Between appointments, product reviews, and rest, we tried to go out and chase public art when the weather was comfortable. Jan and I are glad to have a wonderful hobby like photography as we age. It gives us a meaningful and satisfying interest to visit different places and capture images to share our experiences. Because of the hot and humid weather, we did not have many chances but we have a few things to share and hope for more in the future.
Click on the images to see them larger, uncropped, and read their titles.
Prospect Terrace Park and The State House
One nice afternoon about a week ago, I drove us around for fun. As we got to the College Hill area, I remembered the park and managed to find it. The park was founded in 1869 and later dedicated to Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island. There is a monument featuring the historic figure overlooking the city of Providence. It was a different form of public art.
We walked around and enjoyed the gentle breeze as we photographed the monument and other things we spotted. Rabbits seem to have settled in Rhode Island as Jan captured a couple of them enjoying the cool grass of the park.
On another day we drove to the Rhode Island State House. I wanted to take a series of pictures using the ROGETI Panorama Head for a large picture of the capital. But, without the Independent Man sitting at the top of the dome, it did not look right to me. So, there is only one picture Jan took from that trip.
Exploring More Public Art in Rhode Island
We continue to chase new public art in Rhode Island, and on a nice day in June, we visited You Are My Sunshine by Michael Ezzell (Instagram). For the 2024 edition of the wall, The Avenue Concept and their partners “partners wanted to honor the twenty-year anniversary of the first legal same-sex marriages in the U.S., which occurred in Massachusetts and California in January 2004 and offer the community a mural imbued with unbridled joy and exuberant color.“
In July, The Avenue Concept announced the arrival of a new public art mural and others in progress. We decided to explore new additions and started by visiting a newly restored mural by Shepard Fairey, Creativity, Equity, Justice.
It was originally facilitated by AS220, a Providence art organization run by artists. The original mural was damaged and recently restored by the local muralist Greg Was Here (Instagram) which The Avenue Concept facilitated.
As we left that mural and turned around the corner, we saw a couple of walls covered with different murals. I had seen them before but it was still good to see and photograph both. I believe they are both by Over Spray Studios but I could not find any Web presence.
Then we proceeded to Weybosett Avenue where a new mural was in progress on the street side of the facade that hides a parking lot. As we arrived, the artist was hard at work. She introduced herself as Amanda Hill and gave us her Instagram card.
As we started talking, Jan mentioned that our next-door neighbor primes the walls before the murals go up. Amanda called across the street to a colleague, he came down and we met Nick Platzer, the Senior Mural Program Manager at The Avenue Concept. It turned out that Nick and our neighbor Frank were friends. We chatted for a while, took pictures of Amanda at work and her work in progress, then headed back to our car. It was time to go home!
jackie
Wow, you guys had quite a busy day, from serene at Prospect park to energetic downtown. The murals and photographs are wonderful. I agree, a hobby in retirement is a wonderful thing. It keeps the mind (and hands) nimble. Steve and I have joined Urban Sketchers of R.I., a group of artists who meet up once a week. They spend a couple of hours sketching whatever inspires them at the meet-up location, then display their work for critique (from one another.) I am amazed at the talent around us! A creative pursuit in life is such a joy. :)
A. Cemal Ekin
Thank you for stopping by, Jackie. The article covers three days: the park, the state house, and the murals in Providence. We are lucky to have found creative activities and meet other creative people. Take care,
Cemal
Paul White
Great posts and you are right about being able to pursue photography as we age. The desire and the need to express oneself through our cameras doesn’t dim with age
A. Cemal Ekin
Aging with photography is surely better for us than aging without it. Of course, many others find different venues as they age. Take care, Paul,
Cemal
Karen Karten
Just fantastic. You two are such talented and special people.
A. Cemal Ekin
Thank you, Karen. We try to enjoy our neighborhood, city, and state as much as we can. Sharing what we see is another level of joy for us.
Cemal
Haluk Atamal
Very interesting sharing, Cemal. Thanks a lot.
Indeed it is probably a must to have at least two hobbies as we grow up more. All material assets start to fall apart whereas hobbies withstand the elements of old age.
Take care and best regards,
Haluk
A. Cemal Ekin
Yes, indeed, Haluk. Photography keeps us physically active, socially connected, and personally satisfied. Wherever one may live, there is plenty to photograph without traveling thousands of miles.
Take care,
Cemal
Michael Di Stefano
Howdy Cemal & Jan, so glad to see your both out and about enjoying not only photography but the weather and time together.
A. Cemal Ekin
Good to hear from you, Mike. Photography keeps us busy in many ways. We try to get near the subject, park the car, and get to work.
Cemal