With the weather possibly spiking in the 60's the urge to head outside for some much needed fresh air and a walk is finally here. While outside may I suggest taking a walk downtown to check out the White River State Park. While out on Washington Street make sure to check out the world's largest JW Marriott. The building itself is a sight to see if you haven't paid much attention, however the newest public art installation is more up my alley. On the North side of the JW Marriott's property stands fifteen thousand pounds of steel and aluminum that was designed by Jeff Laramore to add to this state-themed plaza. The thirty-five-foot high bright red swoosh is not the Nike symbol, but a representation of our state bird, the Cardinal. Also incorporated into the plaza is the tulip tree and a water feature designed around peonies, to create a gathering place for customers. I was a little surprised to find out that the statue was not created by what we consider a local sculpture Artist. However, after seeing Laramore's work it's nice to see him step away from creating packaging for coffee beans and advertising spotlights for clients and dive into the public art scene with this project. Not that I am not a fan of the "Cardinal" designed by Laramore, I just want to see credit giving to the actual sculptor on this project; Linel Signature of Mooresville. L.S. was the fabricator of the "Cardinal", spending over six months cutting, shaping, and welding the fifteen thousand pounds of steel and aluminum.

I was reading recently in Forbes that New Yorkers are such a disaffected bunch that in public they are too busy fiddling with their Blackberry or iPod that they don't notice the people around them. Yet when man-made waterfalls where installed on the East River these iPod recluses began to look up and become positively giddy at the site of watching the new installed art. I strongly believe public art can provide a new way to experience the city. It makes sense, just think of what happens when you hang a new painting in your living room? Conversations begin to flow. Fifteen thousands pounds of steel on one of our busiest streets in downtown is hopefully doing the same thing.

I have mentioned "The Bean" (located in Millennium Park, Chicago) in a prior issue and would love to see a single piece of art work here in the city that could create such a following. It is amazing to see. Even on an overcast day where the weather wasn't the best, people were all over taking photos in front of the sculpture, playing around the area and even having lunch. It has become an instant gathering spot.

Have you ever been walking around Indianapolis, seen a piece of Art and wanted to know more about why it was there or maybe who the artist is that came up with the idea? There is an entire website dedicated public art in Indianapolis, check it out if you have the time; www.publicartindianapolis.org