Sunday Sculpture Series

Indian Rice Grass, sculpted by artist Kevin Shaffer is part of Lafayette's Art on the Street Sculpture Walk.  This large sculpture is located on Chester Street at the back of Festival Plaza in Old Town Lafayette. 

This sculpture is from a series of oversize abstracted steel sculptures of native plants.  The inspiration for this piece comes from the native grasses that can be found in the grasslands around Lafayette and in eastern Colorado. 

This piece is 10 feet wide at the top and 16 feet tall, constructed of steel.  As with all the Art on the Street sculpture, this artwork is for sale; this one is $15,000.  For more information, or to purchase this art, contact the Public Art Committee. 

To view additional sculpture, look at the city webpage; and to vote for your favorite, go to the poll on this page.  The favorite artist will win the Jean Melblom People's Choice Award of $1000. 

The good and the bat

The good
Yesterday, as I was taking my girls to school, we saw two hot air balloons.  This is not an unusual occurrence in our area, but these were especially close to our house.  One was descending behind a house across the street. 

The second was right overhead.  You can even see the people waving.

Seeing hot air balloons on a regular basis is one of the many reasons I love living in my small town!

The bat
Today, my small town experience wasn't so charming.  I returned home from dropping one daughter off at school, and my older daughter said, I think something is in the wood stove.  Now, we have had creatures come down the chimney and into the wood stove before, and I am not talking about the red suit type.   We do have a cap on the chimney, and we haven't had an unwanted visitor in several years.  There is a little scritch, scritch noise.  Thankfully there is a door on our wood stove, and whatever has crawled in is contained.  But, we can't see in to know if it is bird or beast.

Upon closer investigation, I see that a wing has managed to slide through the crack of the door.  It is a BAT wing.  The poor, unhappy bat then thrust his wing further out and started waving at me.  That's when I lost my cool!  My daughter and I were completely creeped out (to use her terminology)!!  I am sure the bat doesn't feel any better than we do.

Today's small town experience reminds me that we don't live too far from nature.  We are happy to have open fields and lakes and parks nearby.  Hopefully the small town animal control will be able to help me out.  I guess even the bat is a good reminder of why I like living where we live.

No Apology

So, it has been almost a month since I have posted on either blog.  Without apology.  The end of summer vacation was a stronger draw than the uncomfortable office chair in our warm and stuffy office.  Plus, I have found that if I blog with the sense of obligation, it will feel like a job, a duty, a chore, a chore worse than doing laundry.  So, I blog without obligation, without apology. 
The end of summer was filled with bike rides, a trip to Elitch Gardens Amusement Park, trips to the farmers market, back to school shopping, afternoons at the local pool and making s'mores.  No regrets.
But, I am back.  To share more art, more recipes, more about my little town.

I found this little man of an eggplant at the Isabelle Farm Stand at Thomas Open Space in Lafayette, Colorado.
I asked the farmer who grew the eggplant, how he got "arms" to grow.  He told us he talks to them.  That made me smile, thinking of this young man stooping over to cajole the eggplant into growing appendages.  I am going to have a hard time cutting this one up.  I think he's so cute with his two arms and little hat. 

My favorite way to prepare eggplant is to slice it and grill until soft.  I usually salt the slices and let them sit for a few hours before grilling, that will take out the bitterness.  Grilled eggplant is decadent served with a smear of goat cheese and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.  But, I like it plain, too.

I may just have to start with the two Japanese eggplant and save the little man another day!

Sunday Sculpture Series

The City of Lafayette Public Art Committee installed its third year of the Art on the Street Sculpture Walk at the end of May.  Sixteen sculpture were installed as part of this art on loan outdoor gallery.  I want to share our latest installations with you - we have a wide variety of work.  I shared last year's selection in a series of Sunday blog posts starting last November.  I will do the same again this year.  They are really better in person.  If you're local, come to Old Town Lafayette and take a walk to see for yourself.

While I don't have an absolute favorite, the first piece I want to introduce you to is Bruce Campbell's Peacock Goddess.  Campbell is a great local artist, with national acclaim.  His work is "recycled" and repurposed farm and other metal pieces. 

Utilizing salvaged industrial objects, Colorado artist Bruce Campbell merges painting and sculpture to create ancient contemporary artworks. The unique shapes and surface patinas, sculpted by time and weather, become an integral part of his imagery, which seemingly emerges from the intricately weathered surfaces.  Peacock Goddess is Campbell’s second work in Art on the Street.

