LIFE

Katharine Marx, right, has given artist Patty B. Driscoll’s creations a beautiful showcase at AMW Inc., her Homewood jewelry store. Driscoll, left and below in her studio working on a doorknocker, sculpts the original out of wax and then makes a duplicate mold from wax.

A Grand Entrance

Friends Patty B. Driscoll, Katharine Marx Open Artistic Doors Together

By Donna Cornelius

The newest chapter in artist Patty B. Driscoll’s creative story is inspired by women. Thus, it’s fitting that another woman who’s a friend and fellow artist is helping her write it.

Driscoll’s Agatha Studio is a collection of decorative brass door knockers, each of which has a strong female for its namesake – and a captivating story behind it. Katharine Marx has given the creations a beautiful showcase at AMW Inc., her Homewood jewelry store.

Patty B., as Driscoll is known, grew up in Birmingham and then majored in studio art at Skidmore College in Sarasota Springs, New York. She earned a master’s degree in fine arts at the California College of Arts before returning to her hometown.

“While I was working on my master’s, I was a weaver,” Patty B. said. “After that, I was sick of school and started decorating cakes, sculpting in sugar. I did that until our second child was born.”

She’s also a painter; her luminous still lifes often feature silver pieces and flowers, including roses from gardens cultivated by Patty B. and her husband, Dave. That led to another medium: photography.

“The roses would open up before I could paint them, so I started making photographs to work from,” Patty B. said.

Katharine encouraged her friend to show her photographs. Now, Patty B.’s photos of flowers, fruits and elegant silver pieces are displayed at AMW along with the door knockers.

Katharine, also a Birmingham native and gifted photographer, moved to New York City after graduating from Virginia’s Hollins University. She studied 19th and 20th century art at Christie’s, the well-known auction house, and then worked in Vanity Fair magazine’s editorial and photography departments.

Her mother, Margot Marx, started AMW in 1980 with two other women: Lynn Adams, the daughter-in-law of Birmingham antiques dealer Mary Adams, and Barbara Walthall. The store’s name comes from the first initials of each woman’s last name.

“I was close to my family and went back and forth between New York and Birmingham for a while,” Katharine said. “I found that I loved working with my mother. She was dynamic, and she made everyone who walked through the door feel comfortable, whether they were buying a $50 pair of earrings or pink diamond earrings.”

Patty B. and Katharine connected through a mutual friend, the late Dr. Jeannine O’Grody, who was curator of European art at the Birmingham Museum of Art. They all were among a group of women who would gather for dinners at Chez Fonfon.

Photo by Becky Staynor

Photo by Kimberly Wilson

After the Fire

Patty B. said her door knockers came into being “out of the ashes.” In 2013, her family’s Redmont house caught fire after it was struck by lightning.

“We went back with the original design almost exactly but changed a few things to make it more modern,” she said. “It took us two years to rebuild. As an artist, I got obsessed with the hardware.”

A trip to Paris to celebrate her 50th birthday was an opportunity for Patty B. to research door knockers in the city’s St. Germain neighborhood. She found that most were made from brass, not bronze, so decided to use brass herself. She also learned more by studying at the Penland School of Craft near Asheville, North Carolina.

At Penland, she met the person for whom her very first door knocker, which has a Regency dolphin design, is named.

“She was a bold little 4-year-old named

Charlotte who was the daughter of one of the instructors,” Patty B. said.

Other knockers are named for exceptional women, such as St. Agatha, the patron saint of breast cancer patients and rape victims; Paula, a memorable server at a New Orleans restaurant; and Katharine, for Marx.

Each piece is painstakingly created.

“I sculpt the original out of wax and then make a duplicate mold from wax,” she said. “Next comes chasing, which is the process of defining the details, such as bird feathers.”

Then the piece goes to Birmingham Sculpture, a metal foundry run by artists John Stewart Jackson and Joe McCreary.

“That’s where it becomes brass,” Patty B. said.

She suggested that since many modern doors are glass, the knockers also can be used on garden gates or other entrances. Katharine said she likes displaying them on tabletops.

“Most of us have doorbells now, but door knockers represent who’s on the other side of the door,” Patty B. said. “They are more sensory, involving touch, sound and sight. I think of them as jewelry for the house.”

She’s pleased with the direction her art is taking, and she has more time to devote to her work now that her children, Will and Dede, are grown. She’s also looking forward to her show set for October 2022 in Tuscaloosa at the University of Alabama Gallery.

“I’m excited to work with the art students there,” Patty B. said. “I think they’ll be interested to see all the different mediums I use.”

‘Most of us have doorbells now, but door knockers represent who’s on the other side of the door.’

A Lovely Legacy

Although Margot Marx died in 2020, her influence can still be felt at AMW.

“We wear black because my mother always did, to show off the jewelry,” Katharine Marx said. “She came to work every day in high heels, too. She worked with local artists and loved supporting Birmingham’s talents.”

