After the bike ride, I stopped of in Schaumburg on the way home to have ice cream with my Dad… and we found this sweet sculpture in the park… SPIRIT OF THE PRAIRIE.

Well, I got to Hinsdale a bit early this morning ready to set-up for Day Two of the HINSDALE FINE ARTS FESTIVAL. And I did a little “photo shoot” of the Robert Frost sculpture sitting in the center of the park by the fountain. Such a great sculpture with such detail & emotion as he now sits forever writing in Burlington Park.

Another surprise find during my trip to Omaha last weekend was running into these two masterpieces by ceramic artist Jun Kaneko. I’ve seen a couple of these dango sculptures (Japanese for “rounded form”) before at SOFA CHICAGO… but never this up-close & personal. Little did I know that his studio is in Omaha too… I learned that fact when I got home!!! Too late… maybe next time?!

One of the highlights from this past weekend’s trip to Omaha was the amazing sculpture installation at PIONEER COURAGE PARK.

Incredible bronze sculptures immortalizing the pioneers who traveled west on the Mormon Trail & Oregon Trail. Created by sculptors Blair Buswell & Ed Fraughton, these amazing sculptures cross two large parks… and everything in between! Including flying geese & buffalo running through flower beads and through buildings!!! Such an amazing installation… and a “must-see” if you’re ever in Omaha!

A sculptural sign of the times. Public art with a powerful message.
Directly across from Buckingham Fountain at Queen’s Landing.

Black lives matter. Demand Justice.

Celebrating a little TEXTURE TUESDAY with a wonderful cement-block carving I found along the lakefront. In Chicago, a lot of the shoreline is protected by oversized cement blocks that also make seating areas. This block has been carved with some traditional imagery… no idea how long something like this would take?!

A new show has popped up in the Lillstreet Gallery Annex on the second floor. Sculptural works by one of the new Artists-In-Residence… Corran Shrimpton. I was struck by this piece as it was the first one to show-up in the gallery space. Striking & powerful… as she reaches for the chalk eraser!

After a quick stop into the studio, it was far too nice outside to stay inside! So I decided to check-out another one of the local cemeteries. Beautiful setting, wonderful craftsmanship and a quiet moment to relax & reflect. This one is St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery in Chicago. Not as “grand” as Graceland, but still impressive.

A beautiful morning along the lakefront. So nice that Spring seems to be settling in… hopefully for good! It was a bit breeze, but a great ride. And a great chance to see the new Keith Haring sculpture at Belmont Harbor. The construction fencing is finally down and hopefully the surrounding garden will be planted soon.

Frozen moments on my porch. Plenty of ice & snow… considering it’s “protected” by the roof. So no huge snow accumulation here… but everywhere else we got PLENTY!!! I think it might be time to venture out with my shovel again…