They're Artisans! American Craft Council Show 2015

I had the great pleasure of attending the Opening Night Preview Party for this weekend's American Craft Council Show, again at Cobb Galleria Centre, and what I'd planned to be an hour walk-through turned into catching up with old friends, making new acquaintances and quite a few delightful conversations with showing artists.

The one thing that struck me strongest is the fact that many of the show participants are masters of their particular craft...they're, in fact, artisans!

American Craft Council Show, Preserving Place

I can't tell you how excited I was to see Preserving Place at the show...but I'll try. 

I had the great pleasure of meeting Martha McMillin, founder and purveyor of Preserving Place, at an event in her store a few months ago. She's one of those people who you immediately find charming and delightful...you can't help but like her.

Preserving Place is one of this year's "Inspiration Stations". And Martha is in good company. Others include The Center for Puppetry Arts, SweetWater Brewing Co., and Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, to name a few.

Do visit the shop, in West Midtown near Bacchanalia, and you can also see Preserving Place this year at the Peachtree Road Farmers Market and a number of other food shows in Atlanta. "Like" Preserving Place on Facebook for updates!

They don't know it yet, but I picked up jars of "Tipsy Vanilla Blueberry Jam" and "Sweet Onion Confit" for friends who are visiting me from Washington, DC, this weekend. A delicious taste of Atlanta for them to take home.

American Craft Council Show, Mike Sluder Metalworks

Mike Sluder, of Mike Sluder Metalworks (Booth #109), is an artist that I've admired for years. I first met him at "The South's Next Wave" exhibit in 2012 at the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA). I've been a fan ever since. 

I don't know Mike outside of the occasional show, but he's the kind of person you automatically like. He's humble—even though an incredibly talented artist—and personable. And I happen to very much like his work. 

In fact, in talking with him tonight, I admitted that while I'm not a fan of "blue" (true, with exceptions), that I love the new bowl pictured above. And his work with bronze fascinates!

American Craft Council Show, Make Room

One of the features of this show is their "Make Room: Modern Design Meets Craft", of which there are several vignettes in the center of the show space. This year's rooms each include elements of earth, air, fire and water. 

I'm so glad that I stayed for longer than I'd originally planned. I saw the entire show—at least I walked the floor a couple of times, but I know there's a lot more to see. AND I ran into friends Dave and Brenda! They're such awesome people and totally fascinating! And I saw several members of Les Dames d'Escoffier International's Atlanta Chapter. I love those ladies!

American Craft Council Show, Vagabond Metalworks

It's not very often I get to "get my geek on" in public, but Kest Schwartzman, of Vagabond Metalworks (Booth #1317), and I totally geeked out! It was awesome! 

I'd been by her booth earlier in the evening and then saw a lady wearing one of her creations—a lady who is going to open a French woman's fashion shop near Preserving Place sometime soon—so I had to go back over and explore again.

I love the back-story of how Kest got started. She was a classically trained metalsmith, copper I think, and then one night she needed a mask for a party. The rest, as they say, is history.

One of her masks made me think of the "Where the Wild Things Are" exhibit at The Breman Museum, which I mentioned, and from there we must have talked for 15-20 minutes about things to do in Atlanta. She had earlier in the day been to The Breman to see the exhibit AND went to The Center for Puppetry Arts. Kest is my kind of tourist!

Yes, yes, it's true. We geeked out over masks, Wild Things, puppets and dinosaurs, too! Kest has an awesome Triceratops mask!    

American Craft Council Show, Lilian Asterfield

I've always loved fashion. I've always loved dressing for success. I've always loved making a fashion statement. That's exactly what Lilian Asterfield's wearable art conjures (Booth #602). Designed for the established wardrobe, there were a couple that I would proudly wear to coming-up parties! They're totally awesome.

Nicole—whose alter ego is Lilian—is also a painter, but in the booth I only saw the wearables. Made of half vintage ties (we had some fun conversation about those memories!) and half contemporary ties—all silk, these beauties are more than a fashion statement...they're art.