The back of the piece is interesting as well, with a large peacock.  This piece sits on the lawn at Festival Plaza in Old Town Lafayette.  The Plaza is on Public Road at Chester Street.  It's a great gathering place, with park benches, a fountain, 4 pieces of art and the best sandwich and ice cream shop called Eats and Sweets. 

This work, and all the 16 pieces in the Art on the Street, are available for purchase.  This piece costs $20,000.  You may view the other 15 sculptures on the City of Lafayette website. 

Each of these sculpture is competing for a cash prize of $1,000.  If one of these sculptures is your favorite you can vote.  The poll can be found on the lower right of that page.  You can vote to support your favorite artist.

For more information, or to purchase this sculpture check out the Cultural Arts web page.  I hope you will enjoy my tour of Old Town Lafayette over the coming months.  I sure enjoy having this much art in my little community.

Hearts on a Hike

Last week the girls and I went on a hike.  We went to one of my favorite hiking places, Marshall Mesa Trail.  It's a fairly easy, scenic trail head about 20 minutes from our house.  When we're hiking, we look for things, flowers, birds, and animals.  Just for fun, I suggested we look for hearts.  (inspired by another blogger - who posts Random Hearts - I told my girls that we should take photos of all the hearts we see).  A fairly odd thing to look for, but you would be amazed... I am not sure if we see what we want to see or if they are always there.  Call me crazy if you want, but this is what we found that day. (Be prepared - this is a photo heavy post)

 We spent a few minutes making hearts - and then looking for them. I was surprised at how many hearts we actually found on our hike. We looked for hearts in the rock, leaves, shadows, flowers, and sky.

Petal hearts fallen from this wild rose.

  

Look at the top of this mal-formed flower.

The sightings didn't stop there.

Shadow heart.

Lots of hearts in the rocks.

Graffiti heart in the sandstone.

Lichen heart on a rock.

Look between the girls, a heart worn away in the sandstone.

Take a closer look at that heart.

Worn away in the sandstone.

We found too many rocks and pebbles on the trail - here is just a sampling:

And finally, a heart shaped pool or water as we end our hike.

So, we found some hearts on a hike.  A little cheesy, yes.  A little silly, yes.  But, the proof is in the pictures.

Sunday Sculpture Series - Finale

This little rabbit peeks out from behind the boy on the turtle.

Natural Wonder, by Michele Moushe Dale, is available for $12,900.  Part of Lafayette's Art on the Street rotating sculpture gallery.  Natural Wonder is made of bronze, it measures 2'7" x 1'6" x 1'10".  It currently sits in Festival Plaza, at the corner of Public Road and Chester Street in Old Town Lafayette.
Dale is from Wisconsin, but has studied art in Illinois and Virgina and her works sit in several collections around the country.  Whimsical details like the rabbit in the back, or the other animals around the piece, make this sculpture a fabulous storytelling piece.  This suclptures symbolizes the connections we all share with nature. Dale's hope it to express how each person can build a sensitivity to natural ecology and improve our world.
This piece won't remain in its location long.  The change over from the 2010-2011 to the 2011-2012 Art on the Street is happening in the next two weeks.  All the current 12 sculptures will be removed and returned to their artists.  We are fortunate enough to be able to expand our program, and will be installing 16 new sculptures for the next year-long rotation.
I can't wait to show you the next set of sculptures!

Sunday Sculpture Series

This piece, Sod Busters, is one of two final bronzes I will post from the 2010-2011 Art on the Street Sculpture walk in Lafayette, Colorado.  Local artist, William Tyree began his career in art after a full career in the field of engineering.  He began woodcarving and then moved into working in bronze.  He has been a bronze artist for 10 years.  Sod Busters took a year to carve from wood, and then another year to complete as a bronze sculpture. 

I find this piece so interesting, with its strong lines and element of power.  It is an historical piece for Lafayette, as well, as Lafayette was a farming and mining community in its early days.

Sod Busters, and the other 11 sculptures will be removed from their locations in the coming days.  They will be replaces with 16 new and exciting pieces as part of Lafayette's 2011-2012 Art on the Street.  I will be sure to share those pieces with you.

If you are interested in purchasing Sod Busters, or any one of our other pieces on display, you must act quickly.  Sod Busters costs $25,000 and can be purchased by contacting the Public Art Committee.

Sunday Sculpture Series

Within Reach, by Colette Pitcher is a bronze sculpture of a small bear cub.  Weighing 150 pounds and measuring 4' x 3', this bear sits on the corner of the intersection of Chester and Public Road.  We have seen drivers stopped at the adjacent stop sign, glance over and wave at this friendly cub.  Pitcher loves sculpting Colorado wildlife and this whimsical bear has his goal just within reach.

