different if there were no music. For example, going to church would be different; no hymnals to sing along with, no organ to play. There would be no such thing as a band or choir, so no classes in school for music or no orchestra to attend. Musicals wouldn’t exist, nor soundtracks to a movie or play. There would be no singers or songwriters; there would be no such thing as the music industry. There would be fewer jobs, since there would be no conductors of writers. People like Mozart or Prince would just be ordinary citizens of a silent world. You couldn’t hum to the songs that got stuck in your head. The radio or record player probably wouldn’t have been invented nor would instruments be played. Living in a world without music would be quiet and boring. The “little” things we use for music would make a huge difference if they were gone.

My family and I are lucky to have music in our life. My family is full of fortunate, musically inclined people. My great, great uncle, a World War II veteran, gave me an accordion with his initials in it that he used in WWII; he played it at taverns and, in return, got free drinks. My grandfather sang in musicals and in choirs. My aunts and uncles play many instruments, from the piano all the way to the string bass. I an happily say I take after them musically. I can play the guitar, piano, accordion, flute and piccolo. I have played on the street in marching band, in a recording studio in Orlando, Florida, and lots of places in between. Music is a central part in my life as it has been for my family, and it is going to be in my future by being passed on to my kids.

Music has been around for centuries and has influenced and inspired humans since our beginnings, and this next young generation is creating yet new styles, which are infinite. Past and present, old and new, it doesn’t matter if it is Mozart or Prince, all music can have an impact on our lives and has a story to tell, you just need to listen.

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by Sept. 5th

Red Cow Gazette • Summer/Fall 2016 • Page 3

COW TALES – LATE SUMMER/FALL – 2016

Hey! Hey! They’re The Jamboyz by Kelly Reuter

by Marian Anderson

Brad Blume and Danny Corbett in 1966 photo by boots Corbett

Brad was destined to play

Hey, Hey They’re The Jamboyz Flashback 50 years to Amboy 1966: We were the Amboy Huskers and wore our Black & White proudly! Norman’s Café on Maine St., was the town hangout for school kids of all ages. It was the place to go after school, club meetings, sports practice, or just to hang out and listen to the Monkees on the Juke box… or get a job. A couple blocks down the street two young guys had just discovered they had a lot in common. They had cool matching bikes and they both had guitars and were learning to play Monkees songs in their backyards. Flash forward 50 years to Amboy 2016: We are now Maple River Eagles and wear Green & Blue. Norman’s is no longer on Maine St., but his onion rings live on, and the kids he gave jobs to are doing quite well. The Monkees [minus Davy R.I.P.] are back doing concerts and events. The park is still half a block from the backyards where it all started…Look out Amboy! The Boyz are back in town!

Take it away, Brad! It all started like this: If you go back to the mid 1960’s when the Beatles appeared on Ed Sullivan we all know the impression they made on young boys across the country and even here in our small town. It didn’t take long before there was a band playing at the local annual talent show. I was in 5th grade at the time and saw the guys setting up their gear on the stage after school. If I remember correctly it was a band called the Royal Americans made up of boys from our school, Jeff and Randy Bennett, Denny Dirkx and Les Curry. Wow, electric guitars and drums! They practiced a couple of songs that afternoon, and it was in that moment that I was hooked! They also played a dance party at the Roller Rink in town and they were fabulous. I had friends in my class that dreamed of starting a band but none of us had instruments, yet. As time moved on, another band emerged and they were called The January Heat Wave. Dwayne Boesch, Brad Marks, Chuck Travaille and Steve Urban. I saw them for the first time at the legion club in town. Dwayne had a Vox organ and that was so cool. A song they did that sticks in my mind is “Never My Love” by the Association. They even had

colored lights which were just Christmas color wheels but, n e v e r t h e l e s s , effective. That group later turned into The Interstate Flight. They played a lot of dances and were a big influence on us. I got my first little acoustic guitar for Christmas when I was in 5th grade and I played it until my fingers hurt. I used to chum with Steve Wiederhoeft, who had a guitar just like mine. It was with Steve that I played my first public performance. We worked up a couple of Johnny Cash tunes and played at the Pleasant Mound Township Hall out in Willow Creek. Local farmers would meet for a pot luck supper there and we were the entertainment. One day I was riding my new bicycle around the block and noticed Danny Corbett in his driveway with a new bike just like mine, so I pulled in there and we started to compare notes. Danny was a year younger than me and we never really hung out together, other than we played little league baseball together. But everything changed that day, because Danny showed me his electric guitar! I went right home to get my guitar and we set up in his back yard to work up some Monkees songs. It was the beginning of a long friendship that took us on a great adventure… That fall when school started again, Dan and I recruited a few guys that were interested in starting a band. They were Tim Haroldson (keyboard), Gary Peterson (drums) and Randy

