brief
the bright side
Fresh Snow
BY BRENNAN REGO
I
can think of few topics more superlative to write about than fresh snow. Fresh snow displays the apogee of optimism. Anything is possible. In the Wood River Valley and its surrounding areas,
many “noise” sounds, allowing us to focus more easily on the moment at hand. Fresh snow also tastes amazing, by all top epicurean standards. Catch a snowflake on your tongue the next time it snows (if you can read this, you’re not too old; if you can’t read this, you might be too young). A fresh-caught snowflake
Fall’s remaining leaves glisten with the opportunity of fresh snow on Friday morning out Warm Springs canyon. Photo by Brennan Rego
snow is sacrosanct. And it should be. It provides a cornucopia of recreational and economic opportunities that make the cold more than worth bearing, most of the time anyway! My favorite thing about the first true snowfall is the way it redefines smell and sound for the winter season. After it snows, the air takes on that distinct, dry, non-smell that muffles some scents and accentuates others (pine, I find, is always boosted). Snow also absorbs
offers a chill-melting mouthfeel that even the world’s best chefs could only dream of recreating. Speaking of culinary delights, the first snowy days are an ideal time to tinker with the perfect hot chocolate recipe. Mine involves the darkest Dutch-processed cocoa I can get my hands on, full-force milk, raw sugar, and some marshmallows. Visually, fresh snow makes things sparkle in a way more precious than
‘Art Of Winter Studio Stroll’ Scheduled
even the most eye-catching diamonds ever could. The way each snowflake plays with light is as unique as each flake itself, and as ephemeral too. Just as with sound and smell, snow transforms the scenery by masking certain features and while revealing some marvelous surprises. Tracks, for example, become much more descriptive in the snow. Snow—whether shredding speedily beneath your ski, snowboard, sled or other snow-worthy device; in your hands as you pack it into a snowman; or falling lazily around and on you—feels awesome. Yet, wintertime also offers the often desirable option of not interacting with snow at all. After all, now’s the time to hunker down by the fire with that book you’ve been meaning to read. Ok fine, Netflix binge you can’t wait to watch. There are, of course, some definite bummers that come along with the shift to wintertime. Digging out my car zooms to mind. But, those are easily overcome by a quick look at the bright side of the blizzard: more snow for us generally means more fun—outside or inside— with more funds, once the work is done. So, let it snow, let it snow. And be safe out there when it does. “The Bright Side” is The Weekly Sun’s positive voice by Editor Brennan Rego. Send topic ideas that celebrate life in the Wood River Valley area to brennan@ theweeklysun.com.
tws
A diverse collective of Ketchum-based artists will host an “Art of Winter Studio Stroll” on Black Friday, Nov. 28, from 4-8 p.m. in the city’s Light Industrial District at Lewis Street, Bell Drive and Northwood Way. Artists Suzanne Hazlett, Judith Kindler, Christine Warjone and Kathryn Riedinger will open their studio doors to the public during the art celebration evening. “What was just a spark of an idea became an instant collaboration of four artists to create a glimmering art event in the darkness of winter,” states Hazlett in a recent news release. “All four art studios are located in what we like to describe as the ‘Ketchum Studio District.’ ” The Sun Valley area has become a nationally recognized special enclave of highly talented and passionate artists including musical and performing artists and visual artists, according to the release. “The industrial area just north of downtown Ketchum provides a unique environment for professional artists,” the release states. “Tucked away in modest, often unassuming, structures are cultural treasures to be discovered.” Hazlett will have her latest mixed-media works on exhibition, which draw from the nuances of texture and light found in nature and urban environments. Hazlett’s studio is located at 481-A Bell Dr. Visit www.sazustudio. com for more details. Multidisciplinary artist Judith Kindler will show her sculpture, installation and photography-based art in her newly expanded studio space. Kindler’s studio is located at 110 Lewis St. #2 & #3. To learn more, visit www. judithkindlerart.com. Christine Warjone will share her travel-inspired works on metal and canvas, which demonstrate her passion for life, family and friends. Warjone’s studio is located at 110 Lewis St. #1. For more information, visit www. cwarjone.com. Conveying her impressionistic interpretations, Kathryn Riedinger will display a new series of winter landscapes and Western studies, both plein air and larger studio works. Riedinger’s studio is located at 231-B Northwood Way, #800. Learn more about her work at www.kathrynriedinger.com. While enjoying the hospitality of these artists, studio visitors will find an abundance of artwork large and small. “Art of Winter Studio Stroll creators hope to capture a festive open studio event and inspire art lovers to uncover rare art finds, many of which are ‘seasonably’ priced at attractive levels for gift giving,” the release states. “A party atmosphere will greet visitors, with each studio’s exterior donning large illuminated stars to guide the way. Free libations and refreshments will welcome guests in the midst of beautifully appointed working studios. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ketchumstudiodistrict.
Don’t miss anything this Winter! The newest Winter Edition of The Weekly Sun’s 101 Amazing Things To Do magazine will be on shelves the second week of December! Submit Calendar Items & Ad Reservations NOW! Call Steve 309-1088 or William 721-0649 • Office 928-7186 14
T h e W e e k ly S u n •
Studio Raises Funds For “Q Sports” Studio Q - Sun Valley has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund four additional “Q Sports with Derek Agnew” shows. The Ketchum-based studio’s pilot show features five-time Olympian Dara Torres, right, and the Studio Q team is looking to highlight more iconic, Idaho-related athletes shortly. Agnew, left, is a former sports reporter for ABC Seattle and is also the General Manager for Zenergy Health Club and Spa’s locations in both Ketchum and Boise. “We are so excited to ignite Studio Q - Sun Valley with the production of ‘Q Sports with Derek Agnew,’ and I can’t think of a better way to launch this sports series than interviewing more Idaho athletes,” states Lynn Pattnosh— the studio’s Executive Producer—in a recent news release. For more information on the campaign and to watch the video of the pilot show, visit www.tinyurl.com/tws-studioq. Courtesy photo
NOVEMBER 19, 2014