How Cool Is This?

I have so much respect for a family that truly encourages their children to express their creativity. This is my friends front porch wall. She told her two girls to paint whatever they wanted. She didn't tell them anything expect that painting on brick would be more difficult than they expected. Then she let them do whatever they wanted.

How cool is this? You have a love a woman that doesn't stifle her kids with, "honey, paint in the lines", or "this color would look better than that color". Go Kelly and kids! I can't wait for the finished piece!

Another treat from Tree Town Murals

Mary Thiefels is the brain and talent behind Tree Town Murals. They adorn many walls, planters and train trussels around town. This is an example of her latest work.

Enjoy!

War Horse

Disney, dream on! This is part of a dance show where the horse is a giant puppet that is part of the show.

As far as I am concerned, this is gorgeously made and far superior to anything found in the Lion King.

An old weathered owl....

This is in my neighbors front yard. I love it when nature is incorporated into an art piece. Especially when it is only slightly modified.

How cleaver when a dead tree is turned into an outdoor sculpture. Love it!

Is that a bike?

I walked by this every day while I was in Charleston, SC on my way to a conference I was attending. I loved that it was randomly placed and different components needed for bicycles were used to make this. Just what was the inspiration? Who knows, but it made me smile every time. Love random.

Car Art

Is it a car? Or rolling sculpture? I find it amusing when folks adorn their cars with items. This is not one of the best in our area, but given time, it just might materialize into something quite interesting.

It's a Flying Fish!

If I had a front porch!
Be da, be da, be da dum!
I would have a flying fish!
Be da, be da, be da dum!
But I don't, so I'll have to like this one!

I found this on the west side of town. I love it when art comes outside of the house, either on the lawn (see below) or on the porch. How nice to have a cup of coffee under this fish in the morning. Alas, I have no porch either....

Hippo Love

There are infrequent times where I wish that I had a lawn. When I find art that belongs in a sculpture Garden, then it is one of those times.

I once visited in gallery in Douglas, Michigan that had a beautiful walking sculpture garden. It has always been a fantasy of mine to have something similar. If I could, I would add this piece to my collection.

I am fond of animals and especially hippos after watching, Jessica the Hippo on Animal Planet. This reminds me of this endearing show. If you love animals and preservation of animal life, then this show might be for you!

A Chance Meeting...

Imagine our delight when my friend Julia and I stumbled upon this fabulous find!

We both love to walk art fair the day before it opens to preview what is coming and we found this young woman painting this piece. (It sits on the former location of Pinball Pete's that recently burned down.) It is in the heart of the newest fair in the collection of fairs that occur in Ann Arbor from July 21st to the 24th this year.

Ellen Rutt is an art student at the University of Michigan and didn't want to see this wall unadorned. She spoke to the owner and convinced them to allow her create this cheerful piece.

We loved the drips on the circles and felt they took on a life of their own. If you want to see this up close and you are headed to the fairs, you'll find this on South University between Church St. and Forest. Stop by and see the finished piece as she was still adding the finishing touches.

Nice job Ellen!

A Towering Sculpture!

This completely cool tower was made from Ash trees that succumbed to the Emerald Ash Bore. They burrow between the bark and the base of the tree and worm around in wiggly patterns that eventually kills the tree.

Wendel Heers constructed this piece from dead trees. He used a crane to put the pom on the top. I had the pleasure of viewing this piece up close. I crawled into the piece an took photos looking up. I got to view the bore paths up close. It was amazingly beautiful!

Oh, and one last thing. The first three trunks were as tall as I!

More Sidewalk Surprises!

Here is another piece that I found on a sidewalk. Alas, once again, I can't remember where in downtown Ann Arbor I found it. I need to start keeping better records.

And no, this photo is not a reverse image. If you note the word on the forehead of this piece was actually written backwards. Why is anyone's guess....

Sidewalk art

Another find while strolling in Ann Arbor. I don't remember where I saw this, but it is another example of the unexpected....

Look Close!

I spotted this telephone pole by the Ann Arbors Farmers Market this morning. It is a rare day indeed when one encounters a pole without any flyers posted to it. I thought this was quite beautiful and remarkable at the same time.

Button Collar

Meet Mr. Wags. He is sporting his new button collar made with vintage buttons. He receives many compliments about his fancy new attire. I'm quite sure he may end up with a couple more. They are fun to make and I was thinking he might need a "black tie" collar at some point.

Is it art? Coffee pots? Or the best of both?

Blue Dolls!

These dolls are found in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They are two to three feet tall and the benches are facing one another. Unfortunately I did not have the opportunity to view them in person. My Mom took the photos and forwarded them. I liked them enough to post (finally) again. I hope you'll like them, too!