SACAJAWEA #5161 (July, 1991) Sacajawea was the first Indian woman reported to have crossed the Rocky Mountains from the plains of the United States. As a member of the Shoshone Tribe, she was chosen to lead the expedition of Lewis & Clark in their search for a route to the Pacific Ocean. With her son, Little Pomp, on her back, she rode in the first canoe during the hard going on the Missouri River. When other Indian tribes saw her at the front of the caravan, they recognized that this was a mission of peace, for no warriors would put a woman and child at the head of their group if they were intent on war. This statue shows her on the crest of a hill, buffeted by the wind, preparing to lead the men on another step of their successful journey.
SALLY #5156 (June, 1991) Sally eats a salad every day. She is holding a celery heart – like Sally’s, it is the sweetest part. To prepare for Caesar’s Salad Toss party she has donned a Romaine lettuce apron with a celery leaf bow. Sally will join her Woodspirit friends to create the biggest and best tossed salad. Her Cayman Islands coin represents the Thousand Island salad dressing that she’ll take to the party.
SALTY #1170 (November, 1986) Whenever you find your lucky penny, it can lead you to bigger things! Salty found this sand dollar after coming across the penny at his feet. He’s remembering the old saying that he just invented: “Find a penny in the sand, get a dollar in the hand.” He is about to eat his sand dollar because he thinks it is a biscuit, so it’s up to you to tell him that sand dollars are for saving, not for eating!’ He surely needs to “salt away”.
SALTY #9123 TIM WOLFE Salty the sea lion is having a ball – a beach ball, to be more precise! California sea lions, like Salty, are the animals most frequently seen performing in “seal” shows at aquariums and 2005. They are playful and intelligent animals that learn quickly, and are wonderfully talented acrobats. Wild sea lions live in two worlds: water and land. Though rather clumsy on land, they can reach speeds of 15 to 20 miles per hour underwater, just with several thrusts of their flippers. Salty is certainly at his best in the water, where his every movement is graceful as he spins and twirls in what might be called an underwater ballet. For Salty, life isn’t just a beach.
SALUTE TO THE SERVICES ….. See Coastie #5142, Flyboy #5141, G.I. #5138, Leatherneck #5140, Swabbie #5139 These five Woodspirits are showing their support for the brave men and women of the armed services. Together, they salute the five branches of the United States military: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. Each Woodspirit has pickets in front of him to symbolize that he stands behind “De-Fense? They were created during the Persian Gulf crisis in February of 1991. Beginning in 1992, these fellows will don patriotic red, white and blue ribbons. For now, however, they each display a yellow ribbon to say to those who serve their country, “We’re thinking of you and want you to come home soon.”
SAMMY #1098 (July, 1985) “Our Sammy Boy’ was a patriotic song written by my mother during World War I. This little fun loving fellow is everybody’s favorite uncle. He was invited to the family reunion picnic on the Fourth of July. The firecrackers were set off at an amusem*nt park in a nearby village. Sammy is holding his ears to encourage his nephews and nieces to do the same. He has shown them that fireworks all have good warning labels indicating the danger of setting them off by yourself. One coin is from Great Britain and shows the barricade being raised and the chain broken. Overlapping that coin is one from the United States showing the eagle that has obtained independence!
SANDMAN #5067 (March, 1989) The Sandman is holding a lantern in one hand and a bucket of sand in the other. He’ll toss sand into your eyes when you are having trouble sleeping. Then he’ll sing you an Irish lullabye while playing the harp on his Irish coin. If you believe in Woodspirits, the Sandman will also send you a dream. His red nightcap was a gift from his wife, in honor of his friends the Gnomes.
SANDRA #5597 Sandra and Leon are named for two fine people who know how to get the most out of a dollar. So if you have a young plant that needs a little nurturing to achieve above average growth, place Sandra and Leon in the soil of the pot. They will happily watch over the plants all day long. Their services will be worth a million dollars to the gardener. Let their feet hang over the side of the pot and you will find that the Gnomes will talk to the plants and keep them free of weeds.
SANDWITCH #5415 This is Deli, the Sandwitch. She strolls the sand strand in her best bathing suit (circa 1913) as she patiently waits for the other good witches to join her. Valentina, Christmas Eva, Lucky Lucy and Pumpkin Hattie will all want to catch some Rays with her. (Do they know that the lifeguard is named Ray?) Watching the waves with Deli is not only fun, it’s safe (there’s a lighthouse on the lucky coin from the Bahamas!) So pull up a shell, have a seat, and Deli will share with you her sandwich.
SANDY #93 (April, 1981) There is no coin on Sandy for a very good reason. He is the fund raiser for the Woodspirits and encourages the others to give their money to worthy causes, as he has done. Anyway, who needs money when you have the earth, the sky and a sand dollar! The shells are from both the Pacific and the Atlantic coasts. He is named for Sandy Carnegie who solicits funds for Davidson College.
SANTA #121 (September, 1980) Who would you like to have recite The Night Before Christmas”? Someone like Burl Ives? That is what I thought, so I patterned my Santa after him. His bag is filled with Christmas nuts, which traditionally help fill the stockings. Sometimes I violate my rule about coins. I have a rule of not putting coins on statues of miniature people (like Nellie or Daniel Boone) but I sometimes make Santa the exception by putting one in his bag. Of course, Santa may really be a Gnome, since he finds it so easy to go down chimneys! Behind him is a little Raggedy Ann doll.
SANTA II #76 (July, 1983) This jolly fellow is perched in his wicker sleigh awaiting the reindeer who will carry him to the homes of the good boys and girls listed in his book. The base is full of packages and toys. There are no coins; Santa must have spent them on some of the gifts!
SANTA III #1054 (June, 1984) Woodspirit children write their Christmas wishlists on dry leaves and let the wind carry them to the North Pole. Santa II has checked his list and knows he is in the right place for giving out the toys. He is doing it by himself, because the little elf behind him is too pooped. If there is a coin it must be under the poinsettia or in the bottom of the bag. The Woodspirit child leaves Santa a walnut and some milk in a walnut shell.
SANTA IV #5006 (September, 1987) its Christmas Eve, and Santa is filling the stockings. He has left his gloves on, because he’s going to get right back into the sleigh. Maybe in the sleigh he’ll spot the missing tennis shoe – after coming down the he chimney he could find only one. Theres a package with Santa’s name on it, so don’t open it, because that’s for him. The children have cooked oatmeal for Santa and have left the pot where he’ll be sure to see it. The lid is on the keep, the oatmeal warm, in case Santa arrives very late. When I was a child, I hung up one of my father’s hunting socks for my Christmas stocking. It was gray wool with a red band around the top and a red toe, and very large. For my Santa, I used doll’s socks that have been played with by three generations of little girls. Santa has finished stuffing the little boy’s stocking, and now he’s filling a stocking for the little girl. There’s a look of puzzlement on his face as he wonders, “Did I give her a teddy bear last year? Oh well, you can’t have too many.”
SANTA V #5133 (January, 1991) Santa V enjoys watching your holiday preparations. Over the years I’ve sculpted many different versions of Santa Claus. One is filling stockings, one is holding a sack almost emptied of its gifts, and one is even coming down with a bound. But this is my first Santa who is truly saying, “HO HO HO? His sack is packed with the gifts he’ll deliver on Christmas Eve, and for some lucky family there will be a teddy bear, a football and a gnome. Santa V is my largest statue to date who likes to sit on the edge of your mantel. He is on the edge because he likes to go a little beyond what he planned to give for Christmas. From his vantage point he can see the tree being trimmed, observe the packages smuggled into the house, and enjoy the good smells coming from the kitchen. And his eyes will twinkle with delight when he watches your family celebrate Christmas morning.
SANTA BABY #5096 (January, 1990) The name derives from a remark made by every new parent at Christmas time: “This is Santa, Baby.” A collector from Waco, Texas gave me this baby bottle, used by his “preemie” in the hospital. Perhaps my Santa is the true size that Clement Moore had in mind when he wrote “The Night Before Christmas.” Indeed, this Woodspirit is a right jolly old elf, and therefore has no coin. When Santa came down the chimney, he expected to find his usual milk and cookies. Instead, he found a baby bottle and a cookie already nibbled! That must have satisfied the mouse, because not a creature was stirring. Next to the bottle, Santa found this note: Dear Santa, Since you are up, please give the 3 a.m. bottle to Baby.”
SANTA BEAR #9120 TIM WOLFE On Christmas Eve, young animals throughout all the woods and forests lie awake in their nests, anxiously awaiting the arrival of good ol’ Santa Bear. For many of them, it will seem like the longest night of the year, as they are far too excited to sleep… After a long winter’s nap in the North Cave, Santa Bear emerges on Christmas Eve, dressed and ready to go to work. His red and white suit resembles that which is worn by his human colleague, Claus. Years of eating Mrs. Bear’s cooking has caused Santa Bear’s jacket to feel a bit tight! While St. Nick is busy filling stockings for good boys and girls, Santa Bear will be delivering treats to little critters all across the land. His team of eight mighty mule deer will carry his sleigh from the Everglades to the Yukon – and everywhere in between. If you happen to notice this jolly and plump bruin sneaking through your woodlot on Christmas Eve, you’ll know in a moment it mustn’t be St. Nick … it’s Santa Bear!
