Red Skelton, a self-taught artist

Who said this? “Recipe for a happy marriage. My wife and I always hold hands. If I let go, she shops!”

Red Skelton is the self-taught artist for this week and the comedian who captured the heart of millions of Americans with oneliners and characters who elicited laughter.

Skelton was born in poverty in Vincennes and led a talented life,

Antique Outboard Motor Show set for May 20

The Antique Outboard Motor Show will hold its 2023 spring Antique Outboard Motor Show and Swap Meet Saturday, May 20, at North Webster’s Community Park (Dixie tour boat dock) on the west shore of Webster Lake.

Several hundred antique outboard motor restorers, historians, collectors and enthusiasts from across the Midwest and Canada will gather in the park for a day of activities related to their hobby.

The events include an exhibition of recent restoration projects, serious swapping of parts and literature and running the old-time boat motors on the lake. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. There is no admission fee.

Club members invite area owners of old outboard motors to attend the meet for an evaluation of their motors. Many antique motors are bought, sold and evaluated throughout the day. The swapping area includes all types of parts, literature, related accessories and many antique motors.

The national Antique Outboard Motor Club, with over 5,000 members, classifies an antique outboard motor as being manufactured prior to 1950 and a classic outboard motor as over 30 years old.

The North Webster meet starts at approximately 10 a.m. and usually runs to mid-afternoon. Many participants stay late in the day if the weather is nice and they are able to run their antique motors on the lake.

For more information, contact Dave Tranter at (260) 213-1945.

rising to great acclaim for his acting, comedy and art skills. Skelton’s father was a circus clown but Red would not know him, as his father died shortly before Red Skelton was born. His mother, Ida Mae, was the household help and shouldered the task of raising him alone.

Skelton began working as a newspaper boy at age 7. He also became familiar with, and experienced in, the same circus that had employed his father.

His mother had sparked his interest in art and kept him provided with drawing materials and various papers where he could paint and draw, remarkably on his own with no training. By the time he was 15 years old, he left home to become known by the proprietors of medicine shows, traveling vaudeville acts, circuses, minstrel shows, burlesque and showboats.

He moved to, then began performing in, Kansas City in 1930 when he met Edna Stillwell, who became a partner in their successful vaudeville act. They married and divorced 13 years later, but maintained a business relationship.

Skelton’s career as an entertainer began flourishing. He created characters that America loved. Without any training other than his own experimentation and improvement, Skelton developed a talent in many levels and mediums of art. His clown faces were exceptional and still fetch a high price in auctions today. He was also gifted in landscapes and used unusual surfaces for his work, such as board or linen. The rest of the story about Red Skelton will be continued in next week’s column.

Events

• Midwest Museum of American Art in Elkhart: Master Photographer Clyde Butcher. Now through July 16. Located at 429 S. Main St., Elkhart. $10 for adults. Call (574) 293-6660.

• Ford Meter Box Calendar

Competition: Deadline to submit work is Friday, June 2. Contact Tanya Denney at tdenney@fordmeterbox.com.

• Lakeland Art Center & Gallery: The gallery is currently exhibiting the work of Hilarie Couture, “Unity with Variety.” Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Admission is free. The gallery is located at 302 E. Winona Ave., Warsaw. Email lakelandartassociation@gmail.com.

• Warsaw City Hall Art Gallery: Kim Lanoue is the featured exhibitor at Warsaw City Hall

Art Gallery, 102 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw. Open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Daily free admission.

To exhibit or subscribe, contact Darla McCammon, curator, at (574) 527-4044. Leave a message or email mcdar7@gmail. com.

Six budget-friendly tips to create a cozy outdoor oasis

(StatePoint) With life returning to normal and summer upon us, it’s a good time to focus on creating an outdoor space to enjoy on warm summer evenings. Whether it’s a place for unplugging and relaxing alone or gathering with guests and entertaining, having a spot that you can enjoy

Authorized Dealer

Authorized Dealer well into the fall is key. Below are six tips for turning an average patio, porch or deck into an outdoor oasis.

1. Whether you use your outdoor space for reading a book on a summer day or catching up with friends on a warm night, incorporating plants into this area can create a barrier for privacy. Plant bushes, place large planters in corners or put hanging baskets on hooks around the perimeter. For small patios, you may even consider building a planter wall. Not only will it help with privacy, but it will also add color and dimension, making the space feel like a sanctuary for you and your guests.

2. Add string lights overhead to create ambiance in your space at night. Duck Max Strength Nano-Grab is a versatile double-sided tape you can use for mounting. It’s clear, holds up to 20 pounds per 5-foot roll and sticks to painted drywall, wood, glass, tile, metal, stone and brick without leaving a residue. Nano-Grab will keep your lights secure and in place and make it easy to take them down and store for winter.

3. If you are sticking with the rest and relaxation vibe in your outdoor oasis, think about adding a fountain or other small water feature for relaxing background noise. Keep that sense of zen going into the

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Six budget

Continued from page 6 night with a fire pit, heaters or bamboo torches for warmth on cooler evenings.

4. For those interested in entertaining guests, you may want to mount an outdoor TV for watching summer ball games or a sound system for listening to background music. You’ll want to ensure this equipment is properly installed for outdoor use in areas safe from wind and rain.

5. Creating an outdoor dining area doesn’t have to break the bank. When entertaining guests, a beverage cooler, bar cart and BBQ station are convenient additions you can make to what already exists on your patio. Building a cart or station for storing paper towels, tin foil and other essentials for the grill master can be a fun DIY project, too.

6. Having an amazing space doesn’t always mean starting from scratch – you can simply add a fresh coat of paint in a bright color palette to update existing privacy walls or tables and chairs. All you need is a can of paint and a roll of painter’s tape to keep lines crisp and clean. As for color, you may be tempted to keep it neutral, but don’t shy away from crisp blues and soft yellows. They will give a fresh and fun feel for all your summer entertaining.

For additional tips and uses for Nano-Grab, visit duckbrand.com.

With just a few simple tweaks, you can transform any outdoor area into a beautiful oasis ideal for rest, relaxation and fun.