Artie the Sock Monkey

A Staged Disappearance

2012-01-10T22:51:00.003-03:30

OK. I admit it. I, Artie, staged my own disappearance. I have literally been a "monkey on the lam" for the last four years. I got the idea from the Colbert Report. It was exciting at first, but after time, it seems no one missed me anymore. So my question is, is there a place anymore in this world for a blogging sock monkey; or, do I need my own Facebook page to be relevant? Should I return to my old job as spokesmonkey for Tamarack? Do you think they will have me back? I wonder...

Where's ARTIE?

2007-09-28T17:20:00.000-02:30

A week has passed and Artie is still missing. Tamarack sock monkeys are beginning to become concerned for his safety. A new message has come that says:

"Artie is safe...for now. If you want him returned unharmed, you will follow our instructions to the letter. You will receive another message soon."

Please, can any one help us find Artie?

Monkey-napped!

2007-09-21T17:42:00.000-02:30

Oh, no! Artie is missing! I returned from a meeting at Arrowmont in Tennessee to discover that he had been monkey-napped!

I received this photo of Artie, bound and gagged, being held at the point of a plastic knife. The anonymous note says:

"We have Artie!! Don't call the cops! You will be instructed what to do!"

Oh dear, I am so worried. The last time I saw Artie was Friday night one week ago at the Tamarack Fine Art Gallery opening for the Wildlife show.

Who would do such a thing? Can anyone help me find Artie? Tamarack will be lost without him...

Sincerely,

Cheryl Hartley

Artie Goes to Canada

2007-06-12T00:10:00.000-02:30

Hello, everybody! I'm off to Calgary for the CODA Conference. CODA stands for Craft Organization Development Association (http://www.codacraft.org/). It is a gathering for people who help promote craft and its makers to the world. Mrs. Hartley is letting me go because I have been such a big help to her in my capacity as sock monkey advocate.

I will be in Canada for ten days because I also am going to have a vacation in Banff. I wonder if I will see other sock monkeys on the trip.

If you are going to CODA too, I hope to see you there!

Artie

Artie Reflects

2007-06-01T09:10:00.000-02:30

Hello! I'm sorry that I haven't blogged for a while. I was very sad that there were people who were saying bad things about Tamarack. They seemed to be missing the point that Tamarack creates a positive image for the state of West Virginia, provides jobs and brings money into the state from tourism. And it isn't only sock monkeys that benefit, people do too!

Mrs. Hartley, Tamarack's general manager, said that I need to leave my blues behind me. She told me that there will always be people who want to tear things down instead of build them up. She also reminded me that I have always been proud of my association with Tamarack. I remain inspired by all the creative hands that are part of Tamarack.

Artie

Homer Hickam Visits Tamarack

2006-10-07T22:10:00.000-02:30

It isn't every day that I get to meet a real West Virginia hero, but yesterday I did! Homer Hickam signed his books at Tamarack and, of course, I assisted with crowd control. I forgot to tell Homer that I'm a writer, too. I have written my story about how I came to live at Tamarack. It may not be as good as "Rocket Boys", but it's a pretty exciting story in its own way. Do you know that Homer comes back to West Virginia every year for the October Sky Festival in Coalwood? Maybe someday they will invite me to visit.
Artie

Backyard Barbecue

2006-07-04T17:34:00.000-02:30

This weekend we had a cookout at Tamarack! While I don't usually eat hamburgers, the people sure seemed to enjoy them, and the barbecue, too. My personal favorite was the roast corn. We had nice, hot July weather for four days. Now, it's pouring outside. I'm sure glad that the storm didn't roll in until we were finished out there! Tamarack's staff did a great job. Chef Jamie said we can do it again on Labor Day, if the weather is cooperative.

This photo shows Chris Canfield flipping those burgers.

Mountain State Art and Craft Fair

2006-07-03T11:29:00.000-02:30

There is nothing I enjoy more than a great craft fair - and that's what Mountain State Art and Craft Fair is. I've been going for years, and I never tire of it. It takes place every year in Ripley, WV, over the July 4th holiday!

Here are some of the new friends that I made at the fair this year. From left to right: Bill Meadows takes a liking to me; Susan and Rick Bisgyer, Ridgetop Pottery; Judith Miller with her award winning video, The Captives; Chad Pitts, Art Attacks and Strokes (glass beads); Chad and me, monkeying around!

Artie

Artie Speaks (sort of)

2006-06-28T18:34:00.000-02:30

Hello everybody! I have been so busy. I can't wait to tell you about what I've been doing. For one thing, I've been writing my life story. It's much more exciting than you may think. I am preparing for my first speaking engagement. I have been invited to go to Peterstown, WV, in Monroe County to meet the children in the summer program there. I hope Mrs. Hartley, my scheduler, is able to work things out.

