Revisiting Art Alley

I have shared photos of this great alley before Here, but have discovered that the art in Art Alley changes quite regularly, so here is another visit with some new shots of the artwork.

This was painted on a garbage disposal bin

I absolutely love the message on this last art piece.

Graffiti Art Alley

While wasting some time between appointments I decided to make a brief exploration in Down Town Rapid City. I was thinking to capture photos of the American President statues that are on each corner, like this one of Thomas Jefferson, instead I came across this amazing alley.

While many consider graffiti to be destructive I do think when done responsibly it can be amazing and really quiet beautiful. Although at first glance it looks dark and messy, when you look closer there is some really fantastic artwork.

I didn't have much time to really explore the artwork along this alley canvas but plan to return soon to give it my full attention. To learn more about this alley you can visit their website here.

I hope you have enjoyed this little glimpse of Rapid City, South Dakota. You can continue your virtual travels by clicking the Sunday In My City button below.

 

Down town Sioux Falls on a summer afternoon

If you enjoy shopping, relaxing and people watching Philips Avenue has it all!

Shops with frequent resting spots along the way!

 Sidewalk cafe's!

 Retro Dinner!

 Amazing artwork!

You can see more of the sculptures HERE.

What are your favorite things about your cities Down Town area?

Fawick Park Controversy

The other day Ms. Solitaire mentioned our outing to Fawick Park and reminded me of these photos. Tomorrow is her birthday and since I can not be there to help her celebrate I would like to share this as a sort of toast to my dear friend. I hope you enjoy these photos taken last June. 

View of down town from center of Fawick Park

Fawick Park sits on the edge of the Big Sioux River in down town. Although small the park has become home to a number of fun events especially throughout the summer months. Moonlit movies, Big Band and Jazz concerts are just a few of the event to be enjoyed at Fawick park. 

View of the Big Sioux River from the edge of Fawick Park

This park however was at the center of a great art controversy for a number of years. The cause of the controversy, a full size replica of Michelangelo's Statue of David. Donated by inventor Thomas Fawick to the city of Sioux Falls and Augstana College the statue was placed in Fawick park. Click here to learn more of this controversy. If you happen to be in Sioux Falls I just discovered that there is an exhibit of the first car invented by Thomas Fawick at the Old Court House Museum. Check out their Facebook page here for more info.

View of the 10th St overpass from the edge of the park along the Big Sioux River

Many felt that although this statue is a magnificent piece of artwork it did not belong in a public park near one of the busiest streets connecting down town to the east side of the city. The statue was actually removed for three years while the park was undergoing a needed clean up and renovation and many did not want it to return to the park but placed in a less conspicuous place. After much debate the statue was finally returned to Fawick park in 2000 where it still stands today.

My dear friend enjoying a lovely afternoon at Fawick Park

 Since this blog must abide by blogger TOS I have censored the next few photos.

 The size of this fabulous replica is staggering as you can see in this last photo.

I personally am not offended by the statue but understand that it does cause discomfort to some. What do you think?

Mayor's Artability Exhibit

It is once again time for the Mayor's Artability Art Exhibit, and I am honored to have had six composite photographic art pieces accepted to the exhibit.  The exhibit is held in the historic section of down town at the Museum of Visual Materials.

Here is a peak at the pieces I will be showing at the exhibit. Prints of each of these art pieces are Limited Edition prints and are available at Artistix Network LLC. It took me almost two weeks to find just the right frames to accent each piece. Eventually I was successful, and they are now all nicely framed and hanging in the museum. If you are in the Sioux Falls area I invite you to stop by and see all the great art. The exhibit runs from Nov. 3rd through Dec. 30th.

Title: Longing 

Title: Across South Dakota

Title: Shakespeare 2

Title: Shakespeare's Garden

Title: Stargazers

Title: Freedom

Art, Improving the Quality of Life

 It is widely accepted that art enriches both the lives of the artist and the lives of those that are exposed to the art.

• Imagine if you would slipping away from the noise of the city and the demands of everyday life to spend a long lunch in quiet solitude, meditating or just contemplating the beauty around you. 
• Imagine the sense of accomplishment in learning a new skill. 
• Imagine the joy and laughter that can be found in listening to a musical or theatrical performance. 
• Imagine the pride and boost in self esteem of a child returning from their first time at camp. 

Music, poetry/literature, visual and preforming arts all provide both the artist and the individual exposed to the art with a means of emotional release and enrichment, which in turn improves the overall quality of life for both. 