Morrison (bass). We practiced most every Saturday. We would first watch the Monkees TV show in the morning to get all fired up, then Danny’s dad would drive us out in the country for practice. We rattled windows all afternoon working up songs. Then when Boots Corbett came to pick us up, we would have to perform all the songs we learned. This band was called the “Shadows of Time” and I think we played three or four gigs together. The first gig we did was a Halloween party in Winnebago, then we played a couple of times at the “Gap”, which was our local teen center. The last one was at our school for a battle of the bands dance party where we played against the Interstate Flight...it was a landslide victory for the upper classmen but it was a lot of fun since we were all friends with the same passion. A year or so passed and the groups changed members as some guys lost interest and others didn›t have the time. Danny and I carried on and started to play with Scott Schuldt (drums), Steve Urban (singer) and Jeff Kaul (guitar) who entered the scene because of our school consolidation.

We formed a new group called «The Urban Express». This is where I switched to playing bass. We played quite a few gigs with this lineup. They also abandoned the apartment above the insurance office where they used to rehearse, so we inherited that space too.

Having a place to leave stuff set up made it so much easier to practice. The photo I have of this band (page 1) was taken at the Appreciation Days in Amboy 1971. We played at school dances, mostly after ball games. Another year passed and again members changed. Steve didn’t have time to be our front man, so we picked up Scott’s older brother Doug Schuldt who knew how to play organ and trumpet. We formed a band called “The Grass Harp” and played lots of dances. Doug had a license and bought a van and a huge keyboard setup. We all had jobs so our equipment improved and we got more of it. The Grass Harp played a lot of top forty tunes and we also did a fifties throwback set where we greased up our hair and wore leather jackets. We did a lot of homecoming dances around the area because we had wheels! We played at Concordia College for a homecoming dance and at The Key City Ballpark in Mankato for a huge outdoor flood relief fundraiser. That show was broadcast on KTOE radio. We hung onto the band as best we could, after Doug graduated, then me, but college and distance took its toll and the group split up in the fall of 1974. Dan, Jeff and I all went to Mankato State College and rented an apartment near there. We were still getting calls for dance jobs but didn’t have a band. We put out the word that we were looking for a drummer and ended up with Jeff Klingel from Madison Lake. We actually filled in for his band members at a local party near Madison Lake and it went so well we decided this was it. Danny had switched to playing keyboards so we were now just a four piece band. We needed a name again and that is always a challenge. As we were listening to a song by Neil Sadaka, called

Bad Blood, we heard the words: “How you let a woman treat you like small change”. We said that’s it! We’ll call ourselves “Small Change”! It didn’t take long to bring the band up to speed, we had great equipment and there was some great talent to work with. The band started playing all the clubs in Mankato and soon built a loyal following which produced standing room only at these venues. We played steady through the winter of 1975 and drew a lot of attention, so in the spring we were signed by Artist Corporation of America located in Milwaukee. Small Change was now a professional band and hit the road touring all across the Midwest. One of the highlights was when we had a chance to play with the Doobie Brothers on our stage in Green Bay in the summer of 1976. We played six nights a week and usually traveled on the seventh.

