You may have seen me mention about spring on Banner Hill's facebook. Although it may not be here officially there are plenty of signs outside that it is coming. And, one of the surest signs inside here at Banner Hill is the newly arrived catalog of Summer/Fall courses. They're all out in the mail, however, if you desire one just email us at BannerHillWindham@mac.com or visit our website at BannerHillLLC.com.

We have worker hard all these months to bring you an interesting a diverse spectrum of offerings. We not only added to the listing in ceramics and woodworking but have brought in other unique and challenging courses in paper making, stain glass, gilding, portrait and landscape painting to name a few. Not only that but a number of courses this year will offer more than one craft medium. For example, if you take the Japanese floor lamp course you will not only be working in wood but you will be making the shade from paper. That is, you will make the paper! Did we mention functionality?

As we launch into the 2011 summer season we will be doing highlights up coming classes and the artists who will be instructing them. You may see them on facebook, read a tweet or receive an e-burst. But, for the details you'll want to visit the blog where you will be able to comment, ask a question or post your thoughts. You can always email us or do we dare say call us. Yes, we are all too glad to receive your calls at 1 518 929 7821.

So, start making you summer plans now. And by the way, there are plenty of other things to do in the Windham area when you venture out of the shop and studios. Are you into road cycling? We have plenty of that and the local cycle shop in town has Thursday night rides. Visit the the Thomas Cole house or just across the river, the Hudson River, is Frederic Church's magnificent Olana with sweeping views of the Catskill Mountains. Or, if you just prefer to relax and chill out, take one of our Kaaterskill chairs over to the pond. Take a dip or bring your fishing or fly rod and try your luck.

We look forward to having to at Banner Hill.

Kip Christie