Here's a few photos of my buddy a banana hanging out having the best time we came across each other…read moreright next to the coffee shop in the local area and we were having a fantastic time just hanging out cracking jokes being friends

As you wander through Nashville, you may happen to pass by a wooden sculpture of a tall, somewhat…read moredated figure of a man who was the deliverer of wisdom through the unlikely means of a comic strip. The sculpture is made from a single fallen tree and was carved by using a chain saw! The artist is Hoosier Chris Trotter who owns the nearby Wooden Wonders workshop in Nashville. He created the sculpture in 2015. The name of the character portrayed is Abe Martin. Abe was the creation of cartoonist Frank McKinney (Kin) Hubbard and was featured in a daily strip in the Indianapolis News from 1904-1930. Abe and the cast of characters created by Hubbard had an informal manner of speaking and from what I've read, had a way of making observations about human nature that mixed truth and humor. Nashville has made Abe Martin a prime "mascot" for activities in the area which include festivals and annual "Out House Races", so it seems fitting that a statue be created to celebrate the figure all year around. An example of the type of comment attributed to Abe Martin follows: "Nobuddy kin talk as interestin' as th' feller that's not hampered by facts er information." Review #1317

When Kroger in Franklin decided to move south a few blocks, it had a clean slate to build and…read morecreate its own appearance. It was decided that a sculpture by local artist Bernie Carreno would be added to the north end of the building. "Flight" was constructed in 2013 by Carreno and installed as the Kroger finished completion in 2016. The sculpture is ten feet tall and made of steel. It was inspired by watching birds in flight and conveys a sense of motion as the "arms" of the sculpture seem to be blowing in the wind. Carreno has been instrumental in the local art world having been involved with the Indianapolis Art Center for numerous years, even teaching sculpting classes. His work may be found all over the country, including pieces placed locally: three pieces on the U of Indy campus: Connected; Precautions; and Sol y Sombra. (1400 East Hanna) two at the Indpls Art Center: Marina; Everglades (820 E 67th St) and one in downtown Indy: Morning Ray (915 N Senate) Review #1264

I wish I had read Ken's review before setting out trying to find this sculpture. Only after…read morecircling the block a few times and finally asking the locals, did I find out that this is located inside a building. Wow what an impressive intricate sculpture. We didn't get to see it all in detail as there was some sort of special event going on at the time. I will definitely have to revisit to make sure I see every detail of it. There is just so much to see.

What some would say is the heart of downtown Columbus, is an intricate kinetic sculpture weighing 7…read moretons and 30 feet in height! Chaos 1 (1971) by artist Jean Tinguely was commissioned for the previous plaza which was demolished, then rebuilt in 2008. You know a piece is special when the space was designed to show off and preserve the sculpture. The art was left in place during the demolition and reconstruction of the Commons. Protected by a large box, it was uncovered to a space that is protected from the elements with room to move and a mezzanine level for viewers to watch the upper functions of movement better. There are twelve motors that control the speed and timing of the 13 functions. (Note that the twisting of the base movement was shut off for daily function and is only activated during special events.) At times, the mechanism is relatively peaceful with only a few of the functions seeming to be moving. But between noon and 1 p.m. and later between 5 and 6 p.m, total chaos takes place with cannon balls weighing 7 pounds each drop. This does have the most mechanical problems due to the destructive impacts/nature of the drop. Review #1276

The Animal Hospital of Martinsville has pet related murals on both the south and north exterior…read morewalls. Painted in 2012 by local artist Kathryn Maxwell, the murals show a number of breeds of dogs (sorry cat lovers!). Included on the south east wall is a quote by George Eliot: "Animals are such agreeable friends. The ask no questions, the pass no criticisms." Review #1971

What a cool little alley. I can picture myself sitting here with a friend sipping some coffee, or…read morean iced one if the weather is toasty. As narrow as it is, it is mostly shade but also shelters from the wind. Both great attributes with our unpredictable weather. There is a little bench to sit on (wish they had a couple more). It is well lit and there is quite a bit of art to see. Really the most welcoming alley I have laid eyes on.

Located on the 400 block between Washington Street and Jackson Street in Columbus, Indiana, this…read morecute alley boasts personalized bricks, mini gardens and light shapes that all illuminate and flash at night. The bricks on the alley mostly have Japanese names, as the alley was funded by Columbus' sister city in Japan. This alley is also considered a pocket park because of the mini garden/green spaces down it. The alley connects the main street to a parking lot and also has funky lamp posts lining it as well. This effort to make the streets even more artsy and enjoyable, it's a cute stop on your walk down Columbus' main street. Peek your head down and enjoy!