SANTA CLAUS #5405 The Christ Child represents the holiness of the Christmas event, while Santa Claus is the symbol of family giving and Christmas joy. This figure evolved from St. Nicholas, a Bishop of Myra in the 4th century. Since then, various countries have depicted him in different clothing with varying physiques. In the United States, he is generally shown as being fat, happy and wearing a red suit. This image was popularized in the 20th century by Coca-Cola ads and Norman Rockwell paintings. Our mythology says that Santa comes from the North Pole, yet is the warmest of folk icons. He dresses loudly but is quiet as a mouse (according to “Twas the Night Before Christmas”). A right jolly old elf (so that’s how he gets down chimneys!) he can visit millions of homes in a few minutes and fly through the air with the aid of eight “tiny” reindeer. Santa makes no apology for his rotund figure, and it is assumed that he samples the candy that he brings to the children on Christmas night. On the base of this fig-urine, there are also nuts and acorns for his animal friends. Christmas is a time when parents give to their children with such unselfish love (Agape) that they don’t even claim credit for the gifts. The thanks go to Santa Claus!
SANTA PRAYING #5932 (APRIL, 2003)
SANTA’S HOME! #5291 (November, 1995) Whew! It’s been a long night. It seems that there are a few more children to visit every year, and each deserves special attention. As dawn breaks over the North Pole and Christmas morning sunbeams turn every snowdrift into a cairn of diamonds, Santa arrives at last on his own doorstep. His sack is empty. He is weary but filled with the joy and sweet relief of a job well done after a hard day (or night) at work. Seeing Mrs. Claus smiling at him from the doorway makes his homecoming complete. Welcome home!
SANTA’S NORTH POLES #5326 (March, 1997) Santa is on top of the world – it’s ski time at the North Pole! The slopes are groomed and the trails are marked. He doesn’t want to wind up “black and blue” so he’ll take the long “green dot” slope down to his sleigh. Using his ski poles for balance and maneuverability, he just may show Donner and Blitzen a thing or two about speed. His new skis (a gift from the elves) make him merry at Christmas time. Look for Ol’ Man Winter in his beard.
SANTA’S PAINTERS #8090 Santa’s master painters Are always in a rush, Painting these nutcrackers One misplaced his favorite brush. With Christmas fast approaching He couldn’t fall behind, So he quickly grabbed the closest Bristles he could find!
SANTA’S SMILE #5286 (September, 1995) What is brighter than a Christmas bow and bigger than the Christmas goose? It’s Santa’s smile! The inspiration for this piece was my first Santa statue, sculpted exactly 15 years ago. I think you’ll see some changes after all my years of “practice.” I always think of Santa Claus as a “right jolly old elf,” so this statue may actually be life-sized! He is posed by a Christmas poinsettia and his sack is stuffed with Christmas nuts for good little boys and girls (Christmas is Santa’s bag!). The base is also overflowing with many varieties of nuts, a treat we always hope to find in the toes of our Christmas stockings Instead of a rag doll there is a lute gnome behind Santa. He is one of Santa’s helpers, but now he’ resting because his job is done! Santa will make a merry sound as he comes down your chimney, for his red stocking cap is decorated with a Christmas bell. This Santa is a bit plumper than Santa I – after all, he’s had 15 more years of Christmas dinners!
SANTA’S WORKSHOP #8042 This wonderful, wooden rocking horse Was handmade with loving care, By the very finest craftsmen That you’d find anywhere. At Santa’s North Pole Workshop, Every elf that he employs Is busy working all day long At a job that he enjoys. Cuz what could be more rewarding Than making wooden toys To be opened up on Christmas mom By little girls and boys?
SANTA SEW #5640 (Summer 2008) When Santa sews the needle goes in and under and then comes up again . . . pretty much like people do when they travel by subway. So (sew), the lucky coin is an old subway token from New York. Santa’s toboggan is a thimble, which to gnomes is known as a hard hat. This Santa is a repairman and he is sew welcomed in Christmas emergencies.
SASSY #5125 (Cairn Seminar Series) (November, 1990) Corky found a cork in the forest, and decided it would make a good backrest. Now he’s curious about the bottle that once held this cork. Did a genie live inside? Despite his wild ideas, he’s a real corker. His coin is from France, home to some of the world’s best vineyards. Corky’s friend Sassy, a tea-totaler, is using a tea bag for her backrest. When Corky asked about the genie, she laughed and said, “I know you’re a Woodspirit, but you won’t find any ‘spirits’ in empty bottles.” She’ll fix Corky a cup of her favorite beverage, sassafras tea. Sassy’s coin is Chinese, because she wouldn’t leave Corky for all the tea in China.
SATURDAY #90 (May, 1983) “Saturday’s child works hard for a living”— that is why he needs a good rest at the end of the week. He is relaxing against the base of a stump from Cairn Ridge. He symbolizes leisure (maybe even retirement!) and the snail behind him sets the pace. The Moroccan coin is to get him dreaming about faraway places. The bird footprints on the bottom of his shoes will aid him in his flights of fancy.
“SAY HEY” #5219 (April, 1993) This hopeful outfielder wants to be just like his idol, Willie Mays, who was nicknamed “the Say Hey Kid.” He has his glove ready and his eye on the ball, but since Woodspirit children play baseball in the forest his mitt has filled up with acorns! Maybe the flypaper will help him catch a fly, and if that fails he can use the bucket by his feet. His coin is an American penny, for baseball has been America’s national pastime for 150 years. The ball is getting closer, and … Say Hey! I think he’s going to make that catch!
SAY CHRISTMAS #6379 by Tom Clark and Tim Wolfe Get out the camera! It’s Christmas and everywhere you look there is a photo opportunity. In this particular instance, it’s Ansel, the gnome, wearing his Christmas hat trimmed with fur, who is playing the role of Santa. Both he and his rabbit friend are in a happy mood, so they don’t mind posing for a picture. Philippe, the mouse, pointed the camera at them and said, “Say Cheese” . .. but then he realized that cheese probably meant more to him than to anyone else. “Say carrot!”, he added, but only the rabbit smiled. So what could he say that would make everyone smile? “Say Christmas!!” Ansel has spent all his money for the present on which Philippe is standing. He didn’t tell me what it is, but I suspect it’s extra film for use on Christmas morning when everyone smiles without being asked to do so.
SCANDI #2001 (Special Commission) (November, 1983) This figure was begun at The Four Flags of Scandia in Ashtabula, Ohio. They commissioned the piece and intended it to honor all four Scandinavian countries, as evidenced by the four coins underneath the horse. The horse is a popular bit of Scandinavian folklore, indicating that the horse can kick your troubles out of the house. On some editions I broke with tradition and put a red bow on the tail, to show that the horse is a kicker.
SCARLETT #9056 TIM WOLFE It just isn’t fair! Scarlett hasn’t done anything to deserve being bothered by a bee. All she wanted was to spend some solitary time in the flower garden. Geez, it wasn’t as if she was going to nibble on any bloom or nip any bud! Now, for reasons unexplained, she is being harassed by some half pint insect with an attitude. She’s heard of having a bee in her bonnet, but on her toe? Scarlett doesn’t realize that the bee means no harm – he simply finds her as sweet and pretty as any flower in the garden. Quite frankly, she would prefer it if the little bumbler would just go away. A bunny’s ears are quite sensitive, you see, and this buzzing noise is beginning to give her a headache. Scarlett is hoping for a good breeze to blow in. Then perhaps her troubles would be gone with the wind.
SCHOOL MARM #5171 (October, 1991) This statue honors teachers of the twentieth century with one from the turn of the century. The School Marm has seen many children pass through her classroom. She has a red pencil for checking her students’ homework, and her textbooks represent the three basic R’s of education: Reading, Riting, and ‘Rithmetic. Her ruler warns students that discipline will be measured out if they’re given an inch and take a mile. But it also brings to mind her favorite song: “School days, School days, Dear old golden rule days.” She is the second member of my new “Professions” series, which began with M.D., the family doctor. The School Marm’s coin depicts a lightbulb, which, like this hard-working teacher, is dedicated to better vision. The acorns which secure her bun confirm what all students know–that a teacher has eyes in the back of her head.
SCOOP #5035 (February, 1988) Scoop is the Good Humor man for all of the Gnomes and Woodspirits. He wants his cone to contain your favorite flavor of ice cream. On his base are a walnut, a pecan and an almond from which he can blend your special scoop. He and Peaches are often invited to parties along with Fudge, Oreo and Newt. Sometimes Scoop, Baker and Happy collaborate on a special birthday treat. Scoop wears a cone hat, but rather than being a dunce, he is actually real cool, and in fact, his coin is from Chile!
SCOTCH #5521 (2003)
SCOUT #2026 (January, 1989) Scout was commissioned by the Boy Scouts of America, and friends in Davidson supplied me with the official Scouting items that I used on this statue. Scout is hiking along the Appalachian Trail, and he’s having such a good time that he won’t mind if his foot is tender. He is in Troop #7 he thinks this is a lucky troop. He is carrying a coin that depicts the Boy Scout pledge, and the coin by his foot depicts the Boy Scout oath. On his pack is the Boy Scout insignia and the Scouting motto, “Be Prepared? Because Gnomes love the outdoors, they wanted their own Scouting program. But Gnomes do not join a scout troop until they are 50 years old, which is why Scout has a beard. Scout also has a special Boy Scout hat. His hat is pointed, to protect him from falling acorns, and it also has a bill to shade his eyes while he hikes. Scout and his troop are hoping that next year they can go to Philmont, New Mexico, to the biggest Boy Scout camp of all. If you, too, are nuts about Scouting, you’ll be able to see a little face on the base of the statue.
SCRABBLE #925 (July 1991) This is the fourth sign made to accompany a collection of “Tom Clark Creations.” The lucky coin on the side isa game token to insure that you’ll be the winner in the game of Scrabble. Scrabble is also the name of this little red-hatted Woodspirit. From the jumble of letters on the base he has formed “Cairn Studio” and the leftovers have brought forth “T Clark.” Scrabble will probably add the “O” and “M’ which will suit Tom to a T.
