10 Gallons Diverted

Artist in Residency week is a true learning experience, for me. Little hands and hearts remind me the subtle motion of painting is not always inherent. Some want to dab. Some will use proper strokes. Some, just scrub. My hope is to instill a taste of art's refuge, a place to return when little else is soothing. Painting can do that. The scrubbers though, they kept scrubbing in earnest.

Probably most satisfying to the students was the material prepping phase. Ten gallons of plastic bottles caps were cleaned and sorted. They were also diverted from the landfill. The sensory experience was grand. Sight, sounds, textures abound. Water play during 90 degree temperatures was certainly welcome too.

Their little personalities impressed me. Actually, some of the personalities weren't so little. Left to their own, roles easily evolved. At 42" high, one young lady filled the bill of delegator, handing out caps and directing younger ones to the proper sorting bins. Another meticulous soul managed quality control, making sure there weren't any misplaced colors.

We bridged many lessons during the week: environmental responsibility, the color spectrum, butterfly anatomy, patterns in nature... Most important, I learned, the scrubbers will be scrubbers, until they are ready to be otherwise. In the meanwhile, I can present an option. And hope.

Out of Bounds

"Droplets" by artist Susan Benarcik

"Somerset" by artist Scott Pellnat

Extensive summer heat is as disheartening as canned air. Take a break from both and rejuvenate your spirit with a bit of art in nature. 

At the The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, temperatures are naturally cooler within their 325 wooded acres. Through September 2, contemplative art compliments the site and season in the show, Out of Bounds. Most museum and gallery exhibits I find constricting. Being outdoors though makes this showing refreshing and in some cases unexpected.

"Mirrory" by artist Caleb Nussear

Much of the work surrounds their main building; at the Fire Pond, indoor gallery, near the picnic grove (yes, bring a picnic!) and in their new Sensory Garden. Maps are available at the indoor gallery. I also encourage you to take advantage of their many lush trails. Get some blood moving again and you might be inspired to create your own nature friendly installation.

Impromptu Work in Progress by young friends

The Cow Connection

1871 was a pivotal year for architecture. Questionable credit is often given to the O'Leary cow for tipping a lantern and starting a devastating fire near the young city of Chicago. Despite how this catastrophe began, the spirit that rose from it is legendary. And continuing.

Willis Tower made w/ Lego's

As several factors are attributed to the fire, so are there many reasons Chicago became noted as an architectural city. Hungry and eager merchants, intact infrastructure and the development of the elevator are but a few components that enabled the city become home to the first skyscrapers. Chicago's spirit for man made sculpture continues today.

BP Pedestrian Bridge

Chicago inspired Skyscraper by Jack, 5

Chicago is credited for another of my favorite firsts. In 1978 the Percent for Art Ordinance was implemented. This decree stipulates that 1.33% of the cost of most construction be dedicated to installing original artwork on the site. The impact of this notion is quite notable. Over 200 cities now consider the arts when big money is on the table.

But, a city is not defined by commerce and policy alone. Mother Nature has certainly made her impact in Chicago. Deep cold winters create a reclusive society 4-5 months a year. Apparently, very reclusive. I see this time as a healing and spawning period. This season provides time to settle and re-establish for growth. Once doors and windows are open, this city celebrates with a vengeance.

Rest well. Design well. Play hard. But take it easy on the cow, please.

Surprise fun at Gateway Park Water Fountain, Chicago, IL