Saturday, December 10, 2011

Gingerbread is Special

Visitor's Center in Gingerbread


I have been spending a lot of time with gingerbread lately. First, I wrote about it for the Columbia River Reader November edition. Check it out at crreader.com/2011/11/15/Gingerbread-is-special-and-life-is-good and add a comment.

Then my sister and I and my husband spent two days creating gingerbread creations for The Daily News Gingerbread Haus Contest. One of the categories was local landmarks, so I decided to replicate the Cowlitz County Visitor’s Center. You know the doublewide trailer off Exit 39. I am no baking pro by any means so I spend a lot of time trying to come up with edible substitutes for a metal roof, metal poles, wooden slates, white signs, black asphalt, rust and mold. In the process, I discovered edible sugar sheets, markers and paint. And a toy front end loader to make a political statement.

The contest was wonderful-37 entries of incredible imagination and professionalism. The Daily News has pictures of all the entries, along with awards and names of creators, on their website tdn.com/promo/homepage/photo-gallery-gingerbread-creations/collection_4be71234-1e03-11e1-9f1f-001871e3ce6c.html. 22 of the houses are currently displayed in downtown Longview at the following locations: Teague’s Interiors, ZoJo Coffee, Highlander Cycling Imports, Eyes on Commerce, Hospice Thrift Shop, Elam’s, The Gift Cottage and The Merk window facing Broadway.

Shop local, see the gingerbread houses, bake and eat some gingerbread (share with others), plan to attend First Thursday on January 5 and have a
Wonderful Holiday.

First Thursday Activities – January 5

Broadway Gallery, 1418 Commerce, Longview www.the-broadway-gallery.com/
Fiber Arts Show, Mia Schulte (paintings) and Margo Westall and Don Lovett (metal sculpture). Seconds Sale – January 16-21.
Reception 5:30-7:30pm. Music by John Crocker. Door Prizes.

The Gift Cottage, 1414 Commerce, Longview
Gourmet food tasting. Door prizes. In-store sale.
Open until 7pm.

Longview Public Library Koth Gallery, 1600 Louisiana, Longview www.longviewlibrary.org/
Kinzey Wilson (acrylics).
Open until 8pm.

Lord & McCord Art Works, 1416 Commerce, Longview http://www.lindamccord.com//
Will McCreery (woodturning) and winning artwork from the Columbian Artist Association Fall 2011 member show. Refreshments. Door Prizes.
Reception 5:30–7:30pm.

Teague's Mezzanine Gallery, 1267 Commerce, Longview http://www.teaguesinteriors.com//
Mary Ann Dawkins (photos gallery wraps), Wendy (batiks, “Winterlude” and “Holidays”) and Shirley (Faces).
Reception 5:30-7pm.

The Bistro, 1329 Commerce Avenue, Longview www.thebistrobuzz.com/
Wine tasting. Live music. Door prizes. Reservations recommended.
Hours: 5-8pm.