Art hits the streets
January 20, 2008
Let's face it, making "pritty" isn't going to help solve deep-seeded problems of a city. But rose-colored glasses are better to look through than sh*t-colored ones, would't you agree?
This is an issue that comes up during urban renovation projects, as to how much is really being revitalized internally vs. what is merely being beautified externally. There is a definite compromise that can be met between form and function.
Case in point, the public art project on Mahoning Ave, just past the bridge over 680. It is a mystery to me who worked on this, but I applaud their efforts (I suspect those right down the road at the Ward Bakery building?)
It reminds me of public paintings often seen in urban settings of large, older cities. The colors really pop out especially on a gray day, in this gray neighborhood. Assuming this was done on volunteer time with donated material, I don't see anything negative about it. Rusty corpse of an anonymous abandoned building was transformed into a quirky local landmark with a positive message to passerbys. Take it as you will, but I see a billboard for building up optimism and creativity.
Now we can't be going around pritty-ing all the blight or it'd become a bizarre and trippy drive through Youngstown. But say maybe during the process of urban planning, if 1% of it be given over to artists to transform? I'll leave that thought to another entry.
On a related note, the Patrons for the Arts are currently planning a large scale mural project for Andrews Street by the industrial park.
Public art may be seen by some as a mere "band-aid" over the many eyesores throughout the city...but creative manifestations by local talent has to be better to look at than oversized bandages. Though that would be quite a statement in and of itself, hmmm.
A proposal!
I jest. Okay, time for me to go to bed and get away from Photoshop. And the internet.
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giant novelty band-aids (like with spongebob designs) would be much more attractive than your standard wooden boards when it comes to sealing up vacant houses. i'm surprised that--in these futuristic times--we haven't started filling our abandoned residences with bakelite. it just makes sense, people.
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encase the copper pipes for good so NO one can get at it!
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i always loved that church...if im not mistaken ysu bought it, or someone did. i need to find out, the fate of awesomechurch hangs in the balance!!!
you know, houses in our neighborhood are painted blue, pink, purple, etc. because back in the 70s, the city would paint slums bright colors to try and detract from the deep dank depression that dwelt there. mackey will recognize this from the brazil episode of the simpsons, where lisa makes this observation.
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north_side, I have always loved that church also. That building and the one that housed The Jolly Bar. If I had the money I would love to turn that place into apartments. One of my favorite parts about these old buildings are the old painted ads on them.
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