Jeff Lick and Steve McCarthy

This past weekend I set up my shop at Spruce Ridge Farm where National Alpaca Farm Day was celebrated in full form. Steve McCarthy and Jeff Lick are the generous purveyors of this amazing place.

davistudio fine porcelain at Spruce Ridge Alpaca farm

I set up on Saturday morning and was greeted by many guests. In between talking to people about fine porcelain I wandered among the alpacas and learned more than expected about this wonderful animal.

Shy but curious the alpaca is a south American animal from the Camelid family, related to camels and lamas. Alpacas are raised for their fiber/fleece, which is 3 times warmer than sheeps’ wool and 7 times stronger. They are smaller than lamas, which are raised as pack animals.

Spruce Ridge Farm is a wonderful example of a rural farm developing an alternative source of income and resource (wool/fiber) which in turn leads to renewable and sustainable economic streams that greatly enhance the possibility of peaceful and environmentally appropriate development.

Adrienne Rogers and alpaca throws

Adrienne Rogers was there with her fabulous hand knit throws. Hard to describe, she calmly knits these wonderful works of functional art. She will be at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show November 11-15.

Rural communities like ours in Columbia County can contribute to the well being of nearby (within @200 miles) urban areas. We are near New York City and Boston. Our diverse farms and artistry enhance the capacity to more fully develop our region and other rural regions surrounding these large cities.  Import replacement is an important aspect of economic development for the evolution of populated areas.

by Daniel Edlen on September 28, 2009

Wow, what a cool experience! I wish out here in Arizona he had reason for alpacas. At one point we did actually look into what’s involved. They’re just adorable.

Peace.

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by Mary Anne Davis on September 29, 2009

They are amazing creatures. Being with them helped me appreciate calmness and stillness. Sweet but shy.

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by Linda Starr on September 28, 2009

What a wonderful weekend that looked to be and your porcelain display looks so inviting.

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by Mary Anne Davis on September 29, 2009

Thank you, Linda. It was fun.

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by Patricia Griffin on September 28, 2009

Love those alpacas. What a great time and a wonderful collaborative event with another artist. Thanks for sharing.

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by Mary Anne Davis on September 29, 2009

Thanks for stopping by, Patricia.

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by Joe on April 23, 2010

Really nice stuff

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