Recently, I also attended a Leadership West Virginia luncheon at Tamarack. The day before, I went with Mrs. Hartley to Summersville for the Building Creative Communities Caucus.

Best of all, the Charleston Daily Mail sent a photographer this week to take my photo. I may be in the newspaper soon! I hope they say nice things about me and how hard I work to be a good role model for sock monkeys everywhere. I found Tom Hindman, the photographer, to be very convivial. It is surprising, though, how demanding all that posing can be.

Artie Returns

2006-04-25T22:46:00.000-02:30

Hi, everbody! I'm back! I hope you missed me just like I missed all of you.

I spent the winter in Akumal, Mexico, south of Cancun. The climate was fabulous, but I love West Virginia, and I began to get homesick toward the end.

I made a new friend at the Oasis - a towel elephant. He was my kind of party animal! Nothing like hanging out at the pool with the towel pachyderm!

I worked on my tan and practiced my Spanish. I feel I did a good job of assimilating to the culture. Naturally, very few people had met a West Virginia sock monkey, so I consider this trip as fulfilling my mission to promote West Virginia around the world.

I am hoping to join First Lady Gayle Manchin on a trade mission the next time she needs a Spanish translator. I think that would be muy bien!

Nos vemos en Tamarack!

Su amigo,
Artie

Sock Santa

2005-12-13T18:43:00.000-03:30

Yes, West Virginia Sock Monkey, there is a Sock Claus.

He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Sock Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no West Virginia Sock Monkeys. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The external light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Sock Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Sock Claus, but even if you did not see Sock Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Sock Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Sock Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, West Virginia Sock Monkey, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Sock Claus?Thank God he lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, West Virginia Sock Monkey, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!
Artie

'Tis the Season...

2005-11-30T18:42:00.000-03:30

Now, I admit I've been on a leave of absence for a while. I hope I haven't disappointed any of my friends out there. The fall is always a blur of activity here at Tamarack. We have Renaissance Faire, the Tamarack Foundation Gala, Mountain Stage and the Southern Christmas Show in Charlotte, all within six weeks. I needed a little time off and insisted that the humans at Tamarack fend for themselves for a while.

But, I was back today with renewed enthusiasm for my job. West Virginia's First Lady, Gayle Manchin, came to Tamarack today for the presentation of the 2005 Limited Edition Governor's Mansion Ornament. This special ornament has been designed and crafted by glass artisan Doug Coleman of New Martinsville, WV. The Christmas tree looks just beautiful with the ornaments on it. Jen did a lovely job with it.

I spent time with the First Lady in Washington, D.C., last month and learned that she has the kindest soul. Just as importantly, she is full of imagination. She has no problem making a sock monkey feel relaxed in her presence. If I weren't needed so badly here at Tamarack, I would have no problem signing up to be the official sock monkey of the West Virginia Governor's Mansion. Anyway, I missed having my picture taken with Mrs. Manchin in D.C., but I was able to have the honor today.

Artie

Tamarack Foundation Gala

2005-10-27T04:03:00.000-02:30

Giacomo wants me to tell you about the Tamarack Foundation Gala to be held at the Tamarack Conference Center this Saturday night. I will do even better, on Giacomo's behalf, I will extend the invitation that follows:

Carnivale
Join us in celebrating the arts,
cuisine and culture of Venice.
Your attendance and support will benefit the Tamarack
Foundation Artisan Relief Program and education and
training opportunities to help strengthen and preserve
our artisan entrepreneurial communities.

Saturday, October 29, 2005
6:30 pm
The Terrace and Ballroom
Tamarack, Beckley, West Virginia

Serenaded by violinist Adam DeGraff and pianist Lynn Wright,
enjoy delicious canapés while browsing generously donated works
of leading Tamarack artisans at the silent auction.
Master of Ceremonies, Larry Groce, welcomes renowned auctioneer,
Ken Farmer, of Antiques Road Show for an exciting live limited-item auction.*
Experience the culinary cuisine of Venice as presented by The Greenbrier.
Dance to the multi-talented Soul Doctors,
led by Tamarack’s juried artist, Steve Payne.
Black tie optional. Masks encouraged.
* Visit www.tamarackwv.com for a gallery of auction items.

Giacomo says he hopes to see you there!