Margot eventually became the sole owner of AMW, which is one of the top venues in the Southeast for estate jewelry, fine silver and 20th century photography. Over the years, the store has drawn clients from all over the country.

A staunch supporter of her daughter’s photography, Margot hosted a show for Katharine and always bought the first photo from each of Katharine’s photo series. While Katharine describes herself as being “more of a dealer now,” her striking black-and-white photographs can be seen in her AMW office.

“My passion is photography, my mother’s was silver, and jewelry is our business,” she said.

Patty B.’s door knockers and photographs will be among the many treasures displayed at AMW’s holiday open house, Dec. 2, 4-7 p.m. AMW is at 1829 29th Ave. S in Homewood. For more information about the store, visit www.amwjewelry. com. For more information about Patty B.’s door knockers, visit www.agathastudio.com.

Valor Recognition

Abercrombie Receives Award for Inspiring Others Following His Spinal Injury

By RuBin E. GRant

When the Valor awards were handed out during the Lunch with Heroes program in Hoover a few days before Veterans Day, Ben Abercrombie received one along with Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis.

Abercrombie was a 2017 Hoover High graduate who was playing in his first college football game for Harvard four years ago at Rhode Island when he was hit and sustained a spinal cord injury that paralyzed him from the neck down.

Two years after his injury, Abercrombie returned to classes at Harvard with plans to earn an economics degree.

Originally, Abercrombie was going to receive the Valor Award in 2020, but it was put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abercrombie appreciated receiving the award.

“It’s been an honor being recognized that way,” he said during a phone interview from Cambridge, Massachusetts. “I’m blessed that I can be an inspiration for others because they see how I have handled my situation. It’s a great honor to be recognized for valor.”

Abercrombie’s parents, Marty and Sherri, received the Great American Hero Award for the actions they have taken to help their son continue to pursue his dreams.

All three of them are living in New England. Ben Abercrombie returned to the Harvard campus at the end of August to begin classes, which he attends Monday through Friday.

“Things are going pretty good right now,” Abercrombie said. “The semester is winding down and I’m starting to get ready for exams.

“I’m taking a reduced load of classes, but I’ll probably start to take more classes next year.”

Abercrombie and his parents were set to spend Thanksgiving in Cape Cod as guests of Harvard football coach Tim Murphy.

Abercrombie continues to rehab, spending time riding in his functional electrical stimulation bike in his dorm room at the Winthrop House on the Harvard campus. His parents live in the dorm with him.

At times, Abercrombie travels to the Journey Forward Rehab facility in Canton, which is approximately 30 minutes south of campus.

“I guess I have moments when it’s tough, but I try to take it one day at a time and work on my recovery as much as I can,” he said. “I’m setting goals and trying to accomplish them. That’s how I’m approaching it.”

Abercrombie also keeps up with the Hoover football team. He watched the Bucs’ semifinal state playoff loss to Thompson online.

“I’m a little disappointed the way the game went,” he said. “Thompson is tough, but Hoover still had a good season.”

Photo Ben Abercombie/caringbridge.org

Ben Abercrombie in his Harvard dorm room in September.

Derzis’ Valor Award

Derzis received the Sgt. First Class Melvin Morris Valor Award on behalf of the Hoover law enforcement community.

Morris is a Medal of Honor recipient because of his actions in Vietnam. The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest medal for valor in combat that can be awarded to members of the armed forces.

Morris presented Derzis with the award named after Morris.

“I was honored,” Derzis said. “I was honored to be able to accept it, really, for the men and women of law enforcement and for many of the men and women of the Hoover Police Department that I’m so proud to be associated with.”

The Lunch with Heroes was presented by the Youth Leadership Development Program. Dr. Kevin Walsh started the program 13 years ago with the desire to develop leadership skills, especially character, in high school juniors and seniors from across the area.

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To: 323-6014 From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Date: December 2 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the December 2, 2021 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! Please initial and fax back within 24 hours. If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. Thank you for your prompt attention.

Rehab Reality... Homewood’s Scott Sims Named Alabama Kiwanis Governor

by Judy Butler

Holiday Drama

J. Scott Sims, longtime resident of Homewood, has been elected governor of Kiwanis International’s Alabama district.

An attorney and shareholder in the Dentons Sirote real estate group in Birmingham, Sims is recognized among the Best Lawyers in America by the Best Lawyers group and was named to Birmingham Business Journal’s “Top 40 Under 40.”

He is a graduate of the University of Alabama and the Cumberland School of Law, at Samford University.

Before his collegiate studies, Sims was actively involved in the Key Club of his high school in Jasper. Those experiences first attracted him to the Kiwanis family.

He previously served as adviser to the Homewood High School Key Club, where his son, William Sims, officiated, and he was then elected president of Key Club International in 2017.