SCRAP #9049 TIM WOLFE For years, man has credited the red fox with amazing feats of intelligence and cunning. We have even coined such phrases as “sly as a fox” and “clever as a fox.” While he may not be the intellectual giant that legend and folklore would have us believe, one fact remains true; the red fox does look intelligent! Sly and elusive, yet handsomely dressed in an orange-red coat with black leggings and a magnificent tail tipped in white, the red fox has everything it takes for the making of legends. As we speak, Scrap is probably scheming his next raid on the hen house or planning a new trick for throwing hounds off his trail (he takes great satisfaction in the latter and can think of no better sport). He also enjoys a good rabbit chase now and again – that is, when it doesn’t involve that pesky fellow named Briar.
SCRATCHBACK #6362 “Oooh, that feels so good!” It’s only right that “turnabout is fair play”, so the monkey who got his back scratched on Back-scratch is now giving the same treatment to the Woodspirit. (This is one time when it’s okay to have a monkey on your back.) This is the first time we have done a Kindred Spirit statue that is a continuation of a story. The coin is from Samoa, as was the coin on Back-scratch. It’s obvious from the expression on the face of the Woodspirit that he does indeed want “Samoa”!
“SCULPTURE BY TOM CLARK SIGN “TOM CLARK’S CREATIONS SIGN #994 (1982) These two signs were carved by Bill Dicks in Banner Elk, N.C. The little fellow on the edge of “Sculpture” has never revealed his name. The one in the middle of the “Creations” sign is perhaps called T-Bird. In any event, he looks a bit like me, with my nickname given me by students at Davidson College. Don’t look for coins for he has no common “cents.?
SEAN #131 (October, 1980) Sean sometimes picks apples and rides them down from the tree. When he chooses, he becomes invisible. This accounts for the times when apples are seen to fall and only Sean’s hat follows behind. He has the Irish name for John. His coin honors Johnny Appleseed, as it shows someone planting a tree.
SECOND HALF #5302 (May, 1996) Touchdown! With his hands raised in the traditional referee’s signal, my little fellow celebrates scoring the winning touchdown. You can tell from his shirt and tie that it was quite a scuffle. But a little luck of the Irish helped, so, for helmet. He shares the Irish coin from “First Half” but now it’s upside down, because the game was an upset. This is the first statue that I have progressed from one pose to another to tell a story. I copied my own palms for this leprechaun’s hands – he even shares my carpal tunnel scar on the right hand. But, like it does for me, it extends his life line!
SECRET #190 (November, 1981) He is about 100 years old and has decided it is time to get married. Being shy and fearful of rejection, Secret has picked a marigold and begun playing the game “she loves me, she loves me not …” The butterfly saw Secret pulling the petals off the marigold and wanted to stop him. Being the message carrier for Gnomes and Woodspirits, the butterfly knew the answer to Secret’s question. So the butterfly flew to his ear and told him the “secret.” What was it? Only Mugmon thinks he knows for sure. The coin is Norwegian.
SEEMORE #5361 AccCBz #3311 (February, 1998) His first priority is to help with the tires, but if there’s time he pulls out the washcloth and gives the windshield a wipe. There’s no reason why the TV camera should have a better view than the driver!
SENIOR #5103 (March, 1990) Senior’s children have grown up and left home to start homes and families of their own. Senior is pondering his now empty nest, symbolized by the broken birds’ eggs and the empty seed pods from an acorn, a day lily, a peanut, and a rhododendron. He has decided to retire and just “go to seed.” So Senior climbed into the old wicker bassinet (another empty nest) and asked his wife to baby him. Her response was to point to the Canadian coin and declare, “You’re crazy as a loon!” She’ll soon make him realize that the golden years can be the fullest. In the meantime, she has handed Senior five honeydew melon seeds, which he put in his shirt pocket. Like most wives, she’ll keep Senior busy with a “Honey, do .. ” list.
SERENADE #5370 (March, 1998) “Serenades” often take place by the light of the moon coming up over the water while the couple sits on the beach. If there’s no moon, there’s still a glow coming from the eyes of the gnome troubadour and his lady love. They’re so enthralled with the music and their joy at being together that they probably haven’t seen the little fish from Bermuda that just swam by (on the coin). The banjo seems to be playing “I shell be loving you always.”
SEW IN LOVE #5404 This Thimble series couple is a tribute to those who are still “so much in love.” “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Life is often woven with threads of hardship and ease, joy and sorrow, good health and sickness, but the thread that binds this couple together is humor. It is their sense of humor that keeps this couple in stitches. The two lucky coins are from France and Canada. These are countries far from each other but bound by the common language of love – French. EDITION CHANGES: Sew In Love: January 2000 Release – One edition depicts the dress covering her feet. Another edition shows her feet coming out from underneath the dress.
SEW MUCH TO DO #8048 I wonder who else, Has a problem like mine, I have sew much to do And sew little time.
SHADRACH #1012; MESHACH #1013; ABEDNEGO #1014 (The Bible & Religion Series) (December, 1983) These little fellows were once named Tom, Dick, and Harry. One day they were caught in a forest fire and would have perished had not a chipmunk led them to the safety of a cave behind a waterfall. After this they changed their names to correspond with the men in the biblical book of Daniel who also endured a fiery furnace. Shadrach and Abednego have tranportation tokens to use on the trip back home. Meshach was so anxious to tell about his experience that he chose a telephone token (Israeli) so that he could call home.
SHAKESPEARE #1039 (Books & Education Series) (April, 1984) The Bard is not resting; he is writing! Evidence of his creative productivity is seen in the play titles around his feet. The chair is padded and has a high back to protect him from the cold and drafts of an English home in Stratford-upon-Avon. Exactly what he looked like is not known; this portrait agrees with the few depictions made of him in the 16th century.
SHAMROCK #5604 When Irish eyes are smiling, sure ‘tis like a morn in May! And Shamrock’s eyes are smiling all the time. Of course, when it’s time for some Irish stew, he smiles a little broader, although he has eaten so much of his favorite food he can no longer button his vest all the way down. His new walking stick, a shillelagh, was a little too tall for him, so he cut it down to size. You can find the top of the stick lying on the base. You can also find his lucky Irish coin, which you may want to use when buying an Irish sweepstakes ticket. The leaf on his “green thumb,” as well as the logo on his top hat are indications that he belongs to the leprechaun branch of Green Thumb Gnomes. He can make any garden green just by whistling for some Irish Mist to settle on the yard. He was proud of his nice hat . . . until a bird sat on it and made a dent. But no dent was made in Shamrock’s smile. By the way, if you like Ireland, you’ll be able to find a smiling face in Shamrock’s beard.
SHARKY #5429 Sharky is a dedicated shell collector. Once in a while he comes across a small shark’s tooth; however, this time he has found the largest one he’s ever seen. This particular specimen is from a now-extinct shark that scholars estimate existed 50 million years ago! Sharky is meditating on this discovery while watching the waves on the shore. Was it his diligent searching that led him to the tooth … or was it the lucky coin from Barbados that he found? This tooth, found at Topsail Beach, North Carolina, won’t fit in the seashell bag he carries over his shoulder so maybe he can get a crab to carry it for him. He’s anxious to get it home in time, for “Shore and Tell.”
SHASTA #9071 TIM WOLFE “What’s that smell?” Shasta the skunk has caught scent of something in the air. At first, she thought it was coming from the stump on which she is sitting. Then, she thought maybe it was her wilted flower. Now, she realizes it might be herself that she smells. If that is the case, then it smells good since she just put on some new perfume given to her by her friend, Purrfume. I created this statue right around the time my 4-year-old daughter was trying hard to recite an old tongue twister that went like this: The skunk sat on the stump.; The skunk thought the stump stunk.; The stump thought the skunk stunk!
SHAW #126 (September, 1980) This fellow is a mischievous little magician, springing from an early 20th century baby shoe. He is named for Shaw Smith of Davidson, quite a magician him-self! The coin has been an English threepence, a New York subway token, and a magic coin.
SHEAR DELIGHT #5202 (August, 1992) It’s the best hour of the week. What luxury it is to leave the chores and errands behind for a trip to the Woodspirit beauty shop. In keeping with its woodsy locale, a leaf is used for the customer’s smock. She’s set aside her book (Hair-Raising Tales) because she’d much rather chat with the hairdresser. If only she could leave the salon looking that glamorous! Her pocketbook holds an Irish coin to tip the beautician. How do I know? It has a hare on it.
SHELBY #5336 (June, 1997) Shelby is a conchologist, a shell collector and student of the branch of zoology that specializes in mollusks and shells. Seven tiny shells decorate his beard, in honor of the Seven Seas, and his coin from New Zealand shows a sea horse. There are over 60 shells on this statue, plus a shark’s tooth and – surprise! – a pistol shell. He enjoys showing his collection to Passing Fancy, Fancy That and the other beach-loving Woodspirits. Accurately identifying shells is difficult, but he won’t shell out for a guide book. “My goodness!” exclaims Shelby as he examines his latest find. “Look what I’ve found – a rare whatchamacallit! I’m shell-shocked!” Perhaps an astute collector can identify this specimen for poor Shelly.
SHELL OYL #5695
SHELLY #123 (August, 1980) Shelly has taken his vacation at Ocean Isle, N.C. He has found a sand dollar, of which he is justly proud. If no one comes by he will blow on his tiny conch horn and summon his friends to see his new shell. Sometimes he has a Swedish coin in his pocket, and sometimes he has spent it.