As much fun as it was, we found that life was pretty hard to keep up with, and decided to come home. We took a short time off and once everyone was settled again locally, we got back together. That was in 1980, however we did have to take on a new guitar player who turned out to be Clay Miller from Minnesota Lake. Clay played with us for a couple of years and helped us make a 45 record in 1982. The song «Funny How Things Work Out» was played on the local radio and made the C&N Top Ten in the summer of that year. After that, Clay moved on and we hired yet another guitar player. Brian Hooey took over and ended up playing until the band retired in 1992. This line up was the longest running version of the band all through the 1980’s. We played hundreds of weddings, street dances, bars, beer gardens, Carl’s Barn, and we were the opening act for a few big name bands that came

continued on page 4

Page 4 • Red Cow Gazette • Summer/Fall 2016

Saturday, September 10th at the Arts ‘n more Festivalplenty for all ages

to the Kato Ballroom. It was a lot of fun and we were in ourcomfort zone playing for all of our friends. Eventually it came time to settle down with our families and concentrate on that. We had a good run and have so many stories and good times to remember, that alone will keep us busy for the rest of our lives. But the story doesn›t end there. Danny, Jeff and I all went to Hosanna Church here in Mankato and played with the Praise group for about 10 years, while our kids were growing up. Out of that came a resurfacing of Small Change in 1997-1998. Four of us from the Praise Group, including drummer Larry Erikson and guitar player Mike Budach, went off to play a few gigs and wedding dances. Dan and Jeff went on to play with the popular horn band Power House, and I joined a group called Dark Horse, from the Fairmont area. The most recent event for Small Change was a 40th ANNIVERSAY JAM 1975-2015, held at the Mankato Brewery. We were afraid no one would show up because we haven›t played together in such a long time, we thought people may have forgotten

us. But to our amazement, it was a sold out show. It was an absolute blast! Preparing for that show took a lot of effort and you may never see that band play again, but they say never say never… That brings us up to now. When Kelly Reuter contacted us about the Arts and More Festival we couldn›t have been more flattered! What an honor to be Grand Marshals of a parade. Although we have a long history in the music business and many bands and accomplishments to back us up, we needed to come up with something fresh just for the event. So Danny Corbett, Jeff Kaul, and Brad Blume all three graduates from AGT decided to form a trio called «The Jamboyz». We thought it was a good name because it has Amboy in the middle LOL. So we are working up a few songs to perform in the park that afternoon. It will be great fun to come back home and play for you!

Thank You All! Brad, Dan and Jeff

(The Jamboyz)

continued from page 3 . . . .

Red Cow Gazette • Summer/Fall 2016 • Page 5

Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge (MnTC) will perform at the 10:30am. Community Worship Service on Sunday September 11th in the Amboy City Park. This choir is known all over the state, having performed at nearly 200 churches in 2015.

The choir’s contemporary Gospel and Praise songs will be accompanied by inspiring client stories of addiction recovery. Additionally, representatives from the program will be available following the service to answer questions about the programs of MnTC.

“This event is open to the public, and I encourage everyone to come. You will be inspired by the message of hope brought by the MnTC Choir,” said Adam Pederson, MnTC Director of Strategic Partnerships.

Since 1983, Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge has been restoring hope to people of all ages struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. They are one of the largest, most effective, and most affordable programs available with campuses in Minneapols, Brainerd, Duluth, Rochester and the newest center in Buffalo, Minnesota.

Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge (formerly MnTeen Challenge) offers both a long-term faith based recovery program and a shorter-term licensed treatment program called

Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge Choir to perform in Amboy, September 11Life Renewal allowing us to effectively serve individuals with a broad spectrum of addiction issues; from those seeking treatment for the first time, to those who have been struggling with addiction for many years.

Every Sunday, groups of MnTC residents visit regional churches where they share inspirational songs and personal stories of their recovery from addiction. The choir provides a unique learning environment and plays an integral part in the recovery process as residents truly benefit from giving vocal expression to the life change that they have experienced.

For additional information call Mark Berggren at (612) 238-6185.

Purchase your 2016 Festival Button which not only pictures our theme, “the art of music” but also commemorates the reopening of the Historic Dodd Ford Bridge.

Buttons can be purchased for $5 from select Amboy Merchants as well as members of the Amboy Lions Club. Each purchaser becomes eligible for the Festival Drawing, Saturday September 10th at 5: 30pm. You do not have to be present to win.

