We left Craig and Tracy's on Smith Valley Rd which turns into Emerson Road and that took us right to US 40.
You know how I feel about public art. I just love it! There is a trail in Greenwood that is called, "Art on the Trail." What I love about public art, is that it is meant for everyone. No entry fee. No cover charge or special invitation. You're out there for everyone to see! You are strong, durable, able to withstand all types of weather, public scrutiny and the test of time. You come in so many forms, in all shapes and sizes. You invite discussion and bring the world of visual arts to people’s everyday lives.
This is the art exhibit called "Feathers Three."
This one is called "Bright Days."
The last one I captured a picture of was created by Jan Dean of South Bend, IN. It's called "Pair." Pair is about the human experience. Feeling isolated within ourselves, we search for ‘home’ in others.
He who binds to himself a joy
Does the winged life destroy;
But he who kisses the joy as it flies
Lives in eternity’s sun rise.
-William Blake
Along Emerson Road, we came into some storm damage from the weather we had before we left Greenwood.
I saw some hope as we drove along... there is no such thing as a coincidence...
US Hwy 40, is also known as the Historic National Road. The National Road was authorized by Congress in 1806 and construction began in 1811. It was the first federally funded highway and played a vital role in westward expansion. It stretches from the east coast to the west coast, passing through Indiana and Ohio, and closely follows the original National Road's path. While I-70 largely parallels the National Road, US 40 offers a slower, more scenic route, allowing travelers to experience the charm of the historic towns and landmarks along the way. In Ohio, it's a designated National Scenic Byway, offering a glimpse into the past with its historic towns and landmarks.
The city of Greenfield Indiana is full of a wide variety of outdoor public art and murals for everyone to enjoy. A number of local organizations have felt that the arts are an important feature of our community, and so have partnered to incorporate murals, statues and more into the structure of downtown Greenfield. I captured a picture of part of the “A Barefoot Boy” Mural. This mural is a whimsical depiction of the James Whitcomb Riley poem of the same name. “A Barefoot Boy” was painted by Andrew Hern of California in 2018, after a collective of local organizations put out a nationwide Call for Artists.
In Cambridge City, Indiana there are more than 280 works of contemporary public art in every neighborhood in the city. I was able to capture a few of them.
Centerville Indiana is renowned for its antique shops, arches and picturesque surroundings. They had a unique mural too. It is dedicated to the National Road.
We unceremoniously entered Ohio. No fancy signs, just a blip on the GPS "state border ahead" and then it was gone. Bam, we are in Ohio.
Taylorsville Dam is an earthen embankment located across the Great Miami River near the City of Vandalia. We drove on Hwy 40, which goes across the top of the dam. Construction of the dam began in February of 1918 and was completed in November of 1921.
Even the food bank building had amazing murals on two sides of it.
Look closely, I found more hope!
From here on into Alton RV Park in Galloway, Ohio was farm land, patriotic flags and the Molly Caren Agricultural Center of the Ohio State University.
The land focus at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center is crop production of corn, soybeans and wheat. More than 1,200 acres of crops are grown with the latest technology available in the agricultural industry. In addition to the Farm Science Review, the center hosts various outreach events including corporate trainings, Master Gardener Volunteer trainings and meetings, field days, and 4-H and FFA camps and events.
We arrived safely at Alton RV Park in Galloway Ohio, our home for the night. Stay tuned for more Two Lane Adventures tomorrow!
No comments:
Post a Comment