SHEN #1040 (February, 1984) Shen is Reuben’s cousin from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Also found in that valley are fairy stones. These are small crosses formed by nature. Legend has it that the fairies wept cross-shaped tears at the time of the Crucifixion. Shen is holding one and another is at his feet. The coin is English, in honor of the early settlers of Virginia. It is a threepence with three flowers pictured. Shen has three roses tucked behind him as well. Some people think of three roses as a symbol for the Trinity.
SHENANIGAN #5203 (September, 1992) As his name implies, Shenanigan is a mischievous trickster who’s daring you to catch him. If you can grab his coattails then he’ll have to take you to his pot of gold. Although he’s stepping lively, that Irish smile shows that he doubts you’ll succeed. Like many of my little leprechauns, he wears a shamrock in his hat and carries his Irish harp on his coin. From the black walnut behind him he can fashion a miniature shillelagh for rapping the knuckles of those who come too close. But what are these shenanigans? Someone has filled an acorn top full of gold!
SHEPHERD #197 (June, 1982) “The Shepherds were keeping watch over their flock by night.” says Luke 2:8. The Shepherd, with his blanket about him, is gazing at the Christ Child with awe and wonder. He is lost in silent thought while standing to the rear of the stable. From there he can view both the manger and his flock in the distance. His blanket is still around his shoulders, as it was in the pasture when he was surprised by angels.
SHEPHERD II #5192 (May, 1992) “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want!” Perhaps the Shepherd is thinking of the 23rd Psalm as he approaches the Nativity scene. Would not Mary have wanted more than a lowly manger for her Son? But as the Shepherd reaches the stable door, he sees only love and joy in the eyes of Mary and Joseph. Wrapped against the chill in his cloak and scarf, the Shepherd will keep watch throughout the long, dark night. As he leans on his staff in the corner of the crude shelter, he is content, for he knows that “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
SHEPHERD III #5402 It’s altogether appropriate for shepherds to be at the birth scene of the Baby Jesus. This same baby, when mature, would be called the Good Shepherd. Even his cousin, John the Baptist, referred to that vocation when he introduced Jesus to his future disciples: “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” And so the shepherds have come to adore the one who will care for all mankind as all good shepherds do for their sheep. This gentle old man squints to see the child. A smile creeps across his wrinkled face as the Christ child appears to recognize a fellow shepherd.
SHERLOCK HOLMES #170 (October, 1981) This Sleuth is patterned after Sherlock Holmes, as portrayed by Basil Rathbone. He wears the Scottish stalking cap and an Inverness coat. On the base are books, presumably detective stories. The titles are a little mystery them-selves. Since the statue was completed on my birthday, several editions have clues as to what time of the year it is and how old I was that day. Other editions have references to tobacco, since the idea for this statue originated with Tinderbox stores. “Elementary, my dear Watson!”
SHERMAN #9019 TIM WOLFE The all too familiar “bellowing” of a beagle hound distracted Sherman momentarily from indulging in his favorite garden vegetable. Sherman’s initial rabbit reaction was to drop everything and dash for the nearest thicket, but his acute sense of hearing reassured him that this dog was a good quarter, maybe half a mile away. co*cking his ears this way and that, like movable antennas, Sherman listened more intently and concluded that the hound was an immature male, confined to a pen, and barking at nothing in particular. Thanks to his radar-like ears, Sherman can now rest easily and enjoy every bit of this delectable carrot, unless the stingy gardener happens to sneak up on him. Then let’s hope that Sherman’s legs are as reliable as his ears.
SHHH! #6313 (June, 1994) “Not a creature was stirring, not even – ” Wait a minute! Someone is still awake! It’s a tiny Woodspirit, dressed in a red flannel Santa suit. He has a special gift for his sleeping friend – a small gold bell for belling the cat (on the Australian coin). Oh, he must be this little mouse’s Secret Santa! While the field mouse dreams his Christmas dreams, his friend will leave the present and tiptoe away. All Kindred Spirits know ’tis better to give than to receive, and ’tis always fun to give a secret gift! Won’t this mouse be surprised when he awakens and finds that Santa paid him a visit? Help keep the secret – Shhh!
SHINER #5055 (June, 1988 Shiner and his friends Twinkle and Sparkle wish that they were clowns. Then they could run away and join the circus. To pretend, they’ve dressed up in funny clothes and put on fake noses. Shiner’s coin is from Holland, where he also found his wooden shoes. He looks as though people are asking him, “Where’d you get your shiner?” His answer is, “Wouldn’t you like to know?” Only Sparkle knows. There’s a big walnut behind Shiner, because he’s nuts about Sparkle.
SHORTY #1046 (Gnomes With Food Series) (May, 1984) This fellow is a shorty like his creator! Wearing a straw hat, he is selecting the berries for his shortcake. His coin, with farm produce on it, is from Israel. He is always the first one in the patch each day and it is he who dusts the berries so that they will show up for the pickers.
SHOVE #2031 (Special Commission) (January, 1990) These two fellows were commissioned by Century Wheel and Rim of Montibello, California. This company, founded in 1981, specializes in wheels, rims and axles for trucks and trailers. Like Gnomes and Woodspirits, the wheel is as old as time itself. Shove is riding on a 1922 antique truck. His steering wheel is actually the wheel for a toy truck. On the base is a small commemorative plaque bearing the Wells Fargo insignia, which many truck drivers like to wear on their belt buckles. Wells Fargo, begun in 1852, is the forerunner of cross-country trucking. Over the years, trucks have evolved into highly sophisticated machines, but they are really just a continuation of the horse and buggy. Shove wears cowboy boots, because truckers are considered by many to be today’s cow-boys. The coin next to Shove symbolizes the bright future of trucking by showing “only the beginning” of a modern 18. wheeler. Push is pushing his trailer over to hitch it to Shove’s truck. His Italian coin shows a winged horse (this is genuine horse power!) to celebrate the Italian heritage of Century Wheel and Rim’s founder. Behind Push is a miniature version of a Los Angeles deputy sheriff’s badge, as a warning to truckers to “keep it down”. ” Together, these fellows are a reminder that when Push comes to Shove, You can depend on he trucking industry.
SHOWTIME #5324 (Cairn Promotional Series) (February, 1997) It’s Showtime! This little Woodspirit loves to watch sports on television. Whether it’s the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat, he’s in his favorite spot in front of the TV with his remote control “clicker.” His favorite sport is surfing – channel surfing, that is. I gave him two coins – a US nickel for Nickelodeon, and a one pence coin from Great Britain – to help him find the English Channel. There are two faces in his beard, and two leaves on the base that reflect the comedy and tragedy sides of entertainment. Showtime, don’t you have chores to do? I can see from your eyes that you have watched too much TV!
SHRINER AND HOPE #2019 (June, 1987) Hope is about to take her first step since the braces were put on. The look on her face says that now she thinks she’s going to make it! The Shriner stands behind her, giving her encouragement but not doing the work for her. He holds her with experienced tenderness, for he has helped thousands before her. Hope’s rag doll also has a crutch, and has been her constant companion during her trips to the hospital. The Shriner wears a small crutch lapel pin, symbolic of the hundreds of ways that Shriners work to help burned and crippled children. A collection of newspapers that they publish headlines “Help” which is the theme of the Shriners’ campaign. I am indebted to Joe Vale of Gastonia, North Carolina for the inspiration and the naming of this statue.
SILAS #109 (September, 1978) This fellow with the biblical name is enjoying his happy hour. He has been drinking home brew from his jug. There is a little can opener behind him as well as an Irish coin depicting a fish (since Silas drinks like one).
SIMEON #2 (June, 1979) Simeon, in Rodin’s “Thinker” pose, is named for a New Testament priest who was both wise and capable of foreseeing the future. Late in the afternoon, Simeon’s Woodspirit friends gather around him where he sits on a stump and predicts what the weather will be for the next day.
SIMON PETER #6018 (May, 1998) Simon Peter is perhaps the best known of Jesus’ disciples. He was a fisherman by vocation and spontaneous by nature, and for both reasons he and Jesus became friends. Several accounts are given of the disciples being in Peter’s boat with special note taken of the occasion when Peter sought to walk on water as Jesus did, only to sink into the waves. This lack of faith came to the fore again when he denied knowing His Lord the night of Jesus’ arrest. His weakness serves to underline his strengths, especially at the moment when he acknowledged Jesus as the expected Messiah – the first disciple to do so. For this “confession” Jesus blessed Simon with a new name, Peter (“Rock”) and symbolically indicated that this acknowledgment was both the “key” to eternal life and the rock on which he would build the Church. As in Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper,” | have shown Peter leaning forward in animated conversation. The sandaled foot is seen protruding from the hem of his toga, not unlike the famous statue of Peter in the Basilica in The Vatican. He remains in my thoughts as both the close friend of Jesus and the itinerant teacher .. the disciple who later became the first Bishop of Rome and whose very shadow could bring healing.
SING OUT AMERICA #5487
SIS #10028 Her brother may want her to play ball with him, but the only one-on-one Sis is interested in is her baby doll. She has on her apron, like “Mommy”, and now she’s taking care of her little one. This image reminds us of little girls we cherish…those who grow up to be wonderful Mothers.
SITTING BULL #5523(2003)
SKEETER #5115 (August, 1990) Don’t look for any coins on this statue like the shells, they’re spent. Skeeter is sitting on a toy pistol, which is atop a clay pigeon used in skeet shooting. He arranged the shells as a set of bongo drums, and now he accompanies the birds when they sing. Like hunters, Skeeter loves the out-of. doors, and like his friends Smoky and Stan, he enjoys finding what they drop in the woods. A neighbor of mine, Tony Rogers, gave me these shotgun shells and rifle cartridges. You could say that Skeeter is a real son of a gun.