She also has a more masculine series—the Sherlock & Watson—but, for certain avant-garde parties, I'd wear some of what she has on display today. Seriously, I want three or four of them. I'd almost create excuses to wear them!

The ascot pictured above is the "Lime and Black", but I particularly liked the "Ivory Crossword".  

American Craft Council Show, Make Room

This is another of the "Make Room: Modern Design Meets Craft" vignettes. This one features Mike Sluder Metalworks—love that sculpture—and the stylings of designer Brian Patrick Flynn. Of course I love the "Space" aspect of this room design, but that aside, what's not to love about this?!

I'd also like to share with you a few other favorites that I hope you'll visit when you go to the show this weekend.

• Thomas Turner Jewelry Design. I had a fantastic conversation with Tom Turner. Although his personal jewelry wearing is his wedding ring and an array of awesome watches, his jewelry-making is pure art! I told him that his work has inspired me to wear jewelry again. He's one who you recognize is a true artist. (Booth #305)
• Galloping Snail Studio. Artist Ann Melton will melt your heart. She's not only clever and wonderfully talented, she's delightfully charming. Ask her to show you her frogs and her series of wine glasses. Pewter and pottery at its finest! (Booth #1113)
• LH Originals. Louise Harris was a delight to speak with. And her art is spectacular. Not only that, she's a philanthropist. The profits from her "Relief Circles" (which I love!) are donated to non-profit organizations around the world! (Booth #813)
• Internal Fire Glass. Scott Pernicka was fascinating to talk with. As a techie and science enthusiast myself, I was mesmerized with Scott's work. From Scott's Artist Statement: "These perfectly round sphere with spirals of color, play with optics and physics to create visual depths that transcend the physicality of the piece itself." True! (Booth #1200)
• Carolina Mountain Reefs. I had a great conversation with Bill Johnson about his marine life hand carved sculptures. The blue Manta Ray at the front of his booth caught my attention, having last year swam with the real thing at Georgia Aquarium. In a very short time I learned a lot about Chip Carving, which he also gives classes on. (Booth #902)

I'd like to offer a huge wanderlust ATLANTA "Thank you!" to Carrie Whitney of Launch Atlanta for the ticket to tonight's Preview Party. And I'd like to remind my readers that all opinions shared herein are my own.

I can easily see, after two years now, the American Craft Council Show becoming an annual must-do for me. This year was even better than last, of course in part for running into people I know and making new friends and getting to talk personally with so many amazing artists...you'll do the same, I'm sure. 

There's so much more to this show than what I've shared here. It's definitely a must-do for all artistry enthusiasts. This year the show is Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 15, 2015, at the Cobb Galleria Centre. I just might go back, so maybe I'll see you there!

Anne Frank Moved Me To Tears

"It's really a wonder that I haven't dropped all my ideals, because they seem so absurd and impossible to carry out. Yet I keep them, because in spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart." - Anne Frank

I read The Diary of Anne Frank when I was a young teenager. That experience would shape and influence the person I became as an adult. The good parts, at least. The thing that fascinated me most about Anne was her unwavering belief that everyone is good at their core.

The puppeteers performing Anne Frank: Within and Without, at the Center for Puppetry Arts, shares that fact about Anne brilliantly. 

Anne Frank: Within and Without | Center for Puppetry Arts

"How true Daddy's words were when he said: all children must look after their own upbringing. Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands." - Anne Frank

This was my first Center for Puppetry Arts performance. I've visited the Center many, many times before and am a lifelong fan of puppetry. Seriously, how could I not be having grown up with Sesame Street, The Muppets and Fraggle Rock!

I had never seen a live show there. I didn't know what to expect from a puppet theatre, let alone a puppet show about Anne Frank! I was amazed at how incredibly profound it was...how extraordinarily different it was from anything I'd seen before. It was beyond moving.

Anne Frank: Within and Without | Center for Puppetry Arts

"I want to write, but more than that, I want to bring out all kinds of things that lie buried deep in my heart." - Anne Frank

This is the third time this show has been at the Center for Puppetry Arts. This time, the set has been completely changed—the stage now reflects a section of the Secret Annex—and certain puppets have been added. That's to say that if you've seen this show before, when you go again, it'll be different—the set, not the story, of course.

