Spring Street Art Comes to New York City

Gazing Globes by artist Paula Hayes

When spring weather arrives to cities hit hard  by the winter's cold and snow, outdoor art installations sprout over night. New York City is blooming with spring flowers and public art exhibits, rewarding locals and tourists after an unusually brutal winter.

Madison Square Park in downtown NYC is home to an exhibit by artist Paula Hayes, Gazing Globes. This is Hayes' first outdoor art sculpture, and consists of 18 illuminated orbs filled with recycled objects from modern urban life.

Reminiscent of Christmas ornaments or snowglobes,  the clear globes merge memories of the city's winter streets filled with snow, sleet and ice dotted with street trash. Artist Hayes used:

vintage parts because technology moves at such a fast pace.  These play a role in the current landscape and how information is transmitted from one part of the globe to the next. I am making an illuminated landscape evocative of the designed landscape of Madison Square Park. Both are born of human imagination and technology.

~ Paula Hayes, artist

Gazing Globes in Madison Square Park

Gazing Globes in Madison Square Park

I'm invigorated by the burst of beautiful spring weather and public art sprouting up in cities and towns everywhere. What street art has popped up in your neighborhood?

à la prochaine,

Shirley

Three Unexpected Places to See Original Art

Typically the first place people think of to see original works of art is a museum. Today, many communities, nonprofit organizations and businesses appreciate the value of public art and invest time and money in making art available to everyone.

Public art is art work that is displayed in public spaces, available to all at no charge.

Here are 3 places to view art for free that might surprise you:

1.  Airports

Philadelphia International
Art at the Airport

Many airports display art from local museums, community artists or private collections in the airport terminals. Most often, we rush through the airport either to make our flight or retrieve our bags and leave. As air travel layovers have increased, airports are forced to find ways to entertain a restless public with too much free time while waiting at the airport.

Airports with art on display include:

• Philadelphia International Airport
• Reagan National Airport 
• Atlanta Airport
• Vancouver International Airport
• Helsinki Airport

Next time you're rushing through the airport, slow down and and see what's on display!

2.  Community Colleges

Local community colleges are frequently trying to attract the public onto their campus, typically as part of a long-term strategy to build awareness to grow enrollment. Many community colleges feature art exhibits by students, community artists, or traveling art exhibits.

Frequently art exhibits at community colleges are accompanied by educational activities including: 

• artist talks 
• receptions and meet and greets
• special lectures and events

3.  Public Libraries

NYPL Art Exhibits are Held at 92 locations

Many public libraries offer art exhibits, and special programs to introduce the exhibit to the community. Public libraries that have built a strong reputation for the art exhibits include

• New York Public Library
• Denver Public Library
• Chicago Public Library
• Boston Public Library
• Los Angeles Public Library

tip: Many public libraries lend art, just as they lend books or DVDs. You can display a new artwork on your wall every month!

Art exhibits are offered free at many public venues all over the world - and probably in your community! Visit an exhibit today - and I encourage you to take a child, and introduce him or her to a lifetime appreciation of art.

a la prochaine,

Shirley