Scarecrows as art - I

Scarecrow by Michael Holmes, The First Annual Calistoga Scarecrow Contest • photo © 2010 Karen Lynn Ingalls

The First Annual Calistoga Scarecrow Contest brought out scarecrow makers from all over. Here are some of their scarecrows. This giant pumpkin-headed fellow, who so generously shares his bowl of popcorn with visiting crows, was created by Napa artist Michael Holmes.

Scarecrow by Yvonne Henry, The First Annual Calistoga Scarecrow Contest • photo © 2010 Karen Lynn Ingalls

What could be more disturbing than a crying baby? Now, that will surely scare the crows away. This crying baby was created by photographer and artist Yvonne Henry.

Scarecrow by Guy Pederson, The First Annual Calistoga Scarecrow Contest • photo © 2010 Karen Lynn Ingalls

This enormous crow was created by Guy Pederson. He's big enough to scare off all the little crows....

Scarecrow Straw Owl, The First Annual Calistoga Scarecrow Contest • photo © 2010 Karen Lynn Ingalls

Here's a sweet little straw owl.

Scarecrow fashionista, The First Annual Calistoga Scarecrow Contest • photo © 2010 Karen Lynn Ingalls

This fashionista wears a dress made of green tea packets.

Scarecrow, The First Annual Calistoga Scarecrow Contest • photo © 2010 Karen Lynn Ingalls

This friendly, colorful pumpkin-headed fellow looks like he's getting ready for Mardi Gras!

Scarecrow, The First Annual Calistoga Scarecrow Contest • photo © 2010 Karen Lynn Ingalls

I so appreciated the creativity with which many of the artists used natural materials in their scarecrows, such as this one.

Scarecrow pirate, The First Annual Calistoga Scarecrow Contest • photo © 2010 Karen Lynn Ingalls

Here's a pirate with his treasure chest (notice the parrot on his shoulder, too). I don't think I'd want to cross this guy....

Pique assiete scarecrow by Ann Shelby Valentine, The First Annual Calistoga Scarecrow Contest • photo © 2010 Karen Lynn Ingalls

Shelby Valentine, whose Napa River stele – created in pique assiette, a form of mosaic – is part of the Napa Artwalk, made this wonderfully whimsical pique assiette scarecrow.

I'll post more photos of more scarecrows soon. You can see the scarecrows for yourself at Indian Springs Resort and Spa in Calistoga into November.