The show is an amalgamation of puppetry, acting, music, lighting, and dialogue—both narrative and lines from Anne's diary. If you've ever experienced personal emotions or empathy for the victims of the Holocaust, and their families, those feelings will return when you're watching this show. They did for me. 

I for one feel strongly that we should retell this and similar stories, to elicit compassion for each other and to inhibit such a gruesome history repeating itself.

Anne Frank: Within and Without | Center for Puppetry Arts

"Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don't know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!" - Anne Frank

Unlike many other performances of Anne Frank's writings, the Center for Puppetry Arts continues the story after they were taken away and shares with the audience when, where and how seven of the residents of the Secret Annex died, many of them so close to liberation. 

The only survivor from the Secret Annex was Anne's father, Otto Frank. When he returned to Amsterdam, having survived Auschwitz, which was liberated on January 27, 1945, Miep Gies—a Dutch citizen who hid Anne's family and four others—gave him Anne's diary, a gift he had given her on her 13th birthday...a gift she would give us forever.

After reading The Diary of Anne Frank, I would read quite a few Holocaust autobiographies, including Night by Elie Wiesel, who won the 1986 Nobel Peace Prize, and Playing for Time, by Fania Fenelon. It was many years later that I had the great honor of meeting Elie Wiesel in Washington, D.C....a remarkable man! 

Anne Frank: Within and Without | Center for Puppetry Arts

"...my greatest wish is to become a journalist someday and later on, a famous writer." - Anne Frank, May 13, 1944

The two puppeteers in the show are Caitlin Roe and Jeffrey Hyman, who are established actors, but to my great astonishment, this was their first time working as puppeteers! Original music was composed and performed by the brilliant and wonderful violinist and composer Chip Epsten.

Immediately following the performance, the actors return to the stage for a "talkback". They share a little about their experience performing the show and answer any questions the audience members have. I had questions, but was so emotionally overwhelmed by what I'd just seen I couldn't speak. The story already grips the heart so tightly, and on top of a spectacular and profound performance...I was moved to tears. 

Written from the perspective of a parent, I invite you to read the review by Lesli of 365 Atlanta Family.

Anne Frank: Within and Without, now playing at the Center for Puppetry Arts, is running now through Sunday, March 8. I hope you see it.  

THANK YOU: Although I've been visiting and writing about the Center for Puppetry Arts for a number of years, I'm grateful to Brave PR and the Center for Puppetry Arts for the complementary ticket to this performance. As always, this posts is my own writing about my personal experience of the show.

The Power of Poison

Did you know that chocolate, cherries, almonds, cinnamon, coffee and cheese can be poisonous? I think you'll be fascinated at what you learn, experience, and discover in The Power of Poison at Fernbank Museum of Natural History! I do, however, recommend that you allow ample time to digest every dimension of this exhibition.

The Power of Poison | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

There are extensive features and displays and interactive stations, I really don't know where to start, but given the popularity of CSI-like television programs, let me tell you a little about the Live Science Shows that are part of The Power of Poison exhibition. 

The live shows are more lab-like, and the presenter(s) is wearing a lab coat, there are beakers and test tubes, and certain curiosities! Presentation attendees get to enjoy the fascination of the science and history of toxicology and poisoning...Seriously, doesn't that sound awesome? I didn't stop in for long, but when I go back, I want to sit in for a full "investigation"!

In addition to the show and other features in The Power of Poison, there's quite a bit of programming, including several Dangerously Delicious Tasting Events! Click that link to learn more about the chocolate and cinnamon and other delectable items noted in my lead-in question.

The Power of Poison | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

I think it's fantastic that the exhibition includes a nod to Alice in Wonderland, which celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2015. But...you may be surprised at exactly what about Alice's wonderland you learn!

