Graffiti Ordinance

Here is the graffiti ordinance for Ann Arbor.

(1) "Graffiti" means any mark or marks on any surface or structure made without the prior permission of the property owner and made in any manner, including but not limited to, writing, inscribing, drawing, tagging, sketching, spray-painting, etching, scratching, carving, engraving, scraping, or attaching. Chalk marks on sidewalks in not "graffiti." "Graffiti" does not include any attaching which is permitted under Chapter 82, Section 7:102(3).

(2) No person shall apply graffiti to any surface or structure.

(a) Community service that is as relevant and appropriate to the violation as possible;

(b) Restitution;

(c) A fine of not more than $500 plus costs.

(3) The victim may proceed with any private right of action provided under law against a person who has applied graffiti or the parent or guardian of a minor.

Okay, so it looks like all one has to do is say they approved the work if they like it and want to keep it or are not interested in covering it up. Seems like a big loop hole to me. (See below.)

Bubble Gum Alley

Take a close look. It will become evident why this space has been nicknamed bubble gum alley. Yep. There are hundreds of pieces of bubble gum stuck to this wall. 
So the question is, does this count as graffiti? The new ordinance passed making it the owners responsibility to remove graffiti in several days (I can't remember the exact number). 

But back to my question. Is this graffiti? It is located in an alley that had paintings done on the walls that were someones artwork that had been approved. It survived in pretty good shape until someone came and "white washed" some of the walls and then all kinds of stuff I would call graffiti appeared. Then it started to spill over into this area. Personally I love this and think of it as art on a collaborative level, even if ones only contribution is a wad of gum. 

But again, is this graffiti? I'm at a loss as how one defines that? I guess I should read the ordinance to see how they define it. I'll look into that and check back in. Hopefully with more images of "graffiti".

Art in winter

My dog, Cooper passed away a couple of weeks ago which means I haven't been out walking anymore. I used to carry my camera with me and would snap shots on our walks all over town. Hence, I haven't had much to report as I have been hibernating in my house. 

It was been really cold, tops 20 degrees, so even going for a short walk seems unnecessary. And frankly after walking three times a day, every day for the past 14 years, it seems natural to want to stay in. I'll get another dog - I will always have dogs in my life - but for now, until I'm ready, my art finds have been limited.

This chicken in not one of them. I found this on the Internet on one of my favorite blogs that I follow. But I loved this. I've always been intrigued by recycled art. Who would have thought that old curlers would make good fodder for sculpture? Apparently this person and I think he/she was right!

Black Eyed Susan skeletons

Even in winter, the remainders of falls beauty remain breathtaking. I wish I had taken a close up of these. They really are gorgeous. Especially with their little snow capped tops! Look for beauty and it can be found in many places.