This piece is for sale for $7,900, contact the Lafayette Public Art Committee for purchase details.

Within Reach will be in place for just a few more weeks, before the rotation is made and the current sculptures are removed to make way for the next cycle of art on loan.

Sunday Sculpture Series



Sentinel in the snow. Photo by CA Crandall.






Sentinel, by Colorado artist Michael Hibner, is a 4' tall, by 4' wide composition of shapes.  Made of steel, this sculpture weighs 250 pounds.  His idea is to create a dynamic sculpture of form while exploring shapes, proportions, balance and scale.  I love the hard metal, the round of the circle, the openness at the top.  It would be a lovely garden focus. 

If you would like to see it in person, the sculpture sits on the NE corner of Public Road and Simpson Street.  You can take the whole tour of the sculptures before they are removed at the end of this month.  There are 12 that sit along Public Road in Old Town Lafayette, from Baseline Rd. to Kimbark St.



Ariel Dance

Hibner is a return artist.  His piece, Ariel Dance, was in the 2009-2010 Art on the Street Art Walk.

At the end of this month, Sentinel and the other 11 sculptures that are currently part of Lafayette's Art on the Street Art Walk will be replaced with 16 new sculptures on loan.  I will continue to profile each sculpture as part of my (sometimes) Sunday Series.

If you love one of the current pieces, they are all for sale.  Please contact the Lafayette Public Art Committee for purchase information.

Rachel Hanson collage at The Purple Poppy

I am so excited - I am nearly bursting at the seams!
Rachel Hanson collage is now available at The Purple Poppy!


Rachel Hanson colleges, hung on the walls of The Purple Poppy.

 I have been making my collages with no real outlet, save the walls of my own studio.  While the creation is somewhat fulfilling on its own, when Angie, the proprietress of The Purple Poppy, asked to hang my work at her fabulous store, I was so excited!  (full disclosure, yes, Angie is my friend, but I have never pressured her to carry my work, in fact, I am not even sure I asked her to. I did write about the store last fall; you may remember this blog post.) 
So, I spent last week adding minor details to seven of my collages.  I put hangers on the back, and secret details, too.  She requested an artist statement.  That's a nerve wracking task, what to say about oneself.  Then I turned that into a collage, too.

On Friday, I delivered.  She hung the work.  I must say, it looks great!
So if you're local, stop by and take a look. Say hello to Angie or Kerry. Take a moment to shop; The Purple Poppy has fabulous things: art, furniture, home accessories, jewelry, gifts, and lots of unique items.  While you're there take a look at my work, too.  I hope you enjoy. 
(You can find The Purple Poppy at the SW corner of Arapaho Road and 95th St in Lafayette, CO)
And now, I can return to the studio and make some more collages.

Sunday Sculpture Series

(photo courtesy C.A. Crandall)

This functional sculpture, Great Blue Heron, was built by James G. Moore.  It s a bronze, stone and welded steel bell.  The piece weighs 3325 lbs. and stands 8 feet tall.  Moore's work blends a love nature, people and world cultures.  He enjoys making sculptures that appeal to the utility of craft but are fine in form, as well.  This bell is so beautiful.  it has great detail on both sides, depicting a great blue heron, a frog and other wild life.  The tone of the bell, when chimed, is deep and soothing.  The piece has great presence and sits on the south east corner of Festival Plaza at the intersection of Chester and Public in Old Town Lafayette. 
Part of the Art on the Street Sculpture walk, this piece and the other 11 in the collection will be on display until the end of May, when they are returned to the respective artists, or purchased by some lucky art patron.  In early June, the Lafayette Public Art Committee will install 16 new sculptures as part of our art on loan program.  For more information, or to purchase this sculpture ($18,150), check out the Art on the Street page at the city's website.

Creative Industries Evolution



Looking up into the gold dome that
tops our state capitol. 



 I spent Tuesday at the Colorado State Capital as a participant in Creative Industries Day.  Who knew we had a "Creative Industries Day"?!  We do.  It was informative and insightful. 

I was part of a great group of volunteers and city staff representing Lafayette.  We were fortunate enough to meet with both our State Senator and our Representative to discuss how these issues impact our community and share the successes of our efforts.  We have so much to be proud of!

Last year the Colorado state government created the Creative Industries Division as part of the state Office of Economic Development.  Wait!  Creative Industries (a.k.a. Art) can be considered part of economic development for a state?  Absurd!  But, is it so absurd?

Actually, Colorado ranks 5th in the nation in a concentration of creative occupations, and the creative sector is the 5th largest employment cluster with 186,000 jobs.  (source Colorado's Creative Economy, http://www.coloarts.org/) . 

