Judging by the window displays popping up around town, it’s not too early to start thinking about the holidays. Glass blower Laurie Thal is always thinking ahead. Thal is offering the chance to “friends and clients” a special opportunity to come on out to her Wilson studio and blow your own decorative glass ornaments. November 5 through December 18 2011, Thal is offering glass blowing parties. Her own “hot glass magic” provides families, office groups, or any collection of happy souls the chance to make some sparkling, one-of-a-kind gifts. Or, keep them yourself, you may feel a little Grinchy about your pretty ornaments!
Two-hour sessions are scheduled for groups of four to six people. Cost is $25 per person. Only groups of four to six; you bring your friends, and Thal will provide the materials. It’s like making a reservation at a restaurant, folks! Additionally, Thal will take 25% off the cost of all studio purchases made during your session. For more information, call 307.733.5096 or 307.690.2491. email: [email protected]
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The National Museum of Wildlife Art’s fall “Harvest on the Hill” takes place Sunday, November 6, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. The popular, family friendly event is free to area residents and is part of the Musuem’s free First Sundays series. “Wild About Penguins” is the theme, after the Museum’s exhibit 
“The Last Ocean: Antarctica’s Ross Sea Photographs by John Weller.” All kinds of family activities are planned, and here they are:
• 1 – 4 p.m. (ongoing, allow 20-30 minutes for completion) – Scavenger Hunt! Dress for active fun, rain or shine, and meet in the amphitheater for an all-ages scavenger hunt to explore the sculpture trail – with clues, surprising discoveries and free entry in a raffle for great prizes. Win a “Weekend Warrior” Pass or the chance to have a stone engraved on the sculpture trail pathway. Raffle drawing at 4:10 p.m. in the amphitheater.
• 1 – 2:30 p.m. – Craft for Kids: Paint Your Penguin! Kids can explore John Weller’s photographs and learn about the different varieties of penguins that live in the Ross Sea ecosystem before painting their own unique model version of the Antarctic birds to take home.
• 2:30 p.m. – 20-minute film: Plunge of the Penguins. Follow Gentoo penguin chicks on the Antarctic Peninsula as they encounter sibling rivalry, food denial by parents, and extreme weather.
• 2:50 p.m. – 35-minute film: Return to Penguin City. An intriguing children’s film that explores how Adelie penguins cope with rapid climate change in the magical landscape of Antarctica.
Checking out “Harvest on the Hill” is a great way to explore the Museum, spend family time, learn about wildlife and wildlife art and, most importantly, HAVE FUN! (Q: How do Penguins drink their cola? A: On the rocks!) www.wildlifeart.org
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Jackson Hole Public Art has posted a reminder Request for Qualifications for proposals to create functional art for Redmond Street in Jackson, Wyoming. Deadline for submissions is Sunday, October 30, 2011.
Project budget: $15,000. Have a question or need more info? Contact Carrie Geraci at 307.413.1474. To read the posting JH Public’s Art’s website, click here.
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Momentum is building for the Plein Air Convention & Expo in Las Vegas from April 12-15, 2012 , with the announcement that Scott L. Christensen, Jeremy Lipking, and Peter Adams will be giving lectures and
demonstrations during the event.
“Of all the artists, whose work I admire, it is an honor to be selected as one of the top participants,” Christensen says. Check out the extraordinary gathering of collectors, artists, and scholars: (www.pleinairconvention.com).
Tammy Christel 
