Blue Angels

It was hard to snap a picture of the fast flying Blue Angels! I got a lot of pictures of the empty sky because the planes zoomed past so fast. But, this one gives an idea of the spectacular air show going on this weekend. These planes can sneak quietly up from behind (no idea they are coming), and all of the sudden the roar of their jet engines is heard overhead, and it's LOUD. They are very impressive planes, with precision pilots. In one of their stunts, two Blue Angels fly straight towards each other (fast) and just before they would crash, each turns on their side, and they pass each other. It's an awesome show. Weather today, was clear skies and VERY HOT sunshine, too hot to truly enjoy the day. Took a break from the public art pics, to post a pic of today's air show, but there are more to come. Come back tomorrow to see the fox watching the ducks.

Lunch Counter

Seeing this lunch counter scene, reminded me of when the Woolworth department store use to be at this same location, and had a lunch counter in it. In searching the web about this, I find a more historical story is behind it. It depicts a lunch counter sit in that occurred in Wichita during the 1960's, where a couple of black youth would come often and sit, while waiting patiently and couragously to be served. From what I read, their efforts paid off for them, and for the owner of the business who eventually said something along the lines of "Serve them, we are losing money!" Hard to believe those days were not that long ago. Just think, now at this lunch counter - people sit and 'wait to be served" unless, of course, they bring their own lunch. I'd hate to bite into a bronze hambuger and fries. In this picture - there is also a boy playing on a scooter.

I have some more sculptures to show and will be posting them - one a day, until I'm through them. The next one will be a 2 day post, as it has a before and after to it.

Music Man

These delightful downtown statues were funded by a $500,000 grant from the DeVore Foundation to renovate the downtown area. Here's another man whom can always be found in Downtown Wichita, along Douglas street. He's bolted down, too, along with a stool for sitting on, his guitar case, and a little dog.

The sculpter's name is Georgia Gerber, and the style is referred to as “public art" since it motivates people to interact with the life size statues of people & animals. The park shown in this picture is referred to as a pocket park, because it's so small. It's not much bigger than what's shown in this picture.

What song do you imagine him to be singing to the little dog?

Barefoot Business Man

Here is the barefoot business man, whom the briefcase and shoes, belong to. All are bolted down. This man reminds me that professionalism and relaxation can be shared traits. As cars go passing by, this man sooths his bare feet while reading the newspaper. This is one of several bronze sculptures in Downtown Wichita along Douglas Street. They range in size from as small as a chipmunk - to as large as a soda shop scene.

Cooling off

Yesterday, I showed you some shoes and a briefcase. Here's a picture of some of the feet that belong to some of those shoes. It was a hot day, and the kids had fun playing barefoot in these little fountains of cool, clear, water.

Briefcase & Shoes

When one drives, they see many things. But, when walking, they see more. I've driven down Douglas street in downtown Wichita, many times, and seen the man this briefcase and shoes belong to. (the other shoes belong to Wichita children). I never realized the barefoot man had a breifcase & shoes though, until today. What a neat surprise, of added detail to a statue. This picture is one of a set of three, come back tomorrow and the next day, for the full picture.

Party

Sunscreen , Mosquito spray, Pop, & Balloons contribute to a child's birthday party at a neighborhood park.