Today in the orchard
Apples and the Art of Detection by Abbott Meader, age 90 today
Today the mountains, the valleys, the rivers, the streams and the apple trees all celebrated Abbott Meader’s 90th birthday. Abbott is one of our favorite artists. He was my college art teacher long ago. Although his subject matter is wide and varied, it often depicts things outdoors. Many of his paintings grace our walls. I never get tired of seeing them day after day. In 2004 Abbott painted the Fedco Trees cover (two dancing trees). In 2019 he painted the cover of Apples and the Art of Detection.
There’s something about Abbott’s artwork that has all the joy, freedom, swing and sense of humor that I find in Sun Ra, the Dalai Lama and my favorite old hollow, contorted, smiling apple tree.
This evening we were delighted to attend Abbott’s ninetieth birthday celebration. Many of his friends and family were in attendance. Four of his short experimental films were shown, and the venue was wrapped in his artwork. Although we all know that the best thing anyone can be is an orchardist, being an artist isn’t (too) far behind. Happy birthday Abbott!
