The things I learn afresh everyday…
There are plenty of oddities and what-nots decorating the bookshelves, but they are not to be confused with the fine art near the front counter. Our little bookshop is featuring a bronze sculpture that any museum would be pleased to have on display.
I’m always surprised at the degree of talent that surrounds us. Before opening the bookshop, I had no idea that there were so many local authors with published works. It has been a pleasure to meet many of the writers and have their books displayed on the shelves here.
And it isn’t just the writing. Many of the authors are involved in designing the artwork that graces the book covers and the eye-pleasing quality is amazing.
Maybe because I spent a lot of years asking questions and interviewing folks, I am reluctant to pry into the lives of the guests who stop by. Some people will readily share their interests and activities. Others become known over the course of time.
Some of my research projects have involved sculptures, including one that I have been unable to locate. (I tracked it from circa 1850 New York to France – outside Paris – but the trail went cold.) There was a time when I thought I would like to try my hand at making art. Bought some materials. Dabbled at it. Ruined some perfectly good art supplies.
Then, I discover that one of our lunchtime guests has bronze sculptures mounted all around the US. It turns out, the Rose District is home to the working studio of J. David Nunneley, whose works have been displayed from Canada to Mexico and points in between, including some life-size bronze sculptures that will be around long after I’m gone. The quiet park on Main at Broadway features a larger-than-life bronze by Mr. Nunneley.
I don’t recall how I found out he worked as an artist, but once the discovery was made I couldn’t help but ask about the creative process. Turning an idea into a bronze statue – to me – is simply an amazing accomplishment. When they are of such quality, I am thrilled to be able to have one on display.
He popped in one afternoon, carrying a weighty bronze of a ballerina posed in a manner that suggested she might simply leap into the air from her pedestal. He said he would leave it for a while, if I thought it okay.
I did.
Regrettably, my intended story about the ballerina did not get written in time, and she has returned back stage. In her place, Mr. Nunneley delivered another bronze, entitled Freedman School. Certainly, my phone-camera does no justice to the piece, but it is enough to be able to share it here. The detail is fantastic, from the schoolhouse hardwood floor base, to the alphabet-assignment in his young hands.
Mr. Nunneley’s subject matter ranges greatly, and I hope he doesn’t mind that I’m including a link to his website so that you might click over and see for yourself the wonderful artwork being completed here in the Rose District.
What a nice opportunity for us here in the bookstore, to be able to share the work of a nationally-known artist! I hope you’ll stop by and give it a look during the upcoming spring-like weather.
Come visit!
McHuston
Booksellers & Irish Bistro
Rose District
122 South Main St. Broken Arrow OK!