Lindy Bishop is irrepressible. Tell her something can’t be done and she goes up, over, around and back behind you and says Boo! and there it is, done. If it doesn’t work as planned, she tries something else. There is no quit in her.
Wintertime concerts in Elk Rapids? Why not? A photography display in the windows of the grocery store? But of course! A class based on the artistic vision of Andy Goldsworthy for middle school kids? Perfect.
All of this may explain why Elk Rapids is one of the few towns to hire an artist (and gallery owner) as its director of economic development. So here’s the flyer for that class I mentioned. Kids get priority, but high school students and adults are welcome, too. There are only 12 spaces so don’t fool around deciding. I know you can’t read the small print–that’s why I transcribed it for you at the bottom of the page. And tidied it up a bit. And added a couple things Lindy told me. Did I mention the class is free? Well it is.
Wednesdays, 2:45-5:00
6 weeks, April 6-May 11 (meeting at Cherryland Middle School)
Instructor: Lindy Bishop 231-264-9o2o Seed Studio Gallery
Free
COURSE OBJECTIVE: To introduce students to landscape installation art, and the unique problem solving and vision required to create it, through the work of British artist Andy Goldsworthy. We will use found materials along with community and industry resources and partners. The course complements the middle years International Baccalaureate program, but it is open to high school students and adults as well.
Elements include sketching, building, photography and videography. Ultimately this class will participate in a public exhibition during Green-ER Days.
Here are things for you to look at if you want to read up in advance, or if you can’t make the class and want to give your brain some excellent treats anyway:
Torch Lake Views 
P.j. grath
March 22, 2011
One energetic person can make all the difference in the world in a small town. Maybe in a country, too.
Gerry
March 22, 2011
Especially when the energetic person brims with goodwill and encourages the best in everybody else.
Lindy’s studio/gallery is a special place, just like Dog Ears Books. No dog, no books . . . but otherwise the same.
Wendi
March 22, 2011
Elk Rapids is very lucky to have Lindy. She just keeps getting better all the time!
Gerry
March 22, 2011
‘Morning Wendi! She is entirely astonishing. Gotta like that in a person. I can hardly wait to see what she does with Goldsworthy.
uphilldowndale
March 22, 2011
Can I come pleeeeeeease, or maybe it would be more economical to go and find Goldsworthy’s sheep folds in Cumbria, can you believe that I never have?
http://www.sheepfoldscumbria.co.uk/html/info/info00.htm
Gerry
March 22, 2011
You would be our honored guest. We would put you up and feed you excellent treats. Sadly, our funds do not run to complimentary airfare. What to do, what to do. We are thinking. This may take some time. We are going to go study the sheepfold.
Sybil
March 22, 2011
Oh what a treasure you have there Gerry.
I love the poster.
I’d sign up for sure !
Gerry
March 22, 2011
I can see that I am reaching a farflung community of Goldsworthy enthusiasts. Now I must give some thought to generating a more local appreciation.
Lindy Bishop
March 22, 2011
Wow Gerry! Thanks for the incredibly kind words and enthusiasm. I’m so grateful that Cherryland Middle School Principle, Terry Starr and the ArtRapids Board of Directors were open-minded about supporting this class. It is an experiment of sorts; however, I know that good will come of it and a lot of fun in the process. If more than 12 are interested, we could probably figure out a way to work in groups.
Gerry
March 23, 2011
You are entirely welcome. It’s a good experiment. The kids are going to love it. If more than 12 are interested we can find you some help.
kiwidutch
March 24, 2011
Communities all over the globe need more people like Lindy and less of the insufferable nay-sayers who do nothing but pour cold water on every brilliant idea and then turn around and complain “nothing ever gets done here”
Excellent work Lindy for being the one who stands up and gets things done.
Brilliant!
Gerry
March 24, 2011
You know what, though, it isn’t just Lindy. ArtRapids! said a big YES to funding the project. Principal Terry Starr said a big YES to hosting it at the middle school. The community said Let’s hire Lindy as Economic Development Director! And so it goes in little Elk Rapids. Interesting place, Elk Rapids. Full of people with no quit in ’em.
flandrumhill
March 27, 2011
Very inspiring Gerry. It doesn’t just take a forward-thinking person like Lindy to come up with such an innovative and artistic undertaking. It also takes a community that’s willing to engage.
Gerry
March 27, 2011
You’re absolutely right. I say good for Elk Rapids. I can hardly wait to see what the participants get up to.