Artie

Sharing a Favorite Photo from Ren Faire

2005-10-20T02:40:00.000-02:30

Hello! I've been very busy with a trip to D.C. and Bridge Day, so I've not had time to blog. I did want to share another favorite photo from Tamarack's Renaissance Faire. I donned a veil and hung out with the belly dancers for a little while.
Artie

Visiting the Shire of Tamarack

2005-10-01T16:59:00.000-02:30

At the risk of hurting the feelings of any of my new friends from the Tamarack Renaissance Faire, I have selected just a few of the photos that my personal photographer and Paparazzo, Mr. Gary Hartley, took of me at Tamarack's Renaissance Faire today. (This guy just followed me everywhere, snapping photo after photo.)
Jeff's Bread was a knockout! I felt like I must me in a big-city, neighborhood ethnic market, like the Italian Market in Philadelphia. It was so cool. Sweeteez is another that I can't fail to mention. How can I ignore people who are not only the sweetest people you'll ever hope to meet, but who give samples of their fudge on a stick that includes my favorite combination of peanut butter and banana! For those of you who aren't sock monkeys, they have other flavors as well. Here I am with their West Virginia special - coal cookies. The photo of the day has to be of Dina Brown of Pottery by Nova. Her two partners, Nancy O'Farrell and Diana Pittis, may have been smart to stay shy of the camera for this one. I love the idea that they market themselves together like they do. Kudos to Dina for staying in character (and being a character) all day today! Move over Sally Sock Monkey! I adore this beautiful maiden sculpted by Karen Sparks. I am in love, my lady. Do you think a sock monkey can find happiness with a woman of wood?

The only part of the day that I didn't like was when Lady Truepenny (a.k.a. Thickpenny) put me in the stocks. That was no fun and I didn't even know why I was being punished!

Kelly Noll was delighted by the white rat of pirate Sly Fox. This was the first visit to the Faire for the Noll family.

Here is a whole new group of recruits for the Friends of Sock Monkeys. Students from the Academy at Mountain State University volunteered in the children's craft tent today. (From left to right: Clint, Todd, Abby, Sara, Andrea and Victor.)

Darlene, here is Lady Truepenny's dress. You asked to see how it looks.

If you like my blog. please leave a comment. You don't have to be registered.

More later....

Artie

Sock Monkeys Play Faire!

2005-09-28T19:40:00.000-02:30

Fie! Pirate sock monkeys have besieged the Shire of Tamarack. The palace is crawling with the rascals. I have donned my flat cap and collar so that I may join with the Queen and Sir Francis Drake to defeat the invading pirate sock monkeys.

Come join in. Take the side of the queen or that of the pirate scourge. Whichever side you choose, remember - Play Faire!

Tamarack Renaissance Faire
Saturday, October 1 & Sunday, October 2
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tamarack, Beckley, WV
http://www.tamarackwv.com/

Thy humble servant, Artie

Arts Business Institute

2005-09-17T15:33:00.000-02:30

This past Friday and Saturday Tamarack had the pleasure of welcoming the Ats Bsuiness Institute (ABi) to West Virginia for the second time. We had over 70 people who came to learn about the business of art. I learned tons of cool stuff and am feeling like a pretty smart sock monkey right now. Plus, I recruited four new members for the the Friends of Sock Monkeys club from the ABi staff and faculty. They are (from top to bottom) Marilyn Ulen, ABi, Executive Director, Alisha Vincent, Public Affairs Director for the Rosen Group, Bruce Baker, Middlebury Jewelry And Design in Vermont, and Judie Raiford, Raiford Gallery located outside Atlanta. As you can see, these are people who really kow how to appreciate a talented sock monkey like yours truly! I hope they come to see me again!

Artie Reflects on Life

2005-09-08T01:09:00.000-02:30

Recent events in New Orleans and other areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina have forced me to pause and reflect on life. It can be hard to be convivial right now. Still, I am grateful for everything I have - my friends Guido, Polly, Sally Sock Monkey, WV Sock Monkey - even for Beth Bear. I am also blessed that I am surrounded by beauty, creativity and kindness every single day. My conclusion is that it is good to be a sock monkey in West Virginia.

Now it is time for me to return to my duties directing convivial sock monkey happenings at Tamarack.

Artie

More Sock Monkeys Arriving Daily

2005-08-26T11:10:00.000-02:30

In my efforts to recruit more members to the West Virginia Sock Monkey Association, I always greet the new sock monkeys as they arrive at Tamarack. I know you think these monkeys may be suffocating, but they're not. As stuffed animals, we sock monkeys don't have to breathe. Also, sock monkeys like to to bunch up in piles like this. We do this a lot in barrels. My convivial friend, Josh, works hard to get everyone to their destination quickly.

