Spooning up big fun

Iron artist Preston Farabow demonstrates how to make a very cool soup spoon.

Iron artist Preston Farabow demonstrates how to make a very cool soup spoon.

There are so many silent and live auctions to attend in Knoxville every year that most of us have reached the capacity of what our homes and offices will hold. That’s why Alan and I now almost always purchase “experiences” at these events. Apparently, City Councilman Duane Grieve and his wife, Marsha, feel the same way.

At a recent auction benefiting the University of Tennessee Gardens, the Grieves purchased a delightful package that included packing a bunch of friends onto the Big Love Bus and heading over to iron artist Preston Farabow‘s Ironwood Studios to watch him make soup spoons. Then, armed with those spoons, the group would take a short walk to Holly’s Corner in Happy Holler and actually eat soup with those spoons. And everyone would get a cool spoon to take home.

The Grieves cashed in their prize last Sunday and invited us along.  What a fun way to end the weekend!

Welcome aboard! Bill Tapp helped Duane escort the guests onto the Big Love Bus.

Welcome aboard! Bill Tapp helped Duane escort guests onto the Big Love Bus, which was parked at Sequoyah Elementary School in West Knoxville.

Duane said a few welcoming words as we were pulling out for a short tour of Sequoyah Hills, where Duane and Marsha live.

Duane said a few welcoming words as we were pulling out for a short tour of Sequoyah Hills, where Duane and Marsha live.

Carol and Don Parnell settled in and the hosts passed around wine and a platter of cheese and crackers.

Carol and Don Parnell settled in and the hosts passed around wine and a platter of cheese and crackers.

Gary and Julia Bentley were among the partiers.

Gary and Julia Bentley were among the partiers.

In just a short time, we pulled into Happy Holler and Ironwood Studios. Here are Duane, right, and Preston Farabow.

In just a short time, we pulled into Happy Holler and Ironwood Studios. Here are Duane, right, and Preston Farabow. Don’t you love his T-shirt? Fe is the symbol for iron on the periodic table.

There are all kinds of cool things in the studio. Like these feathers.

There are all kinds of cool things in the studio. Like these feathers.

And this iconic traffic signal.

And this iconic traffic signal.

Lest we faint from lack of nourishment, we were offered one of caterer Holly Hambright's signature appetizers.

Lest we faint from lack of nourishment, we were offered one of caterer Holly Hambright’s signature appetizers.

Here's our hostess, Marsha Grieve with City Councilman Marshall Stair.

Here’s our hostess, Marsha Grieve, with City Councilman Marshall Stair.

The Grieves' daughter, Molly Smith, joined us.

The Grieves’ daughter, Molly Smith, joined us.

Along with grandson, Jordan.

Along with grandson, Jordan.

Preston started his demonstration.

Preston started his demonstration.

Do NOT touch this!

Do NOT touch this!

Hot, hot, hot!

Hot, hot, hot!

Lawyer John Eldridge took a turn at molding the hot iron.

Lawyer John Eldridge took a turn at molding the hot iron.

Jordan tried it, too.

Jordan tried it, too.

How many men does it take to take a picture? (Don't you love Duane's apron?)

How many men does it take to take a picture? (Don’t you love Duane’s apron?)

And Bill's.

And Bill’s.

We were fascinated by the process.

We were fascinated by the process.

Lovebirds goofing off! Natalie Robinson and Marshall Stair are getting married in December.

Lovebirds goofing off! Natalie Robinson and Marshall Stair are getting married in December.

Jeanne Tapp, left, with Marsha Grieve.

Jeanne Tapp, left, with Marsha Grieve.

John Eldridge, left, with Don Parnell.

John Eldridge, left, with Don Parnell.

City Council colleagues Duane and Marshall.

City Council colleagues Duane and Marshall.

Julia and Molly.

Julia and Molly.

When it was time to leave, Alan bought us a t-shirt.

When it was time to leave, Alan bought us a T-shirt.

We headed over to Holly's Corner, the former Corner Lounge on Central Avenue. Holly has quite the sense of humor.

We headed over to Holly’s Corner, the former Corner Lounge on Central Avenue. Holly has quite the sense of humor.

The African peanut stew with chicken, yams and spinach was fantastic.

The African peanut stew with chicken, yams and spinach was fantastic.

As was the roasted beet salad with goat cheese.

As was the roasted beet salad with goat cheese.

Yum.

Yum.

Dessert was cake from Magpie's Bakery next door. Pretty cute, huh?

Dessert was cake from Magpie’s Bakery next door. Pretty cute, huh?

Here are those awesome spoons! Because they are so large, Alan and I will use ours as salad tongs, we decided.

Here are those awesome spoons! Because they are so large, Alan and I will use ours as salad tongs, we decided.

And then, back to Sequoyah School. Behind the beads are Stephanie and City Councilman George Wallace and Bill Tapp, right.

And then, back to the school. Behind the beads are Stephanie and City Councilman George Wallace and Bill Tapp, right.

And that, friends, is a creative auction item!

 

 

 

 

 

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4 Responses to Spooning up big fun

  1. Gay Lyons, on October 30th, 2015 at 2:13 pm said:

    Love it! These experiences are always fun–and for me–fun to dream up. This one was especially creative. Kudos to whomever came up with it.

  2. Cynthia Moxley, on October 31st, 2015 at 10:39 pm said:

    You are so right, Gay! This is the way to go with auction items, in my opinion.

  3. Monique Anderson, on November 2nd, 2015 at 8:53 am said:

    You and Alan have so much fun!

  4. Cynthia Moxley, on November 2nd, 2015 at 10:02 am said:

    We certainly try, Monique!

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