SKIBO #5027 (December, 1987) This is the first “snow fall’ of the season, and poor Skibo is in the most difficult predicament imaginable. He has lost one ski pole, his bottom is in the snow, his skis are crossed-and now the skis are gradually beginning to slide downhill. But no matter how many times he falls, he’ll still be a nut about skiing- just like his snowman friend wearing the acorn hat. Skibo has a Swiss half-franc to pay for his ride on the lift. Skibo shares his name with an instructor I admired years ago. But this Woodspirit only gets to ski a few times each sea-son-_he’s not a ski bum–just a Skibo.
SKI BUM #8081 After a day on the slopes When I take off my skis, My body goes limp And I’m weak in the knees. It’s a splendid sensation No cause for sorrow, I’ll wake up refreshed And come back tomorrow.
SKI BUNNY #9139 TIM WOLFE Swooosh! In a colorful blur of speed and perfect form she slices through the white powdery snow. The black diamonds on her skis tell us that this gal can handle the steepest runs – not just the bunny slopes. Of course, as any ski bunny knows, it really doesn’t matter how well she can ski; what matters most is that she looks good doing it! Once she has her outfit going for her, the rest is all downhill. No matter what slopes you hit this winter – from Carolina to Colorado to California – watch out for ski bunnies! Artist’s note: I sculpted this statue after a ski trip my wife and I took with friends to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Unfortunately, Karla broke her thumb on the first run of the third morning, and spent most of the day in the lodge.
SKINNY #5288 (October, 1995) Never trust a skinny cook. But here’s one cook who’s “Skinny” and who still definitely knows his way around a good meal. This jolly chef holds a recipe book and he’s ready to help when you want to try out a new recipe. His favorite meal? That’s the one that’s just been put in front of him. Skinny never met a pumpkin pie he didn’t like, so I gave him a pumpkin perch from which to survey the kitchen scene. He also has a dinner bell to ring and a token from Duke Power – good for one fare!
SKIPPER #1005 (December, 1983) This nautical fellow is grasping the edge of a conch shell and imagining it to be the helm of a vessel like the one depicted on the English coin on the base. He has a faraway look as he steers by the stars. On the front of his hat is the Star of Bethlehem, which is actually at the center of a sand dollar. The little sea gulls on the hat were also from the inside of the sand dollar. Skipper’s name is written inside a Scotch Bonnet sea shell, which is the official shell of North Carolina.
SKOAL #5592 “Skoal!” A Toast To Your Health is the meaning of this Scandinavian term.The Danes, the Swedes, the Norwegians and the Finns all use this expression when toasting one another. These four countries also share a love for lore about Gnomes. In Norway the Gnomes are called “Tomte” or Nisse.” In Sweden they are called “Tomtebisse.” The Danes call them “Nisse” and the folks in Finland call Gnomes “Tonttu.” Your Gnome, “Skoal” is dressed in traditional colors of blue (coat) and red (hat.) His boots are heavy duty. His pouch contains his tool kit. Even his acorn drinking cup will fit inside the pouch. He has found a good luck coin, from Norway, which indicates this is his lucky day! The little green leaf on his hand proves that he is a member of the elite Green Thumb Gnomes. Perhaps “Skoal” grew the elderberry flowers from which the tea in his cup is made. Sometimes he uses raspberry blossoms, which ferment quickly. He has even been known to brew homemade wine and beer, but he doesn’t give out the recipe. When asked for it, he will only say, “Skoal!”
SLAM AND DUNK #2017 (Special Commission) BASKET #1185 (April, 1987) Slam and Dunk were commissioned by the Belk and Leggett Department Stores. They are in their woodsy back yard, playing a game of pick-up basketball. The numbers on their sweatshirts are 18 and 88, for the year the Belk Brothers opened their business. They are pretending to be players on their (and your favorite team. Their ball is a sycamore seed pod. Slam and Dunk’s basket has been nailed to a little tree, and a kind collector will place it close to them when they want to shoot some hoops. The basket may seem low to you, but it is regulation height for the WBA (Woodspirit Basketball Association). The face on the trunk of the tree smiles a little broader every time they make a basket. Slam is not tall enough to imitate anyone nicknamed Magic or Stilt, so he needs a helping hand from his friend Dunk. They think that getting an assist from a teammate is just good Woodspirit sportsmanship, and that this basket should be worth four points! Of course they want to win, but their main motivation is the fun of playing and their coin confirms they are always “good for one play?” Look for other Woodspirit team members to join them in the future.
SLEUTH #179 (October, 1981) This Sleuth is patterned after Sherlock Holmes, as portrayed by Basil Rathbone. He wears the Scottish stalking cap and an Inverness coat. On the base are books, presumably detective stories. The titles are a little mystery themselves. Since the statue was completed on my birth-day, several editions have clues as to what time of the year it is and how old I was that day. Other editions have references to tobacco, since the idea for this statue originated with Tinderbox stores. “Elementary, my dear Watson!”
SLICK #9150 Tim Wolfe AccCBz #3701 Turtles, being notoriously slow, are not prime candidates for pit crew occupations. Slick, however, is an exception. According to the crew chief, “once the action starts, Slick moves so fast you can’t see him. And he is a major player on the Cairn team.”
SLIM #5081, JIM #5082 and JANE #5083 (August, 1989) Slim, Jim and Jane have joined the fitness craze. This is the first day of their exercise program. Each of them has a coin that says “10′ because they’re trying to complete 10 repetitions of their exercises. Slim, who wishes he were, is doing push-ups and has a coin from Mexico. Jim, who plans to start going to the gym every day, is doing sit-ups. His coin is from Mozambique. Jane, who is in the middle of ten toe-touches, has dropped a “pound.” Slim and Jim think she’s enthusiastic about getting in shape, but she’s actually trying to reach that piece of candy! She thinks she’ll be a perfect 10 if she drops a few pounds, but the truth is, her friends are fonda’ Jane just the way she is.
SLUGGER #5149 (April, 1991) Winter or summer, these three Woodspirits play baseball every day. Yogi, who has a bear behind him, is using his mitt as a chest protector. Like all good catchers, he wears his hat backwards. Rye seeds are scattered on the base, so he must he a catcher in the rye. His beard rests on his glove, because things get hairy for a catcher. Even so, his coin says “Fun For All.” Standing at the plate is Slugger, holding his bat, waiting for the perfect pitch. His Irish coin has a hare on it, for he’ll have to run like one when he circles the bases. On the pitcher’s mound is Cy, named for Cy Young (1867-1955), the number one pitcher of all time. You could say he was mighty Young when he pitched. Cy’s coin is a game token, for all pitchers want to be credited with the game. Whether they make it to the play-offs or not, these Woodspirits know there is no better way to “Pastime.”
SMILEY #301 (September, 1981) Summer days on Grey Road can be spent smiling at hummingbirds or just daydreaming under a mush-room. The real Smiley (Johnson) is a hard-working farmer who deserves a Woodspirit day like this.
SMOKY #95 (April, 1983) The first tobacco from the New World came from North Carolina and was sent by Sir Walter Raleigh to Queen Elizabeth I. Smoky is thinking about that ancient history. Meanwhile, he is relieved that this pipe was not smoking when it fell from someone’s pocket into the leaves. This Woodspirit is to the little people in the forest what Smoky the Bear is to the big people in national parks. On top of ole Smoky is an acorn hard hat, and to his side is a coin depicting Queen Elizabeth I.
SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT #6338 (August, 1996) Who is that masked man? That’s Smokey’s friend, the Bandit. These two kindred spirits love playing “Cops and Robbers.” As usual, the raccoon takes the part of the bad guy, but he’s eyeing the deputy sheriff’s badge on Smokey’s shirt – raccoons just love to play with shiny objects. Did you notice the small twig he’s holding behind Smokey’s back? It’s a stick-up! But Smokey knows it’s all in fun. He looks a little like Andy Taylor when faced with yet another of Barney Fife’s crazy schemes. Meanwhile the Bandit has been joined by his rather slow accomplice, the small snail. From the Overland Express Casino in Reno comes a rare token that was made for the famous “one-armed bandit?” slot machines – another example of highway robbery!
SNAck #5696breakfast is eaten very early in the morning in the life of a garden-gnome so when mid-morning comes a snack is much needed and appreciated. having just found a lucky korean coin, snack feels he deserves this treat. it helps to have a chipmunk friend who can lead you to the best selection of nuts in the forest. As you can see, both of these woodland inhabitants are engrossed in their snack break. new energy will come from this nutrition and the rest of the chores can be tackled with enthusiasm. “snack” will be gathering wood and berries while chip will be ….er….monkeying around!
snappy # TIM WOLFE At the request of the Sony Corporation I have created three animal statues to be introduced in Japan under the title “Forest Guardian Spirits.” As the name implies, these three friends are dedicated to the preservation and protection of the country’s beautiful natural resources. While conserving the land is their foremost concern, they may also be called upon for guidance by those who have lost their direction or are in need of aid while traveling through the woods and mountains. They are, respectfully: George the frog, Snappy the tortoise, and Webster the owl. Snappy the tortoise is a lover of land travel. He’ll spend weeks at a time roaming the countryside, going nowhere in particular, and getting nowhere very fast. You see, like most of his kind, Snappy moves real slowly! Because of his extensive traveling, Snappy is an expert at land topography. He knows the best routes to take, including secret shortcuts. His eyesight may not be the best, but Snappy has never steered anyone in the wrong direction.