The magnificent hat on display was made in the 1900s, at a time when toxic chemicals were used in the manufacturing of hats. One chemical in particular was used in hat-making from the 1700s through the early 1900s. Let's suffice it to say that "Mad Hatter"—crazy hat maker, if you will—is quite founded in today-known factual evidence.

But, don't assume we're out of danger just yet. That same chemical, while no longer used in the hat-making process, is still a threat today...in more ways than you might think. Knowledge...is...power, and you'll gain quite a lot at Fernbank!

By the way, if you've never seen the Jose de Creeft "Alice in Wonderland" bronze sculpture in New York City's Central Park, be sure to add it to your must-see list. It's fantastic! One of my best friends just moved to NYC for a great new job, so I hope to see the sculpture again when visiting...after their snow melts, of course!

The Power of Poison | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

The Choco Rainforest diorama, at the entrance of the exhibition, is brilliant! The Choco is known to be the wettest environment on Earth and it has one of the highest concentrations of indigenous species. Even more fascinating—to me—the Choco is said to have an extremely high number of species unknown to science. 

And I love the 3X Magnification displays! There are lots of animals on display in this part of the exhibition, some of them real and some are models...all of them fascinating. 

The Power of Poison | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

The "Enchanted Book" is going to be one of if not the most popular display in the exhibition. And it totally is enchanted...at least, even as technically wired as I am, I couldn't figure out the technology behind the this magical botanical book. 

The book is massive...it's probably something close to 2.5' x 3.5', maybe bigger. You get to turn the pages and as you do they come to life...from blank pages to full animation! And then there are icons that you touch that reveal even more animation—additional information about the plants and herbs written about throughout the book. 

The experience reminds me an Arthur C. Clarke quote, who was one of my all-time favorite authors..."Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." I like to think I'm a fairly bright person, but I couldn't figure out this book's technology. So it must be magic!

The Power of Poison | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

We all know that there are lots of poisonous animals on the planet. Snakes, poison dart frogs, spiders and some eels, just to name a few. And of course scorpions! 

I got excited when I saw this display, and not because I'd just re-watched Clash of the Titans—which has some pretty incredible scorpion scenes—but because I was stung by a scorpion when I was a teenager. Twice!

Fortunately, scorpions, like lots of other poisonous animals, are poisonous to varying degrees. The one that stung me was when I was living in Jacksonville, Florida. The doctor that my mother called explained that scorpions on the East Coast are not as poisonous as they ones on the West Coast. But I can't imagine they'd be any less painful. A scorpion sting HURTS!

Throughout the exhibition there are examples of how poison is used for good, for promoting healing. As much as I remember about the exhibition, there's a lot that I want to go back and reabsorb. In the meantime, I've been having a blast doing some tangential research. This Wired Magazine article on the potential to treat cancerous tumors using scorpion venom is fascinating! 

The Power of Poison | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Most poisonings we hear about today are accidental, but there was a time when people ingested poison on purpose. In the case of the photo above, this life-size diorama depicts Emperor Qin Shihuangdi, China's first emperor, preparing to consume what's believed to have killed him...a poison, that he thought would give him immortality. We've learned a lot about what is and what isn't poisonous since 210 BC. 

The Power of Poison | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

When you see The Power of Poison, please, please, please allow yourself ample time to explore—or plan multiple visits to Fernbank on your visit to Atlanta. You'll want to see the rest of the museum, too! I totally have to go back and continue exploring this exhibition...a couple of hours wasn't enough for me.

There's one wall that has everything from stones to bones and books to crooks...any and practically everything to do with poison across a world of disciplines. I have to admit that after seeing the Harry Potter display—which talks about Harry saving Ron after being poisoned—I've started re-watching the Harry Potter movies.

The Power of Poison | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

This is a favorite of mine in the exhibition. Not because I'm a former sailor, but because it's one of three interactive stations challenging visitors to solve a poison mystery! Sounds like fun, right? They totally are!

In fact, the friend I went with, Glen, and I, with only moments to spare before the Museum closed (we spent a lot of time mesmerized by The Enchanted Book), successfully completed all three of the poison mysteries! And no, I'm not going to give you the answers. What'd be the fun in that? 

