Birdhouse Bash

Habitat for Humanity is all about putting a roof over the heads of folks who might not otherwise enjoy that luxury; so is a man-made birdhouse, albeit on a much tinier level. As if to top off that metaphorical comparison with a story that's almost too good to be true,...

By Susan Froyd

December 4, 2008

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Habitat for Humanity is all about putting a roof over the heads of folks who might not otherwise enjoy that luxury; so is a man-made birdhouse, albeit on a much tinier level. As if to top off that metaphorical comparison with a story that's almost too good to be true, birdhouses built from Habitat scrap wood by Crowley County Prison inmates as part of a vocational project are then donated back to various Habitat for Humanity Colorado affiliates. And that's when the wonderful happens: HFHC turns the rustic mini-huts over to local artists for transformative dolling up and then reaps the rewards from their sale.

To that end, Helen Rice of Willow -- An Artisans Market, 2400 West Main Street, Littleton, is unveiling a more-than-fabulous Birdhouse Show today, featuring up to 35 artist-decorated avian abodes draped in a mind-boggling variety of media. Some of Rice's favorites include one outdoor-ready wood-burned, decoupaged, painted and shellacked model on a whimsical metal stand; a mosaic covered beauty spangled with buttons, keys and other unusual ornaments; and yet another that's been reformulated and decorated inside and out, including glow-in-the-dark whimsies biewed through the peephole. But, she adds, every single one is fantastic.

Willow will host a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. December 12, and the show continues through December 14; proceeds from sales will go to Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver. For details call 303-730-8521.
Dec. 9-12, 2008

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Susan Froyd started writing for Westword as the "Thrills" editor in 1992 and never quite left the fold. These days she still freelances for the paper in addition to walking her dogs, enjoying cheap ethnic food and reading voraciously. Sometimes she writes poetry.

Contact: Susan Froyd

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