SNOOZE AND SNIGGLE #5441
snowdrop #10035 Snowdrop is named for the first flower to break through the snow. Her boyfriend, Black Diamond, is sledding down the mountain, While he’s on top, she’s down at the foot, shaping a snowman to be her companion for a while. She is wearing a 4-leaf clover pin, which she hopes will bring her luck and prevent her snowman from being hit by Black Diamond when he slides to the bottom of the mountain. Snowdrop isn’t worried about the snowman melting because she’s given him a pointed Gnome hat. That makes him really cool!
SOL #163 (Environment ’97 Series) (July, 1981) Sol chases the sun, and so he has left the cold north and gone south for the winter. He has finally found the sun and he is not going to let it go. He still has on his ski cap, but is wearing his inverted acorn shell glasses. By making a small hole in the center of each shell he can see without the bright sun hurting his eyes. When his base has a coin, it is usually an Israeli one showing a palm tree.
SONATA #5206 (November, 1992) This is Beethoven’s Sonata. She specializes in playing his sonatas, and is in ectasy as she plays and finds her own interpretation of the music. In the evenings you’ll see that moonlight becomes her. She has two sticks, for even great pianists must be able to play Chopsticks. She, like Beethoven, uses a small pumpkin for her piano bench and has a coin from Austria. It depicts a “2” for Sonata wants to play a duet with Beethoven. She knows that they will make beautiful music together.
SORGHUM OF GLADE VALLEY #1057 (July, 1984) Seventy-five years ago, in 1909, Sorghum made his way from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the valley called Glade, in North Carolina. He watched a fine mountain school begin there, and at night he checked the sorghum berries that the students used for making molasses. The Presbyterian Church has guided this school into its service as a school for teenagers with motivational needs. The coin which Sorghum has found is an encouragement to supporters. Even one penny is an appreciated gift.
SOUR GRAPES #6305 (January, 1993) Actually the grapes are quite sweet, as an industrious little Gnome could tell you! But the unsuccessful and hungry fox is happier thinking he’d get no pleasure from this snack. This is the second Kindred Spirits sculpture by Tom Clark and Tim Wolfe that takes its inspiration from Aesop’s Fables. Each artist included his “signature” touch: a snail from Tim Wolfe, and an Israeli coin depicting a vine from Tom Clark. Don’t you think that, before day is done, the Gnome will share his bounty and these two will find that they really are kindred spirits? The fox threw rocks at purple grapes; So juicy on their bower.; “They’re just too high,” said with a sigh,; “They’re higher than a tower.; I’d use a stake, but it would take Some poking for an hour. And anyway, I’d have to say, I’ll bet those grapes are sour!” The Gnome caught sight of Foxy’s plight And soon his eyes did narrow.; “I’ll climb the vine and then I’ll dine; On grapes in all their flower.”; He climbed the vine that would be wine; And shook with all his power.; The grapes fell down (around a pound!); And filled his wee wheelbarrow.; And to this day, a Gnome, they say, Out-foxed a fox so dour.
SOUTH BEND #43 (March, 1983) This fellow went to the South Bend Plate Collectors’ Convention in 1983. It was so crowded that he couldn’t find a room. He therefore had to sleep under his leaf tent. He had to leave his wife at home, because there is “No Dame” in South Bend! Still, he has a little ladybug to keep him company. The Indian head penny is in honor of Indiana.
SOUTH CAROLINA #2057 (Special Commission) (September, 1995) South Carolina was named for King Charles I of England in 1629. Today history is still as much a part of this state as its sunny weather and beautiful scenery. My Woodspirit resembles Wade Hampton, a name many will recognize from the pages of Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. He was a Civil War leader and governor of South Carolina, and worked towards fair government and black rights. My little fellow stands by a horn of plenty decorated with a map of the 8th state. Spilling from the state’s horn of plenty are items that represent many of the good things of South Carolina: a peach pit for its wonderful peaches, a pecan, spools of thread (South Carolina is one of the leading states in the manufacture of textiles), a golf hall and sea shells for the beautiful places that attract tourists, a cotton boll, a toy car for Darlington Speedway, and a rolling pin – for South Carolina’s good Southern food and great cooks. The military is important to this state’s economy, and many soldiers and marines spend some time at Fort Jackson or Parris Island. The football rivalries are legendary, and l’ve included ribbons for both the Clemson Tigers (orange and purple) and the University of South Carolina Gameco*cks (garnet and black). Many visitors take home a handwoven basket from the low country, while others enjoy the Governor’s Annual Frog Jumping Contest in Springfield. The small sword is pointing towards a cannon hall, in memory of the first shot fired in the Civil War, at Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor on April 12, 1861. The coins proclaim that the Palmetto State joined the Union on May 23.
SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND #2059 (Special Commission) (May, 1996) New England is the cradle of American independence and the grandfather of Yankee ingenuity. Comprised of six states, New England is the northeastemmost region of the United States, and was named by the English explorer Captain John Smith in 1614. In his long cape and tricornered gnome hat, my little fellow resembles Paul Revere. But he’s not yelling “The redcoats are coming!” Instead, he’s shouting to the housetops about the great states of Southern New England – Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. I gave him a coin for a free pony ride, in case he needs to change horses! The statue is decorated with autumn leaves, a symbol of the beautiful scenery that draws thousands of tourists each year. This Woodspirit’s cape shows the three state maps and the coins on the base contain important facts about each state. Connecticut, the Constitution State, is the gateway to New England. Another famous Webster, Noah, the compiler of Webster’$ Dictionary, was born in West Hartford in 1758. Rhode Island, the Smallest State, is also nicknamed Little Rhody. It was the first of the thirteen colonies to declare its independence from Great Britain. Massachusetts, the Bay State, was the site of Paul Revere’s famous ride from Boston to Lexington. It is the birthplace of Presidents John Adams, John Quincy Adams, John E Kennedy, and George Bush. My Woodspirit has a Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority token so that he may travel to the outer islands for some clam chowder. He likes to “unite” the six states by standing next to his cousin from Norther New England. He, too, is extolling the virtues of his region. Together they are loud and clear – New England stands for great scenery, great American history, and great people.
SPARKLE #5056 (July, 1988) Sparkle, like her friends Twinkle and Shiner, wishes that she were a clown and could run away and join the circus. The threesome wants to be billed as the “Dutch Treats,” hence the coin from Holland. Sparkle is quite a flirt, and she’s showing off her shapely ankle. Shiner wanted to go clogging with her, but she must have said, “Keep your hands to yourself.? That’s why poor Shiner now keeps his hands in his pockets. He’s learned his lesson: don’t clown around with Sparkle.
SPARKY #5094 (December, 1989) Sparky is crazy about cars. He’s holding a spark plug, which gave him a champion idea to use his own name as his license plate. Sparky is sitting on a Volkswagon (hence his German “Deutschland” coin) which has attracted two beetles. Sparky never worries about breakdowns, because the brown beetle, a 2000-year-old sacred Egyptian scarab, symbolizes immortality. The top coin has an Exxon it, and is from Saudi Arabia, an oil-producing nation by the Persian Gulf. The small conch will remind Sparky to fill up at a Shell station. His friends Monty, Indy, Speedy and Dog-Leg always want Sparky along on trips, because they get a charge out of him!
SPEEDY #5068 (March, 1989) Speedy is too small to be on the NASCAR circuit, so instead he drives, as his license plate will tell you, a GNOME CAR. Like Dog-Leg, he knows it’s important to wear a hard hat and acorn ear muffs for noise protection. Speedy is holding a lifesaver for luck as he negotiates this sharp turn, but his expression says that he’s not going to make it around the dog-leg. His coin confirms that if he doesn’t make the curve, there will be “no cash value” at the end of the race for Speedy. The prune pit is in honor of the hard-working pit crew that will rescue Speedy from this predicament.
SPLIT-T AND FLEX-D #5089 (October, 1989) Split-T and Flex-D are two little Woodspirits pretending to be big football players. Woodspirits believe in safety first, so they’re wearing helmets and ear protectors made from acorns. While they may not be able to execute a split-T or flex-D formation, they will be defensive if you find their game offensive. Their Danish and Chinese coins add up to eleven, the number of players on a football team. Number 19 not only has the ball, but he’s also on the ball. He’s been tackled by Number 55, who grabbed his foot. He thinks this is how to best play football. Flex-D’s jersey has a small heart with “Ist” on it. He loves to tell his fans, “Number 55 in your program; Number 1 in your hearts!
SPOCK #1081 (December, 1984) It isn’t easy rearing a child, and Spock is scratching his head as he tries to figure out how. The bird prints on Spock’s feet are for baby birds. The coin (Swedish) has a crown on it, for LOVE must rule when you have a child at hand! Later editions have a “baby” penny.
sprig #5603
SPRING CHICK #6323 (May, 1995) Easter morning. The sun gently rises in the east-em sky. In the forest, its light first touches the velvety carpet of moss. Then it reaches to the tiny blades of grass, where it shimmers like diamonds on every drop of dew. Finally it pours a Bolden light around each gnarled tree trunk. The spring morning is beautiful, quiet, peaceful. Just a minute. There appears to be a slight commotion at the Woodspirit Easter Egg Hunt. One of the hidden treasures has begun to make a very definite tap lapping sound. Then the smooth white shell began to break apart. This Hunt is more than it’s cracked up to be! The Gnome – well, he’s a good egg. He set down his jelly beans and left the game to lend assistance, and even his Irish coin shows a hen with two chicks. With a little more help, the newcomer will soon be ready to join the Easter celebrations. In the season of new beginnings, that’s the perfect spot for a spring chick.
