It's happened! Cyd Smillie has opened a fine art gallery in French Lick, Indiana. Housed in the old "Five and Dime" on Maple Street in the historic district, Touching Ground Gallery boasts a collection of fine art paintings and ceramics by mid-west and regional artists. Nearby the beautifully restored French Lick Hotel and the West Baden Hotel offer luxury accommodations and a casino while honoring the 1800's architecture. When in town try a cup of coffee from the new (and wonderful!) French Lick Coffee Shop and step into to the gallery to see new works by Cyd Smillie, Susan Barton, Dede Handon, Nella Spencer and more.

Who would have thought that a view of the Chicago river would figure into an evening of "Chekhov Shortz" at the theater? Cyd Smillie designs 10 sets-in-one for the St. Sebastian Players presentation of an evening of Chekhov's comedies. Comedies? you say. Chekhov comedies?! Why yes, often silly, sometimes farcical and playing through the second week of March.

Coming Up: "The Return of Birds I have Known" featuring nearly 100 artist created or painted or built or smashed bird houses.