ABC WEDNESDAY-"A"-ART

These two pieces were in the art gallery in July at Freedom Park,  a small oasis along the banks of the Mississippi in Prescott, Wisconsin, which is a regular stop on our frequent road trips alongside my favorite river.

To see more ABC Wednesday posts with a variety of "A" posts, go here!

The Bone Car

I saw this car on the street once before, but Saturday I got lucky. It was parked at a local coffee shop, and I had an interesting chat with the owner of this "artwork in motion." Come back tomorrow to meet the artist!!

Circles/Spheres, December 1, 2008 Theme Day

This stained glass window faces the Mississippi River in the Pool and Yacht Club. The image of the steamboat within the circle is historical. I feel so lucky to be able to see the most beautiful river in the states on each and every day.

I'm a little late posting this because I have been sick with a typical Minnesota winter cold, but I've rallied. There are 187 bloggers posting today. Try to get to as many as you can. I'm sure you'll find many creative, interesting, amusing, and astonishing photographs!
Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Vatican Exhibit

Come to the History Center in St. Paul, MN to experience 2,000 years of Vatican art and history. You will find: Michelangelo items and works by Bernini, Giotto, and others. Artwork dating back to the third century. From the venerated relics (bone fragments) of Saint Peter to items from the election of Pope Benedict XVI, this exhibit comprises one of the largest Vatican collections ever to tour North America. Many items have never before been on public view.

Sculpture as Memorial

This sculpture by a faulty member in the art department is a tribute to one of the students who died tragically in an automobile accident several years ago. He had been a "lifer"--someone who had started his academic career in the school many years before as a kindergartener, and he was a boy who was known and enjoyed by all of his classmates. I had known him since he had been a small boy, and because he also was the son of one of my colleagues, his death was particularly poignant.

Student Art #4

This is just one panel of a long, rectangular painting of 4 or 5 panels. I'll go back and photograph more.

Murals and Statues

If you keep your eyes open, a walk in downtown St. Paul will reveal many different forms of art. I saw a mural that caught my eye because it showed Rice Park with two statues that I have posted before. Look carefully and you'll see the statues of F.Scott Fitzgerald and the Source, a beautiful Indian young woman. Both figures are important aspects of St. Paul history. Isn't art wonderful?!

Mesoamerican Art

On Saturday night, my DH, another couple and I went to the annual fall Art Crawl. I saw this big wall painting with other large colourful artwork in a studio that appeared to symbolize Mexican historical culture. The artist revealed to me that he is Mexican and paints aspects of his cultural heritage, but because of time limitations as he spoke with other patrons, I wasn't able to engage him further, I picked up one of his business cards and learned the history of the artist Ernesto (Neto) Ybarra, "who was born on the westside of St. Paul of Mexican parents and raised under the watchful eye of his Abuela Martinez. The majority of Neto’s paintings often prideful in size, attempts to capture the colors of Mexico and speak of Mesoamerica and the continuing ideals of Mexican cultures and indigenous peoples of the Americas. Neto has two children, he refers to them as his Sun and his Moon. He continues to live, paint, and otherwise work on the westside [of St. Paul]." Go to this website to see a gallery of his paintings.

Watercolour

On my first trip to South Africa, I found the art world in Durban particularly appealing. I especially enjoyed an art cooperative called the Bat Center, and I made some purchases. I fell in love with this vibrant watercolour, brought it home, had it framed, and hung it above my fireplace. I treasure it. Crazy Cow at Durban Daily Photo has posted a number of photos of the building and some of the art work for sale there. Go see some of the photos, starting here.

My American Gothic

A delightful ceramic plate found at a craft fair. Recognize it?

"American Gothic," Grant Wood, 1930 Owned by the Chicago Art Institute

Hello Dolly!

Another craft fair doll!

Craft Fair

A local middle school has an annual craft fair which I always attend. This year was no exception and despite the falling snow on Saturday I trudged over to see the wares. These doll figures always appeal to me altho I've never purchaed one. Attendance in the morning was sparse because of the snowfall, and my favorite vendor of spectacular birds was not there this year because of a family illness. I had hoped to photograph one of them to show you. Perhaps next year!

Untitled

This bright and unusual sculpture has a plaque but, unfortunately, it has been vandalized. The identifying words have been scratched off, which is maddening. I took this photo last Friday, the day before our first snowfall so I'm sure it has a different appearance now. I probably should go back and snap it with snow surrounding it.

The Cage

This sculpture on the lawn near the O'Shaughnessy Science Hall on Summit Avenue has a plaque. To learn more about the sculptor, click here and here.

Entrophy

When scurrying around the St Paul UST campus, trying to find information of the sculptures I have posted the last two days, I found this painting in the Engineering Building on Summit Avenue. This one did have an explanatory plaque!!

Entrophy by Kevin Gross, 1996
Gift of Faculty
From the Division of Science and Mathematics

I rather fancy this image. Don't you?

Another Co-ed at UST

FRONT
BACK I'm still looking for more information regarding these art pieces. I'll try to photograph more of the art that's scattered around the campus on the next sunny day.

St Paul Art Crawl

Twice a year, in spring and in fall, approximately 20-30 downtown studios and lofts open their doors over a three day week-end. A trolley wends its way from block to block and building to building. Street vendors supply food that supplements the goodies many artists offer to those who stop to see their work, and many musicians entertain in the halls or studios. Spending a few hours looking at photographs, fine arts of many genres, and artistic clothing is a visual feast.