SPRING CLEANING #6304 (January, 1993) Sometimes spring surprises us. The evening belongs to winter, but by next morning the forest is an almost magical arbor of glowing green leaves and warm sunshine. And ’tis magic indeed to see a newborn fawn, surrounded by four helpful Woodspirits. Currier and Ives are currying her with a small pine cone and a pine needle brush. Buff is buffing her hoofs with a day lily leaf, while Waterman offers her a drink from his acorn cup. A nearby snail is curiously watching all of this gentle activity. Tom Clark and Tim Wolfe decorated the base with over 250 acorns, and the newly-minted coin (only half a buck!) was a gift from Tim’s father, Barry Wolfe. Tom composed the poem for this newest addition to the Kindred Spirits collection:; Spring has sprung, and they’ve begun; To clean this newborn fawn, A deer so young, her song not sung, Her life began at dawn. Each Gnome will comb from hoof to dome, Pampered on the lawn. She has a beauty seldom seen, And when you blink, she’s gone.
SPROUT #5602 These two garden gnomes are brothers and grew up loving plants. They played among the pots that their parents used, and they learned what makes a plant healthy. Even now, in their old age, they enjoy “potting” around with flowers and green plants. If you place these characters inside a flower pot, like African Violets or Primrose, you’ll see how effective these gnomes are at encouraging growth. Both Sprig and Sprout have lucky pennies that they will use in their gardening. There is an old gnome custom to put a penny in the soil under a plant for good luck. The handbag contains more coins if they run out!
SPUD #34 (January, 1983) Spud helps dust the potatoes before they are turned into French fries. The one he holds in his hand is slightly burnt but he likes them that way. His coin is from Ireland, the potato country, and his collar is a lucky shamrock.
ST. ANDREW #6021 Andrew was the brother of Simon Peter, both fishermen in Galilee at the time Jesus was selecting his disciples. As the passage from the Gospel of John indicates, it was Andrew who first witnessed Jesus. Inspired by this encounter, he later brought his brother Peter to see the one who was now being called the Messiah. Although the gospel narratives said very little of Andrew, the early church legends convey that he was put to death on an “X” shaped cross. Later legend revealed that the King of Scotland saw this “x” in the clouds before a battle and it greatly inspired him as he led his troops to war. Even today, the Scottish flag’s symbol is a white “X” against a light sky-blue back-ground. This statue of Andrew is a part of the “12 disciple” series being developed in anticipation of a “Last Supper” scene that will include all disciples. Thus far, we have introduced Matthew, John, Simon Peter and James.
ST. FRANCIS #167 (October, 1981) St. Francis was a man who gave up wealth to work single-handedly restoring ruined churches. Although he could have worked alone, many converts wanted to be with him and work with him. I wanted to create a statue of him that would reveal both his charisma and his understanding of nature and people. I chose the face of Will Rogers, the wonderful humorist from Oklahoma. He is wearing the Franciscan robe of coarse, brown material, secured with a rope belt tied in the traditional manner. The base sometimes has two birds, one, or none at all.
ST. NICK #141 (March, 1981) This is a smaller version of my first Santa. This one has a sack on his back and is ready to make his journey to the chimneys of the world. There is a gold Christmas bow behind him and his floppy cap has two small acorns at the tip. In some versions he has a coin from Sweden.
ST. PAUL #6013 (Founders of Faith) (April, 1996) As one of most important missionaries of early Christianity, Paul the Apostle was a true “Founder of Faith.” He established churches in Asia Minor and Greece, and maintained extensive correspondence with these congregations, as well as with numerous individuals. That his letters were pre served and are now accepted as Scripture is the supreme testament to the significance of this scholars writings. The scrolls an the base of the statue list the books of the Bible written by Paul: 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Philemon, Titus, Romans, I Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Ephesians, Colossians, | Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, and Philippians. The first chapter of the Book of Galatians is inscribed on the scroll in Paul’s hands. In his letter to this Roman province he defends his personal right to be an apostle, and affirms his calling and salvation through the grace of God (“To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen,”). This chapter is somewhat contemplative, and I based the pose on Rembrandt’s painting of the pensive, aged Paul. Historical literature describes Paul as short, bald and with poor eyesight, so I have emphasized his straining eyes. A small sword was placed at the very front of the statue, for Paul’s Biblical symbol is the sword (in his letter to the Ephesians he writes, “Put on the whole armor of God … And take … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”). Paul’s powerful ambassadorship for Christ is reflected in the scroll’s first line: “Paul, an apostle (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.”
ST PHILIP #6022
ST. THOMAS # (2003)
STAN #1136 (February, 1986) The Cardinals are getting a hand from “Stan the Man.” He is giving the red bird a good brushing to prepare him for the day’s flight, and in gratitude the little bird will give Stan a feather for his hat. Stan’s Caribbean coin pictures a bird and proves that the flock wins 75% of their games.
STANLEY #5279 (May, 1995) Hey, Stanley, what’s the score? Stanley is hockey’s biggest fan. When there’s a game to watch, he’s in hockey heaven. His favorite seat is right on this puck, for he’s always on top of his game. His playing days are pretty much over, but he still wears his helmet, just in case he’s needed on the ice. Hockey is the only major sport in which players can be substituted while the game is in progress. And sure, he had his times in the penalty box, but it’s the goals he remembers the best. Stanley’s smiling although his mouth is closed, for he won the fight but lost his front teeth. Stanley’s penny is from Canada and shows two maple leaves, their national symbol, and more maple leaves support his puck. Hockey was developed in Ontario and Nova Scotia in the 1800’s and it is Canada’s national sport. Hey, Stanley, is that an acorn mug in your hand? Oh, that’s the Stanley cup.
STARR #133 (December, 1980) This Gnome is named for Ringo Starr, a drummer like himself. His drum was created from a very large acorn top. He often does special engagements with the bird choir. His coin is from India, a country where the drummer is always in the front of the marching band.
STELLA #5198 (June, 1992) Stella loves to play Hide-and-Seek at the beach with her brother Carl and her mom and dad, Janet and Perry. She’s a stellar performer at chis Star Search game and has found the perfect starfish to hide behind. Stella is Latin for “star” and everyone thinks that Stella by Starlight is beautiful. She and the other members of the little starfish family have a coin from the Bahamas that pictures a starfish. Like all children, she and her brother love the beach and all the treasures to be found there, such as the large, pearly conch shells. But even at the beach, Woodspirit children find an acorn and a leaf.
STITCH #5060 (August, 1988) Uncle Stitch is pretending to be a skateboarder. He loves to show off for the kids. Thimblena and Darn also like to watch his fancy footwork, especially when he attempts the famous Woodspirit maneuver called “Thread the Needle.” He’s holding a Swedish coin in his hand that says “10 ore” because Stitch is hanging ten. Behind him is a little clock, set at nine o’clock. All Woodspirit children know that a Stitch in time saves nine.
STOKES #1132 (February, 1986) With his train heading up toward the Tweetsie Mountain Line, this fellow is piling on the coal! The climb is steep, but he does not mind because he has the best view on the train. Unfortunately, the passengers blame him if soot comes in the window while the train goes through a tunnel! His coin is from the Wichita Train Line.
STORMY #5230 (June, 1993) Who is the keeper of the light for the Woodspirit community? It’s Stormy whether it’s rain or shine. He is ever ready to warn ships away from the treacherous rocks and currents along this section of coastline. Protected by his rain poncho and shell southwester, Stormy will flash the light and ring his bell. He placed a starfish atop his light and its shadow will appear on the rain clouds. His motto is “Be safe – follow the star.” His coin is from the Bahamas and shows a lighthouse. Stormy’s friend Hark is a Woodspirit who is hard of hearing. Stormy doesn’t see as well as he used to, but I think you can tell from his expression that another ship has been guided to safe harbor.
STREAK #1153 (June, 1986) Streak’s favorite run is from Pennsylvania Station to Chattanooga. Although he is a Silver Streak, he likes to wave and whistle at all the homes he passes. When it comes to trainlovers, he gives a hoot! His coin is a Pennsylvania Train token.
STU #71 (September, 1983) Named for my cousin Stuart Cooke, Stu is the best chef of his Woodspirit clan. He is preparing to make his famous stew with carrots, celery and just a hint of turkey (see the Irish coin). His hat is the top of a carrot, which enables him to remain hidden while working in the garden all day.
STUBBORN #5199 (Special Commission) (July, 1992) So who is more stubborn, the Woodspirit or the horse? Known as a “dala,” the horse is painted in a traditional Scandinavian design. The coins honor the four Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark, Folklore says he will kick your troubles out of the house. This Woodspirit knows that a horse can’t kick while he’s sitting, so he is determined to get him on his feet. He thinks the wooden horse is being as stubborn as a mule. The moral of the story is that they both would have fewer troubles if they were less stubborn.
STUCK #302 (September, 1981) Curiosity not only can kill a cat, but it can also get a Woodspirit into trouble. This fellow was peeking through a branch to see if the birds were eating blackberries. He leaned too far and got stuck! But don’t worry about him; Reuben will help him out before the harvest moon begins to shine.
STUCK ON YOU #11006 TIM WOLFE Hedgehogs, with up to 5,000 sharp, stiff spines sticking out at all angles, don’t, at first glance, appear to be the cuddling sort. Au contraire! These two happen to be enjoying each other’s close company just fine. You might call them pigs in a blanket! Hedgehogs often say to one another, “I’m stuck on you!”
STUMBLES #1188 (June, 1987) Stumbles is an old butterfingers. He means to be helpful, but everything about him is just a little askew-he’s pigeon-toed and he can’t even get his hat on straight. He went to get firewood for Colleen and Baker, but he tripped and dropped several logs. He was trying to help Franklin, but his basket of acorns spilled on the forest floor. If he’s not more careful, he will trip on that rock in front of his foot. Stumbles thought that today would be different because he found a lucky horseshoe. But unfortunately, the points of the horseshoe are pointing away from him, so his luck is running out.