The Power of Poison | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

When I first saw the gentle Snow White sleeping (Remember the poisonous apple?), I wasn't quite sure how to take-in this particular display. So many of us equate poison with death or possible death. To see a life-size humanoid figure—from a distance—was not exactly alarming, but it did give me pause.

In the end, I feel that it's a wonderful teaching opportunity. For the kids who love and adore fairytale princesses and might be disturbed that Snow White is "at rest", their parents have have the opportunity to teach their kids caution, to teach their kids the power of knowledge, to teach their kids the difference between make-believe and real life while recognizing how each influences the other. 

I'm not a parent, so I really can't give advice here...and I don't know enough about princesses to even be clever about it. But I do remember being a kid and wanting to know everything about everything...I was curious! Okay, I guess I've not changed that much.

The Power of Poison | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

A centerpiece in this exhibition is a trio of witches, life-size, from William Shakespeare's Macbeth and they're magnificent! I made some photos, but those particular photos weren't so magnificent. 

BUT, guess what? Photography is allowed in this exhibition, so YOU will have the opportunity to make photos of the trio and everything else in the exhibition!

Originating from the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, Fernbank Museum of Natural History is the first stop on The Power of Poison's tour. You only have until Sunday, May 3, 2015, to see this amazing show. Go...be mesmerized, learn, be fascinated, explore, be curious, interact...just don't lick the poison dart frogs, okay?

Wicked is Wonderful

It's rare, in my experience, that a movie, book or stage performance suggests a behind-the-scenes story that offers an alternate reality to an already wholly loved tale in such a magnificent way as does Wicked.

That Wicked has been seen by 42 million people around the world in only 11 years and that the actors, costumes and set design have been bestowed Tony Awards tells volumes of just how wonderful Wicked truly is...and I wholeheartedly agree with that assessment!

Wicked is on stage at The Fox Theatre now through Sunday, March 8, but get your tickets now. Some performances have already sold out!

Wicked - Photo: Joan Marcus

The creativity of a story of a two girls' unlikely friendship and the intricacies interwoven into a solidly established story of a third girl, who is unseen in this performance although referenced, showcases brilliance of a kind not often experienced. 

The struggles of coping with being different, a not-so-supportive family, of wanting to do the right thing are all front and center throughout Wicked. But we're shown that "right" doesn't always triumph, but that "good" wins in the end.  

Wicked - Photo: Joan Marcus

I'd been following Alyssa Fox on Twitter for a couple of days before the show, so I knew that she'd been dealing with allergies. I was so hoping she would feel well enough to perform the evening I attended the show, but went in expecting to see her standby.

Evidently Alyssa takes "the show must go on" to heart. She performed Elphaba brilliantly. Alyssa's attention to detail in her performance is outstanding. Even the gestures she makes with her hands are telling of the forthcoming transition into the Wicked Witch of the West. 

By the final number in Act I, Defying Gravity—one of my two favorite songs in the show, and one I've heard approximately a bazillion times—you could tell that her allergies were affecting her voice. 

When we returned from intermission and it was announced that Emily Koch would perform the role of Elphaba in Act II, the audience gave up a fantastic ovation for Alyssa...she had given a remarkable performance. Emily was also awesome!

Check it out...you can "Elphaba Yourself! 

Wicked - Photo: Joan Marcus

"Definitely by bubble. It's too cold to take a broom," was the text I sent my best friend Barry, answering my own earlier question on how we would be traveling that evening in the below-freezing temperatures to see Wicked at The Fox Theatre. It may have been cold outside, but it was wickedly hot on stage! The performances, that is...the theatre itself was quite comfortable.

Glinda's "Bubble" is one of my favorite elements in the overall magnificent set design. Between bubbles and brooms and houses and winged monkeys, there's an awful lot of flying in this story!

Carrie St. Louis as Glinda is the doll of the show and delightfully, perfectly funny. And she's rather inventive with regards to vocabulary. Watching other Glinda performances on YouTube, I like Carrie's the best. 

