Artist Profile: David and Julie Boone

Wildcat on a Wing

By Heike Hellmann-Brown

Birdhouses according to the specifications of the National Audubon Society are the specialty of woodworker David Boone. In 30 years I have sold over 55,000 birdhouses, Boone states proudly. Many of my customers are not even aware that each species requires housing that matches its natural habitat. Floor size, depth, diameter and above floor height of the hole and the birdhouses height above the ground are important to ensure the safety of the nesting bird.

Boone, a native Atlantan, became fascinated with birdhouses as a Cub Scout. The fact that I could manipulate a natural product like wood, construct something with my hands and a bird would find a home in it was just amazing.

Boone attended an art school in Atlanta and later took a job with a fine art publisher in Cherokee County, where he met Julie, who worked at the same company as a graphic designer. After they got married the Boones decided to start out on their own. They offered handmade paper and printmaking services to artists and began attending arts and craft shows to attract more business. During that time David Boone remembered his passion for birdhouses and began working on his own designs. I learned about the science behind birdhouses and began adding elements such as copper and glass, Boone explains.

While participating in nationwide art festivals with their birdhouses the Boones met artists from all across the country who created unique merchandise just like they did. An idea was born: In 1999 the Boones acquired 24 acres in Ball Ground and opened Wildcat on a Wing, a gallery that sells the work from up to 150 different artisans from 38 states. We felt we were starting the gallery on a wing and a prayer, Julie jokes.

Now in its 16th year, the gallery is thriving. Julie Boone runs the daily operations, while her husband can be found in his woodworking shop on the property or at various art festivals.
And they are embarking on their next adventure a vineyard. We have such an array of bird species on our property, David Boone says, so Julie and I decided to clear the land and grow grapes that would make good wine and at the same time attract different bird varieties.

While the Boones admit that this endeavor was a long and labor-intensive process, they are hoping to open Feathered Edge Vineyard by summer. We want customers to enjoy art and good wine in a beautiful setting, Julie says. I cant wait for people to come to our gallery/winery, enjoy a glass of wine, walk my vineyard and see my birds. It is so rewarding if someone appreciates what we have created and are passionate about, David adds, I am the dreamer, who gets the ball rolling, but Julie is the one who makes it all happen!

www.wildcatonawing.com