Sims was honored both with the George Price Service to Youth Award and the Hoyt W. Lee Outstanding Kiwanian Award 2018-19 by the Alabama district Key Club. As district governor, Sims tops his long career with Kiwanis having been voted state lieutenant governor and receiving the David Womack Outstanding Lieutenant Governor Award. During his year as president of the Homewood-Mountain Brook Kiwanis Club, Sims was awarded the Walter Zeller Fellowship. Major actions while district governor in 2021-2022 will include speaking and visiting with the 77 Kiwanis

Oh joy! It’s that time of year Clubs, which have more than 2,700 everyone looks forward to – members throughout the state; installing officers; leading conferences; and NOT. The commercialization of representing Alabama at the Kiwanis the holidays can create stress to International Convention in perform. Perhaps worse is the Indianapolis, Indiana, in June. drama that family members cre- A primary objective is directing ate when they get together. Kiwanis Clubs in Alabama to recog-

Thanksgiving is supposed nize and build local projects around to be about being thankful for the goals of Kiwanis International. what we have, and Christmas or The group’s vision promotes improvHanukkah is the celebration of ing the lives of children in local coma rededication of life. But every munities and supports child health year it seems like the meanings around the world. slip away a little more. There’s Sims has been active through the so much pressure from all years locally as a member of the around, it’s no wonder people Birmingham Baptist Foundation drink or seek other means to escape. We aim to provide an environment that Doggy Daycare & Boarding board, Homewood City Schools Foundation, committee member of

Having a glass of wine or delivers a safe, open play space that a mixed drink at the end of a focuses on socialization, exercise, and stressful day can be what some people use to relax. However, those who find that one drink safety for all pups. Life should be fun; let’s laugh and play together. leads to a second or third and so Monday-Friday 6:30am-7:30pmon should take stock of his or her life. Maybe it’s time to really be honest with one self before Saturday 8:00am-4:00pm Sunday 3:00pm- 6:00pm it’s too late. We accept the fact that no one plans on becoming 205.201.4782 an addict therefore there’s no topdogbirmingham.com shame in getting help just as one 2222 5th Avenue South would do with another disease Birmingham, AL 35233of health issue.

If there are missing time slots in the memory of the night before or a bruise that can’t be explained … or the need to have that morning drink to ‘get going’ or to prevent trimmers it’s probably time to get help.

Drama isn’t limited to the holidays; it can be a part of everyday life for some. Finding the right tools for handling To: Top Dog it should be a priority. Call me From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 today and give the greatest gift FAX: 205-824-1246 of the season to yourself or Date: November someone you love. This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the December 2, 2021 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. Thank you for your prompt attention.

J. Scott Sims, (above left, with fellow Kiwanian Gary Sheffer) has been elected governor of Kiwanis International’s Alabama district. Boy Scouts of America Troop 97 and coach with Homewood Youth Sports.

He is a current member of Birmingham Bar Association, Alabama State Bar and American Bar Association. In addition, Sims and Andi, his wife, attend Mountain Brook Community Church. The Kiwanis Club of HomewoodMountain Brook meets weekly at noon in the auditorium of Homewood Public Library, 1721 Oxmoor Road. Visitors and prospective members are invited to attend.

Photo courtesy AdventureKEEN

Bob Sehlinger Inducted into Southern Appalachian Whitewater Hall of Fame

Bob Sehlinger (pictured) of Inverness has been inducted as part of the inaugural class of Southern Appalachian Paddlesports Museum’s Hall of Fame.

He was recognized as the founder of Sage Inc., a provider of outdoor skills courses, and as an early leader in the outfitting industry, including serving as president of Eastern Professional River Outfitters Association.

Sehlinger also is owner and publisher of AdventureKeen, an independent outdoor activity and nature book publisher based in Birmingham. He has years of experience as a paddling guide and is the author of five guidebooks on canoeing and kayaking, according to a release by AdventureKeen.

The induction ceremony took place at the Southern Appalachian Museum in Asheville, North Carolina. The Hall of Fame honors innovators, pioneers and leaders in the sport of whitewater paddling.

Caroline Michele Dugas of Vestavia Hills, riding her horse Skyfall, recently competed in the 2021 Washington International Horse Show.

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Caroline Michele Dugas of Vestavia Hills won the Low Junior/ Amateur-Owner Jumper Division championship Oct. 30 during the 2021 Washington International Horse Show Presented by MARS Equestrian.

For this achievement, Dugas was presented with The Foxbrook Perpetual Trophy donated by Joy Slater in honor of Space Citation.

Dugas, riding her horse Skyfall, won a class earlier in the week and then secured the tricolor ribbon with a second-place finish in the classic with a time of 35.739, which was less than a second behind the winner.

The 20-year-old rider has been developing her relationship with Skyfall for the past six years. Although the gelding was not initially what Dugas was expecting when she was looking for a horse, the match ended up being perfect.

“When I first saw him, I thought he was crazy,” admitted Dugas. “I thought, ‘No way am I going to be riding this horse.’ But he is the kind of crazy that’s not scary. He just is a little bit wild, but that’s what we love about him, that he has that little extra spunk.”

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