Wicked - Photo: Joan Marcus

In a Julie Bookman interview with John Davidson (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz), she said he shared, "the story introduces nuggets of things we know from the iconic 1939 film and makes sense of loose ends. It also has a message of equal rights, acceptance and how we treat—or mistreat—others." 

And the Wicked story line is just that. Well, that and a friendship that we previously knew nothing of. But I feel the obvious points being made in the otherwise hilarious, dramatic, and romantic story is indeed that of acceptance and equal rights. A green girl and a talking goat help bring to light those profound issues, still quite alive in today's "civilized" society.

Wicked - Photo: Joan Marcus

I was so very much looking forward to seeing "Popular" performed again. One of my favorite songs from the show, it's performed exquisitely, with fervent humor...I honestly don't know which I enjoyed more, the song or the humor of it. 

By the way, did you know that Wicked author Gregory Maguire got the name Elphaba by combining the initials of L. Frank Baum, the author of the book that started it all? Read the playbill the ushers give you...there are all kinds of gems like that within its pages!

Wicked - Photo: Joan Marcus

Drama! Why write across the sky when you can take up the entire stage! I love the unexpected—and quite creative—elements used to demonstrate the dramatic ebb and flow of emotional variations felt by the characters, as well as a fantastic amount of grandeur. Wait until you see the flying monkeys!

In a 1995 book review, The New York Times blasted the book Wicked as "deadly dull". While that paper's reviewers are far superior writers than I may be, everyone I know who read the book back then, and even now, rave about how wonderful it is. And I'm sorry, but how could such a dull story sell 42 million tickets? 

My point is, don't believe everything you read. Enjoy what you like. Period.

Wicked - Photo: Joan Marcus

The love interest of Glinda and Elphaba was the ever so handsome, even if not-so-bright, Fiyero, played by Ashley Parker Angel. Again, kudos to the writers...respectful of the film we grew up with and loved first—The Wizard of Oz—the stage performance of Wicked honors that movie, while telling another story, even more dramatic, proposing other possibilities. I found myself quite pleased with the "person" Fiyero turned out to be in the end.

Perhaps Fiyero's best line: "It's not lying, it's looking at things another way."

Wicked - Photo: Joan Marcus

I'd seen the billboard for Wicked in Times Square in New York City many years ago, and have the typical tourist photos of said billboard. But, it wasn't until later when on a business trip in Chicago that I saw Wicked on stage, at the The Oriental Theatre. It was magical! And I've wanted to see it again since.

With that said, I think I was more excited this time around about Barry seeing it for the first time. All of our other close friends have seen it, but somehow Wicked had not made Barry's extensive list of "seen-it" Broadway shows. You can imagine how hopeful I was that he'd enjoy it. And that he did. 

Wicked - Photo: Joan Marcus

Having seen Wicked once before, I didn't research the show in depth before enjoying it at The Fox Theatre. When Barry picked up that the performer who portrayed The Wonderful Wizard of Oz sounded like someone he'd seen perform before—as a game show host, he was thinking Hollywood Squares and that the actor had had his own television show for a time—and Barry was absolutely correct!

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is performed by John Davidson, who at 73 has had a remarkable and varied career...quite by design, actually. The feature story in the playbill, authored by the awesome writer Julie Bookman, is titled "The Man Behind the Curtain". Do read this story. 

Even though Davidson is only on stage for a total of 17 minutes, his role is vital to the story. That he acts and sings brilliantly during those 17 minutes is quite wonderful.

Wicked - Photo: Joan Marcus

I was very much looking forward to seeing the sets again! For the Chicago performance I saw I was seated fifth row center, which practically put me on stage with the sets, costumes and actors...all of which are magnificent! 

The costuming for this show is outstanding, and that's an understatement. I do believe that my favorite costumes are those of the denizens of Oz. The range of greens and angles and curves, the hats and hair and accessories...magnificent, every bit of it!