2016 Festival Commemorative Tee-shirts on sale now from select Amboy merchants for $18, $20, $21 depending upon the size

Win Big at the Festival

Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge Choir

Page 6 • Red Cow Gazette • Summer/Fall 2016

SCHEDULE OF MAIN FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES

See www.artsnmorefestival.org

See www.artsnmorefestival.org

Shelby’s Dance Studio will begin their 11th dance season this fall. Located on Maine St. Amboy in part of the Villager Antiques building, instructor Shelby Kirchner teaches children the love of dance. Recital 2016 “Holidazzle” took the audience through some of our favorite Holidays with the dancers performing to songs like Thriller, Can’t Help Falling In Love, All I Want For Christmas, Lucky and Peter Cottontail. It was a fantastic performance by all the dancers. Classes in tap, jazz, ballet, tumbling, hip hop and lyrical are offered for ages 3 and up. To register your child for the 2016-2017 season which begins on September 19th or for more information, contact Shelby at sdkirchner@hotmail.com or 507-674- 3553.

Shelby’s Dance begins 11th season

AMBOY CITY PARK

OLD RIDGE SCHOOL

CAR SHOW LOCATION

MIDDLESCHOOL

AMBOY MAINE STREET

M INIPARK

FIRE HALL

Time Activity Location

Friday September 96:30pm - 7:30pm Music in the Park - Janalee Steinberg Amboy City Park7:30pm - 8:00pm Root Bear Floats Amboy City Park

Saturday September 10 8:00am - 5:00pm Information Booth open Maine Street by Fire Hall9:30am - 11:00am Amboy/Good Thunder Alumni Brunch Snowbirds Club Building (ticket required, registration at 8:30am) 9:00am - 12 Noon Farmers Market Maine Street near Depot10:00am - 4:00pm Arts & Crafts — sales & demonstrations Maine Street10:00am - 4:00pm Food Vendors Near Depot % Park10:00am - 1:00pm Children’s Activites - Minnow Races Amboy City Park10:15am - 12:15pm 3rd Annual Open Mic - featuring local talent Amboy City Park11:00am - 12:00am Lonesome Ron (cowboy singer) Mini Park on Maine Street11:00am - 4:00pm Petting Zoo Amboy City Park11:30am - 12 noon Registration for the Beanbag Tournament Amboy Fire Hall12 noon - 1;00pm Beanbag Tournament/Lunch at the Fire Hall Across the street from Fire Hall12 noon - 4:00pm Car Show Near Grain Elevator12:noon - 2:00pm Dick Miller & guests Mini Park on Maine Street12:15pm - 1:00pm Magic Show Amboy City Park 1:00pm - 2:00pm Musical Concert featuring the Jamboyz Amboy City Park2:00pm - 3:00pm The Heartstrings with Irish melodies Mini Park on Maine Street 2:15pm - 3:00m Karaoke Music Amboy City Park3:00pm - 4:00pm Dick Kimmel (bluegrass music) Maine Street near Mini Park 3:00pm - 3:30pm Judging for Youth Photo Contest Historic Ridge School3:15pm - 4:00pm Magic Show Amboy City Park4:00pm - 5:00pm FESTIVAL PARADE Maine Street5:30pm - 5:45pm PRIZE DRAWING Information Booth6:00pm - 7:00pm FIREMENS DINNER AND DANCE Amboy Fire Hall 6:00pm -8:30pm Jack Lawrence Orchestra Amboy Fire Hall 7:00pm - Free movies for the kids Jackson Lake Lutheran Church Sunday September 11 10:30am - 11:45am Community Worship featuring Teen Challenge Amboy City Park12 Noon Picnic Lunch, sponsored by the Lion’s Club, Amboy City Park with Ice Cream & Pie Social by LUMPY - Dick Kimmel provide musical entertaining

Red Cow Gazette • Summer/Fall 2016 • Page 7

Saturday Sept 10th, the Amboy Fire Department would like to invite the public to come visit the Amboy Arts ‘n more Festival. The Fire Department will be offering food, drinks, activities, and music throughout the day.

We will be starting our day around noon offering pork chop on a stick and cheesy potatoes. We will have a bean bag tournament in the grassy area across from the station.

Food & Fun at the Fire Department

Registration will start at 11:30am, $20 a team with the tourney starting at 12 noon, cash prize to the winners. Bring a friend and play some bags.