Creative industries includes all sorts of artistic endeavors including the traditional performing and visual arts as well as film, TV, design, media technology and is as far reaching as fashion and the craft (gourmet) food and beverage industry.  Colorado has recognized that these industries are a driving force in our economy and they should be supported.  These businesses help support other economic growth, like tourism, as well as improving the overall quality of life of those living in Colorado.




Art is in every inch of the Colorado Capitol. 
This photo looks up at the
door of the Senate Chambers

 

This poses some interesting questions and dilemmas.  For the business minded person, there may need to be a shift in their view of the arts.  Really, a healthy community arts program can encourage economic growth and improve the bottom line for a community. This is a shift to now say: Fund the Arts!

For the artist, who may be opposed to the "establishment,"  the government and community support may be the way to gain a foot hold in a struggling economy.  Fund the Arts!

For the community member who may  have never looked at a "statue" as a piece of public art, who may have never been to a museum or cultural event, a rise in those creative industries may stimulate a boost in their local economy.  The new definition of Creative Industries included "craft food and beverage," which in simple language, craft breweries are part of Creative Industries.  Colorado is #2 in the country for the most craft beer produced. Fund the Arts!

Ok, I should get off my soap box.  But let me share the points that resonated most with me:

 
• Colorado is a creative and artistic state.  And that's recognized by the state.
• Arts industries can stimulate and revitalize a damaged economy.
• While we are 5th in the nation for arts, Colorado is also 50th in the nation in funding arts education in public school.  (Shame on us!  But I will save that rant for another day)
• While our funding is lacking, we should do all we can to support arts in the schools. 
• Science, technology and art may go hand in hand.
• Communities can and should use the arts to stimulate economic growth.

I will stop here, but I would encourage you to read more.  To do your own reading about the impact of arts on an economy and on education take a look at some of these resources.

In Colorado:
http://www.coloarts.org/
http://www.coloradofilm.org/
http://www.coloradocreates.com/
Nationally:
http://www.artsusa.org/

Collage - Forever is Composed of Nows!

This is one of my finished collages .... A look, finally at what I did with all those inchies. 

To finish that "blank canvas" of inchies, I added a paper ornament, a decorative brad, a bit of sealer and paint.  I added a simple quotation from one of my favorite poets, Emily Dickinson.

"Forever is composed of nows."

Now, I am headed down to the Colorado State Capitol for Creative Industries Day.  I am excited to be a part of the Lafayette Public Art Committee, and thrilled to be a part of the arts in our community.  Today we will look at the roll of arts in our state. Lafayette has been nominated for the Governor's Arts Award.  Today will be a day filled with information and arts advocacy.  Can't wait to see how it goes.

Sunday Sculpture Series

Supernova, by Eric Ober is a 300 pound steel sculture.  This larger sculpture measurs 6'6" x 3'6" x 2' and sits in the courtyard at the corner of Public Road and Emma Street.

Photo courtesy C.A. Crandall

Ober uses his skills as a mechanical engineer to create sculptures that captivate the eye and appear to defy the bounds of physics.  He takes concepts and dreams and turns them into sculptural form.  This sculpture has the added distinction of being kinetic.  The large circle swings when gently pushed - and continues movement for a long time.  It is a contemplative piece with it's Zen like form.
For more information about Lafayette's Art on the Street Sculpture Walk, visit the city's website. This piece, a part of the Art On the Street Sculpture Walk is available for purchase, $5,000.

Sunday Sculpture Series

Early Peas, by Thomas Starr, is a sweet, little bronze sculpture.

Photo courtesy of C.A. Crandall

This sculpture is a tribute to his father who had a bountiful vegetable garden.  Starr's work uses figures and faces to explore emotions and tell stories.  This sculpture measures 2'8"x11"x9.5" and weighs 75 pounds.   Although small in size, this sculpture is filled with contemplation and thought.  It sits on the corner of Public Road and Cannon Street, in front of Cannon Mine Coffee House. 
Part of the 2010-2011 Art on the Street, this artwork is available for purchase for $5,400.  For more information about Lafayette's Art on the Street Sculpture Walk, visit the city's website.

Artist - Matthew Doubek

Mannequin hands creeping across the tops of the fluorescent lights at Matt Doubek's studio.

