On Saturday, June 23rd, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Gallery 104 in LaGrange, the Arts Association of Oldham County will host a discussion and book signing by Jo Anna Holt Watson, author of A TASTE OF THE SWEET APPLE. 

This charming book tells the story of Ms. Watson, know as Pee Wee, as a seven year old on her family's Woodford County home,. Grassy Springs Farm. The relationship formed between Pee Wee and Joe Collins, the farm's black foreman, is a heart warming tale and the compassion, wisdom, nostalgia and wit with which she tells the tale provides a wonderful read for all.

 

In 2005, Ms. Watson received the Kentucky Literary Award for non-fiction for A TASTE OF THE SWEET APPLE.  It is her first book, begun as a letter to her grandson with whom she wanted to share an important part of her life, and is published by Sarabande Books of Louisville.  Brown-Forman is the underwriter of this first title in the Woodford Reserve Series.

 

In addition to her new career of writer, Pee Wee Watson, who now lives in Louisville, is an entrepreneur, photographer, gardener, horse trials judge, recycling advocate and a self-proclaimed "Yellow Dog Democrat".

 

The program on June 23rd will also include a visit with Sheila Nobles of C.K.Nobles Millinery Designs who is designing a special hat for Ms. Watson.  Sheila will bring a few of her hats and talk briefly about how she got started in this interesting business.  Refreshments by the Catering Co. will be served and jasmine scented "tobacco" flowers are being donated by Boone-Gardiner Nursery to be given to the first 30 visitors to the event.  Hope Gardiner's father was a Woodford County neighbor of Grassy Springs Farm and is mentioned in the  book.  There is no charge for the program.

 

The Arts Association of Oldham County, a 10 years old organization dedicated to bringing the arts to Oldham County, has opened a gallery at 104 E. Main Street in LaGrange.  Local artists will be featured in the gallery and events such as book signings and art classes will be held there.  For more information about the author, the gallery and the June 23 event, please contact the AAOOC at 502-222-3822.  The association also sponsors Arts on the Green every year on the first weekend in June and the Bluegrass Independent Film Festival in September.