This week, we take a look at the amphitheater being constructed in Union City; it is a very large stage, complete with a back wall, for costume changing, etc, electricity and eventually will have a roof.
It is amazing how large it is when standing next to it. Mayor Bryan Conklin and other city officials have worked diligently to bring the arts to the forefront of Union City. Four beautiful planters with trees will soon be completed with fall flowers and several new urns are placed around the Artisan Park and will be filled with beautiful flowers. More about who is helping with the landscape in another article.
If you haven’t been to Union City for a while, you will be surprised at some changes. New businesses are opening, and or changing, the Arts Depot is a busy home for the Art Association of Randolph County. All this activity is happening quickly, and if anyone has an interest in joining the movement contact the city building of Union City, Indiana, or Union City, Ohio.
Let’s take a look at a few more artists this week.
Greg Hufford, retired postal worker, loved working with wood since he was in high school. Hufford’s passion for the wood and very good quality of workmanship came into full form after he retired from the Union City Post Office. His tables, bookcases, cabinets and jewelry cabinets are done with custom work. He has many clients including Frank Miller Lumber, where he buys all his wood. The Hufford’s home is filled with Mission Style furniture using quarter sawn oak. He built the kitchen cabinets in their home from wood from Frank Miller Lumber and it was so impressively done, that FML featured it on the front page of their advertising brochure and several other Lumber magazines.
Hufford loves building mission style furniture with mortise and tenon giving all the furniture a strong joint. All drawers are made with dovetail, again for the strength. No nails are used in his furniture! He upgrades his tools continually to build the best quality product. Hufford continues to learn and improve his skills. He is driven with what he refers to as a God given talent and he loves what he does and it shows.
Hufford and his wife, Susan, live in Union City. The couple enjoys trying new adventures and learning new crafts. Susan has worked with ceramics, jewelry making, and painting with oils and pastels. They are both learning to work with stained glass so with that much talent, it is no wonder they are the backbone of the Art Hub the art co-op in Union City at 215 N. Columbia St. where their craftsmanship is for sale to the public.
Nancy Hampshire Rush is an author with her first published book of “My Mothers Child.” Rush is originally from Union City, born and raised in Darke County, Ohio, and now lives in Darke County. With a master’s degree in education, she was the first person in her family to achieve a degree in higher education. She began this journal in 2005 when she decided she wanted to leave the legacy of the wonderful history of her family to those coming after her. She treasures the time she has spent with her children, both when they were young and as adults, as well as friends she has made along her journey. Rush is also a photojournalist and is currently writing two books. One is her first attempt at fiction.
This book is about growing up in Union City and is available at the Art Hub for only $30. Stop in and get your copy soon.
Anyone interested in a vendor booth at the upcoming Union City Arts Festival should call Vicki Vardaman as soon as possible at 765-964-7227.
Reminder that the Union City Arts Festival is upcoming Sept. 11-12.
What have you done for your community? Join the movement in Union City, Indiana-Ohio.