As one of the top 100 places to live (according to RelocateAmerica) and 2nd on Forbes' list of best places for business and careers Sioux Falls obviously understands that lives are enriched through exposure to all forms of artistic endeavors.  A cursory look at the many cultural and artistic attractions makes it is easy to see the community's drive for artistic excellence. Yet since the closing of the Horse Barn Arts Center earlier this year venues for emerging artists are virtually non existent.

To meet this need The Retreat at Pointer's Ridge a non-profit arts organization is proposing the development of the regions first artist's retreat. "The Retreat at Pointer's Ridge offers a unique gathering place designed to stimulate imagination for individuals and organizations seeking to improve outcomes in life, health and commerce through artistic expression" *

This river creates one border of the property

Today I had the privilege of touring the proposed site for the retreat which is located less than fifteen minutes north of Sioux Falls. It was very exciting to see the potential the site has to offer. Nestled in a wooded area adjacent to the river this location offers a peaceful setting away from the distractions of the city in which to pursue and develop artistic talents. This former Jaycee Camp although overgrown and run down still holds a great amount of charm, beauty and potential.

Here is the A-frame and a view of the cabins, behind which are the woods.

With the renovation of the existing facilities the retreat will have eight cabins for overnight stays, an A-frame with loft and a large central lodge with fireplace, piano, restrooms, showers and a commercial kitchen as well as other amenities. In addition to these some of the improvements they hope to add are a contemplation garden, hiking trails, outdoor fire pit and playground.

Just past the cabins and to the right of the central meeting hall is this small playground area

Although they look small the cabins will easily sleep 4 to 6 campers

These photos show only a small portion of the 23 acre site which sits on a gently slopping hillside. I was happy to hear that there are plans to restore the many wall panels in the main lodge which contain artwork by staff and visitors from the 30 years it was in operation by the Jaycee's. Unfortunately I didn't take my tripod with me so the photos I took inside the lodge were blurry.  To learn more about the vision and plans for the artist's retreat please visit The Retreat at Pointer's Ridge on Facebook.

* Excerpt from The Retreat at Pointer's Ridge mission statement.

Linking up with Unknown Mami for Sunday In My City

Sculpture Walk - Call to Artists

One thing I really love about the Sioux Falls community is its' commitment to the arts. For a small city of 150,000 people support for the arts is very strong. Art exhibits, theatrical shows, musical performances all are enjoyed and supported by our community. 

Of the many art exhibits held throughout the year the most visible is the Down Town Sculpture Walk. The Sculpture Walk is going into it's sixth year and has recently sent out a call to artists for the 2012 Sculpture Walk.

These sculptures are displayed on the walkways throughout the down town area and many are sold each year and moved to new homes, sometimes in private residences sometimes at local businesses. 


These last two are my favorites from this years Sculpture Walk.

You can view the current sculptures on line here.

If you or someone you know creates sculptures you may want to check out the call to Artists.

Sacred Buffalo

Located on the west side of our city is Sherman Park with it's five ancient Indian burial mounds. The history of this park is a very rich one dating back to the early years of Sioux Falls. Yet the history of the land the park sits on goes back much further with bones from the burial mounds dating back as far as 500 B.C.

At the entrance to this park sits this fantastic rock wall. The scene built into the wall shows an Indian on horseback with a spear in his hand chasing five buffalo.

I have seen many murals, some painted some constructed out of mosaic tiles but never before have I seen such a work of art as this. The vision, time and detail that went into creating this beautiful wall leaves me in awe.

close up of the Indian

close detail of one of the five buffalo

With so many big beautiful parks in our city I believe this small but beautiful and historically rich park is often overlooked.

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Caring For the Whole Person

Here in Sioux Falls we are very fortunate to have a number of really fine medical facilities. Among them is the Avera Cancer Institute where they 'believe that patients deserve comprehensive care for the whole person – body, mind and spirit'. I love the open airy design of their facility and how they have incorporated art into the design as well as into the healing process. In the lobby they have a digital art wall where they have themed digital art exhibits. The current exhibit is entitled "The Art of Healing" and you can either view the show in person at the Avera Cancer Institute's Prairie Center or on line.

I really love the prairie grass design on the windows of this building. Every time I drive past I just want to pull over and gaze at the beauty. Between the architecture and the landscaping the exterior view of this facility creates a calm atmosphere to walk or sit and reflect. I thankfully have had no dealings with the medical staff but have heard only praise for them in the community. I will be heading back to the center to photograph the landscaping so you can see how beautiful it is.