Orran Scruggs makes spoons that reflect the rural life and African heritage passed down by the elder women in his family. He takes us through the process from salvaging off-cuts to following the grain to let each spoon emerge organically to the moment its true color pops. As an artist, Orran prizes moving at his own pace, self-expression, immersion, and exploration. He also uses spoons to collaborate with fellow artists across mediums and to seed human connection and unity.

Above all, Mari Juarez and Jesse Gonzalez wanted the first Día de los Muertos celebration in downtown Decatur to be authentic: street vendors selling mole and elotes, Mexican music and dance, papel picado, and the altar with its essentials: certain colors, salt, water, fruit, marigolds, Pan de Muerto, and copal. Mari and Jesse explain the meaning of Day of the Dead, and how it showcased Latino culture and pride, generated healing, and fostered unity for the Decatur community.

Mike Baker, raised on a dairy farm in Hale County, grew up hunting for food. His first experience with dove hunting was gathering the birds shot by the landowner for a nickel a piece. As an adult, Mike introduced the sport to his wife, Nikki, who describes its thrills: the speed of the birds and the shot, the rush of competition, and the pride of bagging 15, especially as a woman. Yet Nikki and Mike measure the hunt not in numbers, but in fresh air and nature, challenge and camaraderie.