Artie

Guido with Keith Urban

2005-08-20T16:02:00.000-02:30

Do you remember my friend Guido? He's the monkey that plays the thumb piano. Guido visited the West Virginia State Fair this week. He and Polly had tickets to the Keith Urban concert on August 16. When Keith heard that he had a sock monkey in the audience, he called Guido up to perform with him. Guido sang and the crowd went wild! I'm sure Guido's musical career is about to take off. Now, if the 1937 Flood will invite him to perform, he'll know he's made the big time!
Artie

Voting on the State Animal

2005-08-20T12:30:00.000-02:30

Things heat up at Tamarack between the sock monkeys and the sock bears. Voting continues through the end of August. Visit the toy department to cast your ballot - pink for bears or blue for monkeys. I encourage you to be a good citizen and participate in our democracy.
Artie

Sock Bears? Horrors!

2005-08-19T21:46:00.000-02:30

I was strolling through Tamarack when Beth Sock Bear stopped to introduce herself. She let me know that she has started a blog campaigning to keep the bear as the State Animal of West Virginia.

I looked around and I realized that there are sock bears everywhere! They think they're so adorable...

Artie

Top Ten Reasons to Like Sock Monkeys

2005-08-17T23:36:00.000-02:30

The controversy about bears and sock monkeys continues. Here are the Top Ten Reasons to Like Sock Monkeys More than Bears:

10. Sock monkeys like to travel.
9. Sock monkeys contribute to the economy of West Virginia.
8. Sock monkeys can swing by their tails.
7. Sock monkeys don’t shed.
6. Sock monkeys are more intelligent than bears.
5. Sock monkeys have a keen appreciation for art.
4. Sock monkeys don’t eat garbage.
3. Sock monkeys are kind to babies and children.
2. Sock monkeys are good listeners.

And, the number one reason to like sock monkeys better than bears is:
1. Sock monkeys are more convivial than bears!

Artie

*framed art by Rob Cleland

Visit to Kimball

2005-08-13T10:00:00.000-02:30

I visited Kimball in McDowell County this week as a guest of McArts. They threw quite a banquet in my honor, but as you can see, I was uncharacteristically gluttonous. Being overwhelmed by everyone's hospitality, I ate myself into a stupor. Kathy Kish from the Bluefield Daily Telegraph caught me in this snapshot in what, I have to admit, was not one of my finer moments. Still sock monkeys have high metabolisms, so I was feeling my convivial self again quite soon. My thanks to Jean Battlo for organizing such a nice event.
Best regards,
Artie

Knot a Pretty Picture

2005-08-09T12:28:00.000-02:30

I spotted these fellow sock monkeys at the recent festivities for Fenton's 100th Anniversary. A picture of Steve Conlon of Thistledew Farm wearing his famous bee beard was enough to make these guys "fit to be tied." At the risk of "beeing" a little silly, I would say that all those bees are "knot my cup of tea."

Artie

Happy Birthday, Sally Sock Monkey!

2005-08-05T17:39:00.000-02:30

I'd like to wish a very happy birthday to Sally Sock Monkey. Please don't tell her, but I feel beyond convivial when I think of her. Sally is a very sophisticated sock monkey, because she lives in the big city of Charleston, WV. Do you think she would ever like a plain, country sock monkey like me?
Artie

Guido and Polly

2005-08-05T04:03:00.000-02:30

I'd like to extend a convivial welcome to Guido and Polly, the two newest members of the West Virginia Sock Monkey Association. Guido has recovered from his injury at the paws of a vicious canine and, now, thanks to a large settlement from his personal injury lawsuit, he and Polly are living the Good Life. In their leisure time, they like to travel and to play the thumb piano. When interviewed, Polly said, "It is our fondest wish to start a thumb piano band. Surprisingly, we sock monkeys can be awesome thumb piano musicians, even though we have no thumbs. We hope someday to play at Tamarack with The 1937 Flood."

Commentary from Artie

2005-08-01T11:08:00.000-02:30

WV Sock Monkey has been holding a membership drive for the West Virginia Sock Monkey Association. With all due respect, he seems to be handing out the title of "Honorary Sock Monkey" rather blithely these days. First, he bestowed the title on Mr. Phil Kabler of the Charleston Gazette, which was fine. Now, however, he is seeking the title for Stella, a dog living in is household. Stella may be a very fine dog and quite convivial, but as most sock monkeys know, dogs can be a little rough on sock monkeys. A sock monkey friend of mine, Guido, was torn from limb to limb by a canine who mistook him for a dog toy. It was a very frightening incident.