We will be driving the trucks in the 5pm Parade and after the parade is finished we will bring out the beans and watermelon to serve with our pork chop on a stick.

This is a fundraiser for our local Volunteer Fire Department. Please come out and support us.

Jim Lawrence Orchestra will be setting up inside after the parade and will play through the supper hour until 8:30pm.

Come enjoy some food and dance!

For the past twenty five years, Amboy has known the hardware store on Maine street as “Toms Hardware”. Today, the store is still open, but with a new owner and a new name that should be easy to remember! “The Hardware Store” as it will now be called, will have some changes to note, but for the most part it will still be a good ol’ local hardware store with all the nuts and bolts, plumbing and parts you have come to expect.

Charles Travaille is now the proud new shop owner of The Hardware Store. He and Tom have known one another since childhood growing up in the Amboy community. Most familiar residents of Amboy probably know “Chuck” from his fertilizer business he ran for some thirty years. He has

tried retirement a few times, but has not yet decided to call that a career. Jumping in with both feet, Chuck has great plans for the store, with some noted changes to take place in the front, and in the lot beside the store that has just

been a quiet green space for many years.

Since Mr. Travaille’s profession was in fertilizer, he will be bringing some new options to the store in that department, including pesticides, and other yard and landscape options. In the spring look for plants, trees and shrubs to be available and he will also be offering yard services for the locals. Don’t hesitate to ask him about your landscaping issues, he will have the answer and most likely the product to assist you.

As with anything, it takes time to accomplish things, so watch for the new sign on the front of the building, and new things will take shape inside the store as well. Stop in and meet Chuck, check out the new products and welcome him to Amboy Maine street.

Chuck Travaille

Same Place – New Face

by Brad Schock

Folk artist and Amboy resident Don Langford will be showing some of his new creations in the gallery of Sandra Arcement (next to the US Bank) during Amboy’s Arts and More festival.

Some of the art Don will be showing are human heads he has carved out of wood about 2 feet high.

They are reminiscent of African masks or the heads on Easter Island. The sculptures look at you, some through their glasses others just happily smiling.

He has also made some whimsical tractors using old singer sewing machines and found parts like a slotted spoon for a tractor seat.

There will be more exciting sculptures in the show. Come and view the amazing works of this amazing local artist.

All year long Don has his sculptures in his yard and when walking through town I always chuckled when I saw the man with a pipe sitting on a bench. It seems like he always caught my eye by waving and saying “hi ya”. One day Don Langford gave me a tour of his “Gardens/Yard/Sculptures”. This “Outsider Art” is a wonderful and enchanting look at

Aug 11 Iowa State Fair

Aug 21 Senior Citizens Day

Aug 24 Dam Days

Rapidan

Aug 25 Minnesota State Fair

Sept 5 Labor Day

Sept 9-11 Arts ’ n more

Sept 10 Fireman’s Dance

Sept 11 Community Worship - Amboy Park

Oct 7 Amboy UMC Bake Sale & Supper (Canned Beef)

Oct 19 Amboy Night Out - Jackson Lake Lutheran Church

Oct 30 Presbyterians Harvest Ham Dinner

Oct. 31 Fireman’s Halloween Party

Page 8 • Red Cow Gazette • Summer/Fall 2016

See www.artsnmorefestival.org

Don Langford to display some of his unique creations at Sandra Arcement’s Studio/Gallery on Maine Street

one man’s vision. I think of Simon Rodia and his Watts Towers (Los Angeles, CA) while walking through Don’s gardens, another “Outsider Artist” who has also created a fantasy world of found objects.

I noticed how expertly the sculptures were made. The man smoking the pipe is made of tightly rolled fencing and other found objects. The figures with bowling ball heads, although stationary, seem to float around the flower gardens.

All the figures are skillfully put together. Around every curve of the path there was another surprise in Don’s fantasy world. The forms are witty and not a one-look experience. The joys of creating exudes from each piece in the yard and from the yard itself.

On your next walk in town,

look at Don Langford’s yard and you will be sure to smile and be proud that this fantastic art is there for you to enjoy.

by Sandra Arcement

Heads carved from a piece of wood

Model tractor from sewing machine

Model tractor from sewing machine

Don Langford

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.