Tuesday was another sunny day for the February books. I had dinner plans with Kevin and we decided to try to meet up earlier, while the sun was still out, to walk along the Ohio River. With no real agenda, we decided to cross the Roebling Bridge into Covington, Kentucky.
Kevin had mentioned the mansion walk to me previously when discussing options of where to take folks when visiting us in Cincinnati. I haven’t been there before so we decided to head that way.
This is a statue, one of many along this street, of Mr. Roebling himself with his bridge in the background.
The views from this quiet street are stunning of the skyline across the water. I can’t believe in all my years living in Cincinnati I’d never been here before.
The sun was beginning to set and casted a beautiful pink into the eastern sky.
I made Kevin pose next to this gentleman who was obviously reading something interesting. Up close the textures captured in the bronze were beautiful. I loved the diversity of the sculptures.
The Native American sculpture captured a man who honorably won several battles and was an excellent leader for his people. Capturing him with the historic mansion in the background, a clash of cultures.
A view of the riverboats. They are building a ton of apartments here but the area is still so quiet its surreal. No traffic.
The last statue on the walk. I read a little bit about each but can’t remember much. Kevin and I decided our memories aren’t going, but rather history just doesn’t interest us. Its not age. Its limited interest.
This house was huge and beautifully restored.
The tall lean statue on the porch of this brick mansion made it feel haunted.
We ate at a small sandwich shop named The Gruff which is right at the end of the Roebling. I got a non-alcoholic beer as I attempt my one week of not drinking. Helpful that they have IPA non alcohol options now, which are satisfying. I’m experimenting with how not drinking affects me. So far, not witnessing too many changes except falling asleep is a bit of a bitch.
As we walked out of the restaurant, Kevin mentioned the very best view of Cincinnati at night is from this location. So we wandered down to the river to take in one last shot of appreciation. It truly is a beautiful skyline and city.
I heard about this park from one of my Cambly students who moved from South Korea to Grand Rapids. I was hoping to meet up with Jay while visiting my sister but our timing was off unfortunately.
The Meijer Garden and Sculpture Park is simply a must see if you ever get up this way. $18.00 to enter and I saw art, nature, botanicals, sculpture and a concert by a South African peace train musician.
Pulling up it has such a presence! You can see the thought that was put into the buildings.
Meijer stores are headquartered here and apparently the family was kind enough to give back to the community by building this park.
I was fascinated by the wall face sculptures. Have never seen anything like it before.
A piece of art along the wall made out of metal scraps had such texture and movement I had to get an up-close look.
Inside is a small exhibition room that showcases different artists throughout the year.
African prints were used throughout.
Art from a distance but more detailed meaning once you saw the materials used.
Was interesting to read some of the deeper thoughts behind the beautifully creative displays.
Being a fashion design major I truly appreciated the craftmanship.
The dramatic action captured in such a still pose.
By far my favorite. From the front such an innocence portrayed.
If I had the time, I love these book covers and how just putting them on the shelf is art.
Somehow reminded me of my sisters and I. Not sure why. We were/are no angels.
As we left the art venue we walked down this hallway which again was so perfectly thought out architectually with the tree columns leading you to the conservatory.
Aren’t these cactus adorable. In a way so cute.
The fuzzy ones were tempting to reach out and touch.
This arrangement made me aware of the design quality and significance in every display. Admiring human’s creativity with nature.
Looking up at the bamboo stalks.
This conservatory had very high ceilings and felt more open than Cincinnati’s Krohns.
My sister pointed out these orchids which were rare.
Once we got outside there was this statue named “Mad Mom” but Trisha and I were saying she looks more sadly disappointed than angry. I loved her shape next to the background angles of the glass building.
Flowers were unique and the color combinations eye catching.
Plants I have never seen before made our walk staggered as we paused to admire.
Sculpture was everywhere.
This gigantic horse caught my eye through the woods.
I made Trisha pose to show the magnitude of its presence.
I also caught this, what I thought was a girl silhouette, from a distance as we walked. Michigan days are absolutely gorgeous! Look at the sky! And the clouds up here move so quickly with the lake breeze.
When we got up close, it changed into a man silhouette. It was named he/she.
Loved the balance.
Looking up again. Always. Seeing new perspectives.
The display of colors surrounding this bronze beauty.
Some left you feeling eerie and empty. A sadness somehow.
While others had humor like this gigantic spade in the midst of the meadow.
Industrial featured with the softness of the wildflowers.
Walking down this sidewalk with its curves and the arches of the trees perfectly displaying this statue which was representing shame.
I did not read the title of this piece, I wanted to leave it with me in my own personal interpretation.
I told Paige, my niece, that this one reminded me of her chihuahua which I was told never to try to pet or it would attack me.
From behind was beautiful and simple.
From the front complex like a Picasso.
Perfect combinations and complexity also in surrounding nature.
This metal art felt like a heartbeat captured.
I loved this man sculpture sitting back watching the sun or taking a nap which the other man human perfectly sat as if part of the display.
A beautiful venue with overpriced snacks and beer, totally enjoyable evening out.
Family friendly with the kids allowing the African rhythm to take control while most adults silently sat back watching the unique band.
George and I decided to celebrate our April birthdays and our one year together in Chattanooga. No real reason except it is an up and coming city that I had never visited before and it’s drivable. Even with today’s gas pricing.
One place on my list to visit was the Sculpture Fields of Montague Park. Pulling up was an eye opener with two police cars parked out front, unkept lawns and a couple of disheveled looking folks walking about. But we decided to adventure through anyways to see the art.
Its sad that the city didn’t maintain it better, but its location is surrounded by warehouses in hopes of transition. Only time will tell.
I of course took the lead and started with an upclose view of this specimen. Oddly natural looking even though it was made of tiles of metal.
Most pieces weren’t that fascinating.
But each piece had its own personality.
Not to mention George’s humor adding to the mix mimicking this pointy piece.
Just not sure what some were or what they represented.
Was wondering if anyone climbed to the top of this ever for that perfect moment.
This is the field at a distant view. A great concept.
As I was trying to figure out this piece….
I decided it was an entryway to the unknown. A porthole of sorts. So I ventured through.
The cool thing about Chattanooga is that wherever we were, art was present. I really enjoyed walking the streets and stumbling across all the variety of sculpture.
Great representation of the beloved American past time.
I sat on a bench directly across from this grandfather and took his picture.
Another smaller sculpture at a better maintained park.
At every turn there was something reframing your view.
A bold nude near the museum.
A happy bulbous couple.
Admired the man on the right seated with this river view.
They had an amazing architectural addition to their museum with a perfectly winding route up from the Tennessee River.
This was interesting to me. Representing life, as it moves in circles, with its variety of personalities and activities. Clever.
Tonya Takes Thailand 