My home town has been going through a lot of changes in the last few years. Most of them for the better. A number of our older historic buildings have been or are in the process of being restored. New hotels, restaurants and shops have moved into the area. There is a lot of good things going on. This area has become very progressive. The residents are for the most part middle Americans with a strong sense of tradition. A few pieces of public art have been installed around the city and for the most part have been accepted. The most recent installation, however, has become hugely controversial. Four sculptures have been (are being) placed on four corners of a new 24th Street bridge that was recently built. The illustration doesn't look so bad, but when driving toward this area the sculptures tower over you. They look rusty and jagged and out of place hovering over the more horizontal, curvy bridge (in my opinion and that of many others).
Below is a link to the other public art...
If you browse through the newsletters you will see other artwork installed in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area. Omaha is just across the Missouri river from Council Bluffs. The sculptures in the downtown area shown on the newsletter link below are amazing to see.
Less controversial and very patriotic...
Friends of mine, Russ and Penny Christensen of Neola, Iowa, have taken on a huge (and honorable) project of creating bronze sculptures as a tribute to our Veterans. Click on the link below to read more about this project. Russ is a sculptor and Penny does paintings in acrylic. They are two of the most wonderful people I have ever met and have both touched so many lives in a positive way.
Finally, below is a link to information on Council Bluffs. As you will see in the article, one of the warehouses is being converted into a new 'Artspace' with artists' lofts which will be opening soon. I am excited to see what will evolve from that development.
That is probably enough linking for now. Hope you all have a wonderful upcoming weekend.
I would love to hear your feedback on this post as well. I love comments! Connie
2 comments:
Hi Connie,
I have to agree with you on the bridge sculptures, they make me feel like, well, like something has been distroyed, weird, negative, I just don't get it. NOt good in a tornado,,may fall or stab someone.
I do like the Eagle of Honor Project. I am just not a modern art lover, maybe it is my age.
Everybodys a critic and there is something for everybody, right.
Maybe those things will grow on you as you pass by the bridge....goodness sakes...sigh...
Love
Marcie
it's a beautiful bridge.....and i agree that those sculptures are quite overwhelming!!! yikes! :))
p.s. thanks for stopping by my blog!
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