Pretty Poppies in Fairhope
Photograph: Rosie Hallam
Do you remember hearing about the poppy project, “Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red” last year in London to commemorate the start of WWI?
Well, get ready, because a brigade of volunteers is preparing their own version of the public art installation and there will soon be thousands of pretty poppies in Fairhope!
Thousands???
You read that correctly. Dreamer, planner, coordinator, organizer and photo-shy Gaye Lindsey (above) is orchestrating an army of volunteers (so many in fact, you need a reservation to help) who will construct from scratch, 3,000 pottery poppies.
Once completely cut, shaped, glazed, fired and assembled, the 3,000 bright red flowers will be placed around the Veteran’s monument in Henry George Park in time to celebrate Veteran’s Day on November 11, 2015. Here’s a story I previously did on the park and the beautiful Veteran’s sculpture and fountain.
I got into the act and helped, even though my most challenging class ever at the Eastern Shore Art Center was pottery. I thought it would be a breeze, but I was terrible! Know your strengths – accept your weaknesses!
Here’s my completed work, with a little ladybug for good measure.
The park will look brilliant with this tribute entitled, ““Symbols of Sacrifice: Poppies for Veterans.”
The installation and exhibit will honor U.S. military veterans from all armed conflicts. This project will bring attention to the huge number of veterans – living and deceased – who have served our country. Veterans will be invited to take a poppy home with them and the remainder will be sold to the public with proceeds going to various Veteran’s organizations in Baldwin County.
This hard working lady was banging away on the steel rods that will serve as stems for the flowers. I commented that I liked her pearls and she laughed and said, “I’m not even from the South, but I’m learning to wear them all the time!”
Here are a few of the flowers after they’ve been glazed and fired in the kiln.
And here are a few examples lining the sidewalk into the Eastern Shore Art Center.Â
My 7th grade English teacher had me memorize the poem, “In Flander’s Fields” by  John McCrae.  My Grandfather could also recite it, so I love thinking about him when I see it. This is where the connection with poppies and Veterans first began.
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
For information on how you can help make poppies, contact the Eastern Shore Art Center HERE.
Thanks to my friend L.M. for several of these photos.
What a great project. They do/will look amazing. Are the ones in the first picture ceramic too? Girls in pearls and a T-shirt to boot! Love it.
I’m not sure on how the poppies in London were exactly made, but I’m pretty sure they are also ceramic/pottery.
Fairhope, you are amazing. You have hit it out of the park again! Bless the wonderful volunteers that are signing up to work on this project and the one who had the idea and did something about it. Your veterans
will never feel forgotten.
We have kind people in Fairhope who consider it a privilege to help Veteran’s causes. Our Veteran’s Day parade has grown to be a large event every year.
this is soooo amazing!!! Wish I lived close enough to help but I’m in Memphis. Love seeing tributes to our armed forces. My Grandfather fought in WWI and my Dad in WWII.
I know you are so proud, and we are still grateful to this day for men like your Dad and Granddad.
What a beautiful, touching project. I’m looking forward to your post and pictures of this community effort in November. I’m no artist but better at this crafty side than sketching or drawing. Your ladybug is a sweet touch!
I can’t even imagine how pretty it’s going to be. I’ll be sure to take lots of photos!
Amazing! And beautiful! I can’t wait to see pictures when all the poppies are “in bloom”.
We usually have good weather here in November, so it will make for great photos with Mobile Bay in the background!
I forwarded this post to my Art teacher daughter. She was thrilled with the idea and is going to use as a project in her class next year! Thanks for sharing.
How exciting! One of the reasons I like writing about different projects is so they can be shared with others! I’ll be sure to let Gaye know the impact she and her crew of volunteers are having.
Fabulous!
Hope you can come see it in person!
What a wonderful project! I love that you’re right in there helping and your poppy with the lady bug is so cute! This is going to be a spectacular sight and I hope you’re snap it when they are all out there. I giggled at the little lady wearing her pearls while she works away! 😉 You have so much fun and I just love your funny comments on my blog! I think I remember some of those itching laces too.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Thanks Sheila. When a lady moves to Alabama, her new driver’s license comes with pearls.
It has been a privilege to help make these poppies. I can wait to see all of them in the park on Veterans Day.
There is never enough we can do to thank the Veterans for their sacrifices.
I’m so glad you were able to help with the project! I think it’s such a clever new way to raise funds for Veterans.
What a wonderful project! … and the poppies are beautiful too! The lady with the pearls is just precious! Although she may not be southern, she’s already learned a set of pearls can dress up any outfit, even a t-shirt! 😉 Love it! ~Rhonda
I’m looking forward to your photos from the completed installation. Is the link you provided also where one can send a donation?
I’ll be sure to post lots of photos, and yes, the link will take you to the Art Center’s web site where their contact info is located, but to help, here’s the address: Eastern Shore Art Center 401 Oak Street, Fairhope, Alabama 36532 — just specify “poppy project.” Or you can call and they can take card #’s over the phone. On their behalf, I greatly thank you!
[…] Eastern Shore Art Center is scurrying around setting up a show to accompany the Poppies For Veterans Symbols of Sacrifice outdoor public art display next week. This indoor show will feature a giant mixed media mural, […]
[…] Alabama’s oldest Boy Scout Troop, 47-led off the Fairhope Veteran’s Day Parade in grand style. The parade was held this past Saturday and today will be the grand display of our, “Symbols of Sacrifice: Poppies for Veterans.” […]
It was such an honor to be a part of the volunteer team making the poppies.
This was such a great project for the entire community. So glad you were able to be part of the effort, fun and new friendships!
[…] the final word on our amazing Poppy Project . . . wow. Several hundred people showed up at sunset on Veteran’s Day for a moving and […]
[…] came up with the idea of Art on a Limb and totally spearheaded the entire project. (remember the Poppy Project? Gaye did that too!) She’s the new President of the Board of Directors at the Eastern Shore […]