STUMPY #5 (March, 1979) Stumpy is named for the hiding place that he has found. He loves to jump up from there and tell jokes. He is the clan comedian and some say that he is the gnome counterpart of Buddy Hackett.
STYMIE #5260 (July, 1994) Some unfortunate golfer has just hit his ball into the woods, and now it’s lying between a large stone and a small tree. What can you do when you’re caught between a rock and a hard place? Call Stymie – he’ll give your ball a free toe wedge, and it won’t cost you a stroke. Like his friends Andrew, Mulligan and Dinah, he enjoys helping the golfers that visit his little patch of woods. Stymie has bird seed for a “birdie” and his parking token from Twin Falls, Idaho is no small potatoes either – it’ll guarantee a good parking place for your next tee shot. Best of all, Stymie will help you out of a bad “lie” and that’s the truth.
SUGAR AND SPICE #1073 (December, 1984) ” and everything nice” in this happy moment of courtship. The young lovers are having an interlude of teasing and flirting on a lovely spring day. Spice has picked a small flower for Sugar. In a moment he may decide to write their initials on the honeysuckle vine. It, like the coin with the vine on it (Israeli), is symbolic of their two lives woven together, yet remaining independent of each other. On the base all of the acorns are couples. There is a buckeye for good luck and an old chestnut, symbolic of their love which will be warm and long lasting.
SU-LIN #9118 TIM WOLFE (The Museum Series) The Giant Panda is China’s national treasure and ambassador of good will, as well as the familiar symbol of the World Wildlife Federation. With its fascinating behavior and charming appearance, the panda has achieved fame and attention not known to any other living wild animal. Unfortunately, much of its popularity is owed to its also being one of the most endangered large mammals on the planet. Poaching and the clearing of bamboo forests are the major threats to the panda’s survival. Bamboo is the animal’s primary food source. A panda will typically spend most of every day of its solitary life eating the leaves, stems and shoots of bamboo. “Pandamonium” was coined to describe the scenes of excitement when “Su-lin” was carried on to American soil in 1936, the first panda to reach the west. She was installed at Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo in 1937. It wasn’t until her demise did zoo doctors realize that Su-lin was, in fact, a male! After Su-lin, numerous pandas were exported from China for exhibition. No other wild animal has ever had such a high profile as the lovable panda. The panda is a symbol of hope for wild animals and their wild places.
SUNNY #150 (April, 1981) Sunny was originally commissioned for Sun Valley, Idaho. He wears a Peruvian cap which is popular in Sun Valley. His knapsack is also popular there. Since Woodspirits have very strong lungs they enjoy mountain climbing. They like to find pieces of mica which they can convert into mirrors. If the hike is a very long one, they hitch a ride back home on the back of a hawk.
SUPER CHIEF #5191 (April, 1992) Like many of the trains you see today, my Cairn Railroad series is adding a locomotive. There are two Woodspirits riding on the Super Chief. The engineer, or fire-man, is holding matches and a bell. The fellow behind him is reading the timetable, and the watch on his overalls is at 4:45. According to the song, the Chattanooga Cho Choo left Pennsylvania Station at a quarter to four, read a magazine and then you’re in Baltimore. But the Super Chief is traveling coast-to-coast, as shown by the transit tokens on the front and back of the statue. The coin at the rear of the engine shows its point of departure, New York. Hope Hobo, P.S. and the other train men are ready for a long journey, for the token on the front shows the Super Chief’s destination: Los Angeles.
SURPRISE! #6334 “Not a creature was stirring, not even – » Wait a minute! Someone is still awake! In fact, it’s two somebodies. In the middle of the night a hungry Gnome crept under the Christmas tree, searching for a midnight snack. Ahh – a box of Christmas nuts – that should do the trick. Surprise! The trick is on him, for a tiny mouse has already discovered this box of holiday treats. In the Christmas spirit, he’ll happily share his bedtime bonanza. And before Christmas Eve becomes Christmas morning, these two kindred spirits will be nuts about each other. The coin (a penny molded into a token from the Ashe County Cheese Factory) promises another delicious gift under the tree that will be enjoyed by both mouse and Gnome. Sometimes the best part of Christmas is a Christmas surprise.
SUSIE #9020 TIM WOLFE Garden snails think they are so clever. They believe that by crawling around after dark, no one will notice them and they can just chew away on anything they please, including flowers. Surprise! Flying squirrels, too, are nighttime wanderers and it so happens that Susie here considers snails a delicacy. She rates them right up there with hickory nuts, and in fact, that is what she mistook one of the snails for at first; some sort of slow moving nut. Susie is well adapted for nightlife with her large, luminous eyes that provide her with excellent vision – even on moonless nights. It’s a good thing too, as otherwise this little nocturnal glider would be crashing into trees constantly (flying squirrels do glide really, they do not fly as their name implies). Susie has also noticed the presence of another, snail-like creature which inhabits the flower garden at night. These slowpokes do not have shells however, and Susie has decided that the ones crawling around without shells are rather disgusting.
SVEN #180 (August, 1982) This Scandinavian sailor is warmly dressed in his navy jacket, heavy boots and knit cap. On the dock are baskets and boating gear. He stares out across the cold North Sea or perhaps the wintry Atlantic. His Atlantic. His thoughts are faraway about his home or the sea itself.
SWABBIE #5139 (Salute To The Services) (February, 1991) The U.S. Navy emblem in front of Swabbie reminds him of his favorite marching song, “Anchors Aweigh.” The sea shells and shark’s tooth are souvenirs from sailors, or bluejackets, who joined the Navy to see the world. Swabbie found a button from a naval officer’s uniform, and a coin depicting a ram, the mascot of the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Behind Swabbie is a commemorative coin honoring one of the Navy’s most famous ships, the “Constitution,” nicknamed “Old Ironsides. His dime shows Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Under Secretary of the Navy during World War I, and a sailor’s favorite word: Liberty.
SWAT #5504 Swat is the new designated hitter in the new Gnome Baseball series and is standing at attention as the band plays the National Anthem. Not since the reign of the King of Swat, Babe Ruth, has feeling run so high for the All American sport of baseball. All teams have loyal fans, so any enthusiasts can claim Swat. Listen carefully as he sings “The Star Spangled Banner”. Did he end it with the words “o’er the land of the free and the home of the BRAVES”? Now that he’s saluted the flag and given thanks for America, let’s Play Ball!
SWEETHEARTS #5442(May 24, 2000) ”When you’re in love two hearts beat as one. So it is very symbolic that these sweethearts are standing inside the heart that frames their feelings for one another. Whether they are just getting married or renewing their vows, they are definitely starting the 21st Century together. Their lucky coin is a new 2000 penny. It obviously makes good cents to marry the one you love. this couple would like to offer their best wishes to other sweethearts and are willing to be placed on top of a wedding cake whenever possible. I enjoy personalizing statues when it is appropriate, and this one will be easy to inscribe with first names and a wedding date. Please bring these sweethearts to a signing event so I can sign their heart and offer my best wishes as well.
SWEDE #5562 (January, 2004) This gnome is getting ready to ride his Dala horse, perhaps to visit his friends on Christmas Eve. Gnomes in Sweden are called “Tomte”. Their special assignment is to be a Santa’s helper. The horse is called “Dala” which is short for “Dalecarlian”. These wooden horses were developed in the Dalarna province of Sweden, northwest of Stockholm. Their design is called “Kurbits” which is the result of placing two colors on the paint brush at one time. Tradition says that a Dala horse can kick your troubles out of the house. What a nice legend. The town of Lindsberg in Kansas features a Dala horse on nearly every doorpost. This is a wonderful place to visit, for troubles have been kicked out of the entire town!
SWIFTY #96 (December, 1981) Swifty is in charge of traffic control. Because he can outrun chipmunks, he is the best man to scout the paths most often used by Gnomes and Woodspirits. If there is any danger at a “Gnome Crossing” area, he will emit a whistle that is so high-pitched that human ears can’t hear it. Dogs and cats, however, sometimes hear it. His coin usually is a Norwegian one depicting a lion running.
SWITCH #5522(2003)
SYLVIA #9016 TIM WOLFE Flying squirrels are strictly nocturnal, that is, they sleep all day and play all night. Only after everyone else has gone to bed for the evening, do Sylvia and her fellow gliders awaken to begin their aerial nighttime frolics. The term flying squirrel is actual Iv a misnomer because these mammals do not fly, they glide. Their unusual mode of locomotion is made possible by the loose membrane of skin attached to the squirrel’s wrists and ankles. Bv stretching this skin taut, the animal transforms itself into a miniature sail plane, capable of swooping with the air currents for considerable distances from tree to tree. At eight weeks old however, Sylvia has just recently begun to experiment with her gliding abilities, making only short jumps to nearby branches. Some of her first attempts at longer glides resulted in unexpected crash landings, but this aspiring pilot has high hopes, and Sylvia is confident that she’ll get the hang of it soon. Just before dusk, she enjoys sneaking down to the nearby beach. Here, Sylvia takes a front row seat to watch the veteran gliders, and dreams of the night when she, too, will fly through the air with the greatest of ease.
SYMPHONY CONDUCTOR #5088 (January, 1986) This statue was inspired by Zubin Mehta, music director of the New York Philharmonic. In January of 1983 he came to Davidson to conduct a special concert to benefit a scholarship endowment for Donald B. Plott, former music director of Davidson College. During the rehearsal I sat in the violin section and sketched the conductor as he worked with the orchestra. The concert was a wonderful gathering of Davidson College alumni, and both the solo oboist and the solo baritone were Davidson graduates. So despite its glitter and fame, the evening was really a gathering of old friends celebrating auld lang syne.
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