My daughter and I took a field trip to visit local artist Matt Doubek at his studio.  The studio, an unassuming, converted garage in the heart of Louisville, is jam packed with art supplies and collage materials and inspiration.  A veritable heaven for a pack-rat like myself and my 9 year-old.  I gave her the camera and she started snapping photos.  (So interesting to see what caught her eye.)
My purpose for going to Matt's studio was two-fold.  First, I wanted some inspiration and advice for my own collage work.  Second, I wanted my daughter to see a working artist in his element.  We were both thrilled with what we found.  It was a bonus that Matt was prepping for his upcoming show at the Pirate Gallery in Denver.
The studio itself is filled with pieces of past work, like this one:

There are sketches, scraps, and bits of inspiration everywhere you look:

He had several works in progress, the painting hanging against the cinder block wall, had some additional embellishments from his daughter, which Matt readily incorporates into his work:

And this sketch was waiting patiently on one of his work tables.  I can't wait to see what he does with it:

Matthew Doubek and Samuel Mobley's show Every Good Cowboy opens at the Pirate Gallery on February 4 and runs until February 20. 

Hope to see you there!

Sunday Sculpture Series

Named Matriarchal Moon, This sculpture suggests dance, celebration and natural harmony. 

This nighttime shot captures the bright colors used on Matriarchal Moon.  Photo courtesy of C.A. Crandall.

This kinetic steel sculpture spins 15 feet above the ground, presenting a colorful moon for all to see.  Sculptor Reven Swanson hopes to speak for the universal woman and show a balance of the instinctual and modern day woman in this whimsical sculpture. 

Measuring 15'6" x 9'5" x 5', this steel sculpture weighs 50 pounds.


A daytime shot of Matriarchal Moon.

You may see Matriarchal Moon in person at the back of Festival Plaza, located at Public and Chester Roads in Old Town Lafayette.  This is one of 12 sculptures installed as part of the Art on the Street Sculpture Walk.  This work is available for purchase for $9,000.

Sunday Sculpture Series

This sweet, gangly dog, On the Rise, was sculpted by Colorado artist Louise Peterson.

photo courtesy C.A. Crandall

Peterson was inspired by her own Great Dane, Bella.  In the combination of animal form and movement, she captures the regal and goofy qualities of this breed.  This bronze sculpture measures 3'4" x 2'6" x 2' and weighs 140 pounds.  You may visit On the Rise at the corner of Baseline and Public Roads in front of Mojo Coffee in Old Town Lafayette.  For more information about Lafayette's Art on the Street Sculpture Walk, visit the city's website.  This work is available for purchase for $16,000.


Another, not snowy, view of this playful sculpture.





 This sculpture won the Jean Melblom People's Choice Award for the 2010-2011 Art on the Street.  Congratulations Ms. Peterson!

Recipe - Protien Bars with Oatmeal

Protein Bar Recipe

2 c chunky peanut butter

1 ¼ c honey

3 ½ c raw oats

¼  c wheat germ

¾ c sunflower seeds

2 ¼ c chocolate protein powder (I use whey based powder)

Melt peanut butter and honey in microwave.  Mix in remaining ingredients.  Spread into cookie sheet (I use on large sheet pan and one medium sheet pan) refrigerate for 4 hours.  Cut to desired size, 2"x4".  Wrap in foil.  Store in refrigerator.

• you can add different nuts, try chopped almonds, pumpkin seeds, or chopped peanuts
• add dried fruits, cherries, cranberries or chopped dried apricots
• eat as a quick snack or energy booster; they are great to take on a hike

This is a great recipe to make as you are trying to keep up with your healthy New Year's Resolutions!  It is a great pre- or post- workout snack. 
This one is particularly timely for me, as I am trying to boost my workout to lose what I gained over the holidays (darn that cheese and wine!).  And timely for my community as my small town, of Lafayette, Colorado, hosts it's annual Oatmeal Festival this weekend.  This weekend you can run in the Oatmeal 5k, enter the oatmeal baking contest or eat at the Oatmeal Breakfast Bar, with the world's largest oatmeal toppings bar.  Who could beat that!  Gotta love living in a small town!

Sunday Sculpture Series

(Yes, I know, I am a day late.  Better late than never!)

This beautiful sculpture named Liv, was created by local artist Arabella Tattershall.  It is created from copper coated steel and stands 4'6" tall with a bottom diameter of 4'.  The pieces is designed with the intention of allowing plants to wind their way in and out of the open weave gown towards the leafy bodice of the dress.
Tattershall says of her work, "I am enamored with leaves. They keep falling into my pieces, as they would from a tree, and I accept their gifts of seasonal engagement in the guises of frailty, tenacity, color and shape."  
This piece sits in front of Embellishments, a boutique at 611 S. Public Road.  It is a nice complement to the 2010 Art on the Street Sculpture walk.  This pieces is available for purchase for $7,500.

(posted as part of Art Everyday Month)