I would like to suggest that Stella begin by joining the Friends of Sock Monkeys. Should she prove herself convivial enough, we can vote on the honorary title later.
Artie

Sock Moc

2005-07-30T16:28:00.000-02:30

Today I put on a pair of moccasins by Lana Yates and joined the Mary Ingles Celebration at Tamarack. From Jayne Humphries, I learned how to weave baskets; from Craig Ferrell, I learned to knap flint to make arrowheads; from David Bragg, I picked up carving wood; and Danny Robertson showed me how to scrimshaw powderhorns. There were all kinds of activities today. James Alexander Thom and Dark Rain Thom were signing their books. I watched Jude Miller's video, The Captive. I visited the tepee that Allen and Ronnie Hamrick set up in the courtyard for a learning lodge. Tomorrow (July 31), Allen Hamrick will play his flute and tell stories. Karen Vuranch will appear on stage as Mary Draper Ingles for Sunday@2. Mostly, though, I just like wearing my moccasins. When you're a sock monkey, it can be difficult to find comfortable shoes!
Your friend, Artie

Friends of Sock Monkeys

2005-07-27T15:20:00.000-02:30

Since Tamarack is the self-proclaimed "Unofficial Home" of the West Virginia sock monkey, I'm sure my friends there will be happy to endorse a Friends of Sock Monkeys group. You'd be surprised. I've already recruited two members. Please post your comment, if you want to join, too! Your friend, Artie

Sock Monkey Picnic

2005-07-22T01:11:00.000-02:30

WV Sock Monkey is a little bummed about his lost opportunity: http://wvsockmonkey.blogspot.com/.

Don't feel sad, WV Sock Monkey. You can come to my picnic, if Mr. Blankenship forgot to invite you to his. As you can see, I have plenty of extra food and sock monkeys are very generous as well as convivial. We can have our own rides, too!

Artie

Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia Sock Monkeys

2005-07-19T17:29:00.000-02:30

First, I want to thank WV Sock Monkey for the convivial welcome. He makes me proud to be a sock monkey.

The nice people at Tamarack tell me that they are the "Unofficial Home of the West Virginia Sock Monkey." In nine years they have helped over 1,700 sock monkeys find homes all over the United States! I wonder where all those guys are living today...

I visited Tamarack and found it to be a very sock monkey friendly environment. I went bananas over what I found in the Food Court!

Your friend,
Artie

Artie

2005-07-19T17:27:00.000-02:30

Artie

West Virginia Sock Monkeys Unite

2005-07-19T17:23:00.000-02:30

I didn't make it to Flatwoods for the organizational meeting of the West Virginia Sock Monkey Association, but, boy, was I excited to hear about the event. It's time that sock monkeys have a chance to voice their opinion. You can read about that meeting and about our president, West Virginia Sock Monkey, here at http://wvsockmonkey.blogspot.com/.

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Artie the Sock Monkey. I think I 'm a sibling to West Virginia Sock Monkey, because we share the same last name, "Sock Monkey." Also, I, too, was born a few months ago in somone's sewing room in West Virginia. Coincidence? I think not!

Although some sock monkeys are political, I really am not, but I'm impressed by WV Sock Monkey's photo with Governor Manchin. I hope I have a chance to meet the governor someday. I think having the sock monkey as West Virginia's state animal instead of the black bear is a great idea. That's a concept I can really get behind!

Here I am with a West Virginia black bear. Don't you think I'm better looking?

I look forward to sending more photos of my activities.

Your friend,
Artie the Sock Monkey

*Artie the Sock Monkey*

A Staged Disappearance

Where's ARTIE?

Monkey-napped!

Artie Goes to Canada

Artie Reflects

Homer Hickam Visits Tamarack

Backyard Barbecue

Mountain State Art and Craft Fair

Artie Speaks (sort of)

Artie Returns

Sock Santa

'Tis the Season...

Tamarack Foundation Gala

Sharing a Favorite Photo from Ren Faire

Visiting the Shire of Tamarack

Sock Monkeys Play Faire!

Arts Business Institute

Artie Reflects on Life

More Sock Monkeys Arriving Daily

Guido with Keith Urban

Voting on the State Animal

Sock Bears? Horrors!

Top Ten Reasons to Like Sock Monkeys

Visit to Kimball

Knot a Pretty Picture

Happy Birthday, Sally Sock Monkey!

Guido and Polly

Commentary from Artie

Sock Moc

Friends of Sock Monkeys

Sock Monkey Picnic

Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia Sock Monkeys

Artie

West Virginia Sock Monkeys Unite

Artie the Sock Monkey