"Thank you, thank you, thank you" to Brave Public Relations, Broadway in Atlanta and The Fox Theatre for inviting and ticketing me for the Atlanta Press Night performance of Wicked. For my readers, know that my reviews, recaps, and stories are completely my own and are influenced only by the experience I've personally had.

Wicked is playing at The Fox Theatre through Sunday, March 8, 2015. Whether by broom, bubble, train, car or your own two feet, get yourself to The Land of Oz and see this remarkable, heartwarming show.

Dragon Con Night at Medieval Times

Totally just for fun, because both Dragon Con and Medieval Times are so awesome, even though it was a couple of weeks ago, I want to share with you a few photos from the Second Annual "Dragon Con Night at Medieval Times".

Prior to the two-hour dinner and tournament, there was a costume contest!

Dragon Con Night at Medieval Times 2015, Tony Stark & Flo

My favorite couple at the event was Tony Stark and Flo, the Progressive Girl (which happens to be the insurance company that covers my car--No, they didn't pay me to say that, nor her to dress like that). Aren't they awesome?!

Dragon Con Night at Medieval Times 2015

This was the second annual Dragon Con Night at Medieval Times...and I hope there will be many, many, many more!

The Arena was sold out, so ALL the Medieval Times staff were there...including "Greg" (I think that was his name) the hunchback...This guy was hilarious! "Thank you!" to all the Medieval Times staff--including Lady Ann, the Master Falconer--for making this a fantastic event!

I have no idea what he was doing with the bubble wrap!

Dragon Con Night at Medieval Times 2015

There were many more costumes there than I'd even hoped for. I had just come from work, so I didn't have the opportunity to don my Starfleet tunic, but perhaps next year. There was only one Star Trek couple there that evening, that I noticed, but there were quite a few Medieval, Steampunk, and other similar genre costumes...all fantastic!

Dragon Con Night at Medieval Times 2015. Dr. Who

There were 10 contestants in the children's category of the costume contest..."Dr. Who" won that category, for obvious reasons...just look at that adorableness! Who else could have won?! And don't you love the Tardis bag?

Dragon Con Night at Medieval Times 2015. Iron Man

In addition to the 10 children who entered the costume contest, there were approximately 70 adults who entered the contest! And the costumes were brilliant...absolutely and totally brilliant!

The winner of the adult category was none other than Iron Man, of the Marvel Universe (see Tony Stark in the first photo)...who crafted his costume from scratch!  He totally deserved to win!

Dragon Con Night at Medieval Times 2015

What young lady doesn't want to be a princess...and have a pony?! There were a few princesses there that evening, but none quite as spectacular as the one pictured above. She was marvelous!

Dragon Con Night at Medieval Times 2015

If you've been to Dragon Con you know how magnificent the creativity of the cosplayers can be. It was no different this night, or knight, in some cases. The evening's Wind Sock Dancer was a favorite and gave quite the animated performance!

Dragon Con Night at Medieval Times 2015, Vader-Clown-Chicken

Some of the costumes were waaaaaay over the top! I'd seen the Clown Darth Vader from across the room, but didn't realize he was on a giant chicken until he took the stage (I'm assuming it was a "he"...could have been anyone!). This was also a crowd favorite, even if a little creepy. Okay...a lot creepy. But still brilliant.

Dragon Con Night at Medieval Times 2015

The tournament was fantastic, as it has been every time I've been to Medieval Times...now up there in number. The horses are magnificent, as are the knights and their performances. This is a fantastic show. It's great for a special event (there are birthday celebrations ranging from single digit to 60s, the times I've been there) for all ages and all special occasions.

Dragon Con Night at Medieval Times 2015

I have to give a shout out to Leah, our "serving wench" (That's her on the left carrying the red & yellow flag!). She's absolutely brilliant! She waited on my party the last time I was there and she was equally brilliant that time. "Thank you, Leah" for making our Medieval Times experience so much fun!

So...looks like a great time, right? Whether you go to the Dragon Con Parade, the Dragon Con Convention, or Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament at the Atlanta Castle, you're in for a grand, unique, unparalleled Atlanta experience.