Birdhouses add whimsy to Historic Homes Tour

By Cherry Sokoloski
North Forty News

There's a housing boom going on--for wrens, chickadees and other birds that like to have a solid roof over their heads.

As part of this year's Historic Homes Tour on Sept. 8, local artists and crafters are busily building birdhouses to be sold at silent auction. The little homes range from practical to totally whimsical. Some birdhouses are suitable for the out-of-doors, while others will likely be treasured as indoor art pieces.

The annual Historic Homes Tour is a fund-raiser for the Poudre Landmarks Foundation, which manages the Avery House, the 1882-1883 Fort Collins Water Works and the Museo de las Tres Colonias (Romero House).

People interested in bidding on the birdhouses have plenty of opportunity before the event. They're now on exhibit at five locations: The Cupboard, Fort Collins Nursery, Lambspun of Colorado, The Collective Fine Art Gallery and Wadoo Furniture & Gifts. On the day of the tour, the birdhouses will be on display at the Avery House. Bidding will continue until 5 p.m. that day, when winners will be announced.

This year's theme is "Hearts and Flowers," but artists are free to completely ignore that idea if they wish. "We encourage artists to go wherever their inspiration takes them," said Kimberly Miller, who helped start the birdhouse benefit three years ago.

The event has grown each year, and last year's auction brought in about $2,000 for the PLF. For those who want to decorate a ready-made birdhouse instead of starting from scratch, the PLF supplies a basic model.

Donna Bathory, chair of this year's birdhouse benefit, said there are about 40 birdhouses for sale, including some very interesting interpretations. One is made out of a hollow log, another has a solar panel that powers a windmill, and yet another was designed by a bird, according to its maker. One artist made two delightful ceramic houses with matching birdbaths.

"They're always really surprising and pretty," Bathory said. Artists have fun with this project, and Bathory is no exception. One year, she made her own tiles and created a mosaic fountain for the auction.

Seven homes on tour

This year's Historic Homes Tour, which runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., features seven homes in downtown Fort Collins plus the three historic buildings managed by PLF. Tour tickets are $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the tour. They're available in advance at several Fort Collins locations and at each featured home, plus the PLF properties, on the day of the tour. This year's homes are as follows.

• Todd and Tori Gilson home, 120 N. Grant Ave.
• Jennifer and Mike Guerriero home, 821 W. Mountain Ave.
• Bink and Greg Owsley home, 404 S. Washington Ave.
• Edward and Michelle Smithwick home, 1205 W. Mountain Ave.
• Inn at City Park, 1734 W. Mountain Ave.
• Katherine Reid and Gary Eastman home, "Bradley House," 301 Whedbee St.
• Simon and Ann Turner home, 604 Garfield St.

Besides the tour and the birdhouse auction, the Historic Homes Tour includes a flapjack and sausage breakfast on Sept. 8, served by the Fort Collins Lions Club from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Avery House. The breakfast will raise money for Lions Club programs and the Avery House fund for repairing the front yard fountain. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under.

Another related event, also a benefit for the PLF, is "Friday Night at the Diner" on Sept. 7, 5 to 9 p.m. at the Silver Grill Cafe. The event celebrates the 1950s with comfort food, jukebox tunes and other entertainment, plus a special "alley tour." The benefit birdhouses will be on display, and admission is $20 per person.

For more information about the Historic Homes Tour, the birdhouse benefit or Friday Night at the Diner, call Susan Hoskinson at 484-7137.