Meetup at Stampland (Knoxville TN)

June 17, 2019: 

My family and I set off earlier this week for a road trip to Florida. The main purpose was to deliver an old van to a daughter who lives in the Winter Park area, and to visit with her for a few days.  (We head back to Minnesota via air travel.)

Picasso Gaglione (Tennessee, U.S.A.) and Jayne B. Lyons (Minnesota, U.S.A.) at Stampland, Knoxville TN.

As plans were being made, I got thinking about the possibility of stopping off in Knoxville. We’d been curious about that area of Tennessee as a possible future retirement destination (Asheville NC is another contender). I also knew that Picasso Gaglione and Darling Darlene Domel lived there. So I contacted Picasso a week before the trip, and was thrilled that they were open to meeting with us.

(L to R): Darling Darlene Domel, Picasso Gaglione, Jayne B. Lyons and K. Lyons.

As soon as we arrived at their home, Darlene and Picasso greeted us with hugs. They are fun, friendly, warm and kind. In just a short time you get the feeling that you’ve known them forever. It was exciting to get a tour of their home. Original artwork adorns every wall and shelf, it seems. Many fascinating pieces! 

Picasso and Darlene showed us their art studios. Picasso’s studio houses his ever growing FLUX BOX collection. Darlene demonstrated some rubber stamping techniques in her charming studio. There is no doubt that art is a part of their everyday lives.

(L to R): E. Lyons, Picasso Gaglione, Jayne B Lyons and K. Lyons.

Our visit included a tour of the headquarters for STAMPLAND, the STAMP ART MUSEUM and STAMPZINE. It’s where all the magic happens! 

​Four hours later, and it was time to say goodbye. It was a great pleasure to meet the Gagliones - to learn about their family, and hear stories about their involvement with Fluxus, Dada and the Eternal Network.