Most people mark the end of summer with Labor Day and back to school. But for me, summer’s not really over until after the Clothesline Art Show. The weather is oftentimes perfect, not too cold like the Lilac Festival and not too hot like Corn Hill. And it has the most creative and most professional works of art; sort of a culmination of everything good about Rochester. This year’s show was no exception. The art in every medium, paper, metal, wood, clay, ink, fabric, and paint, was outstanding.  Over the years I’ve bought paintings, jewelry, wood creations, and even a lamp.  This year I found at least 20 items that I liked enough to purchase if money were no object. But, besides that, we downsized four years ago, and I don’t have enough room for even the things I already have.

So what did I buy? A small gift for a friend, a pack of notecards with watercolor Erie Canal scenes by Mary Ann Sawyer-Wade, and a book. Barbara A. Palmer is one of my favorite local artists. I have one of her theorem paintings for my wall, but now she also has written and illustrated children’s books. Like my grandmother’s heart that has expanded to make room for my new grandson, Finn, this summer, my flowing over bookshelf can always make room for one more book. Move over Lost at Seabreeze and welcome Tail in the Teapot.