On the northwest corner of the IUPUC campus, an art installation called "Transformations" sits…read morewithin an outer wall creating a plaza for thought and reflection. The outer wall contains a quote from former British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli that reads "A University must be a place of light, of liberty, and of learning." In the center of the installation, a towering stainless steel art piece (nearly 30') rises from a shrub filled base on a central column. Three smaller tubes rise from the side of the column, extending even higher. Within each of these tubes is a dichroic glass which extends into the sky and changes color between blue and green depending upon how the light hits it. From the wall (directly over the quote), another steel arm extends towards the central column then spreads into an encircling loop around the tube area. Personally, I find the entire installation to suggest a microscope and lab equipment, all of which can lead to learning and transformation of our understanding of the world around us. The installation is intended as a "front door" to the campus and encourages visitors to relax and reflect. Review #1308

This mural was a little difficult for me to find for some reason. It is on the back of the Indian…read moreCreek Learning Center, overlooking a little field. It was painted in 2019 as part of the popular Johnson County Community Foundation Mural Program and was a community project that was headed by artists Chrissy Robertson, Meredith Pierson, Patrick Tisdale, and Elissa McKee. It is a nice mural that depicts a couple of bees buzzing around a few pink flowers that look like carnations. It is set against a dark purple background with honeycomb shapes. The mural is in excellent shape and looks great especially considering that people of all ages and artistic ability assisted in painting it (using a paint by number style). I am a huge fan of community art projects that bring members of the community together to create something to try and beautify their community. They even camouflaged the buildings backdoor seamlessly into the mural. Parking to get a closer look at the mural is pretty simple. You can just pull into the Learning Center's parking lot. They have an ample amount of spots to make a quick stop. As with most murals that I have visited and reviewed, this is not a very long stop. I was there less than 5 minutes and then I was off to my next adventure. You may want to consider planning out additional stops at many of the other attractions in the area, or making this stop part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time and trip if you do visit this spot.

Each year since 2016, the Johnson County Community Foundation has sponsored and organized the Mural…read moreProgram that brings public art to the towns within Johnson County. As with numerous other towns, the group organized a Community Painting Day (Aug 17, 2019) to create a way for the community to become involved in the process of creating the mural and hopefully appreciating what is involved. It is hoped to be a source of pride for the community. Behind the scenes of the actual painting day, a group called "Creative Council" designed the mural so that a "paint by number" plan could be used for the community to follow. The council includes Chrissy Robertson, Meredith Pierson, Patrick Tisdale, Elissa McKee, and the "Coffee Grrrls". This location chose a limited color scheme of purples, salmon, greens, and an off white for the honeycomb background and over-sized flower blooms. Additionally, black and yellow honey bees were also added. The mural is painted on the west wall of the school's Learning Center and can be seen by motorists heading east on SR 252. Parking is available at the Learning Center for those who wish to look over the mural at leisure. Review #2938

Columbus has to be the most beautiful city in Indiana. Their city and local businesses have…read moreembraced the arts like no other with amazing sculptures and galleries. The world renowned architecture for a city of only 50,000 is incredible. The city has done a remarkable job of preserving old, while introducing new structures. As I walked through the streets and visited landmarks, I was struck by how easy Columbus is to visit. Parking is easy and there is a flow downtown that suits a walking tour. Most of the buildings are free to visit and restroom facilities were easy to find. People are friendly and eager to describe their buildings and help visitors get around. The local restaurants are really good with and interesting mix of American and International cuisines. I found prices reasonable. The local history is interesting especially the impacts made by Irwin Miller. It would take a week to see everything. Next visit, I will make reservations for some of the tours and exquisite restaurants in advance.

This is a small, but upcoming city located about 45 minutes from Indianapolis. It home to about…read more50,000 residents and is HQ for the engine company Cummins. This town has a good down home family feel to it. My kids really liked the play space in The Commons. I could not believe that it was actually free. Their is also a kids museum across the street called Kids Commons. Columbus is not the most diverse city in Indiana. 87% of its population is white. I really like this town. It is not as crazy busy as Indy, but still has a lot going on. The town host many events such as First Thursday, Holiday Pops!, Festival of lights, Canines and Cocktails and Movies in the Campground. An interesting fact about the town is that it is home to footwear pioneer Chuck Taylor. Taylor is an alumunist of Columbus High School. The town has a very storied history. It is known for its art and architecture. Be sure to check out all the public art and wonderful architecture while visiting. Some notable public art includes: Choas, History and Mystery, C, Heroes, and the Family. Some architectural structures to be on the look out for include: the Irwin Union Bank, Bartholomew County Courthouse, Columbus City Hall, First Baptist Church, First Christian Church, and the McEwen-Samuels-Marr House. Additionally, in 1844, the first railroad in Indiana was constructed to Columbus from Madison, Indiana. Additionally, the city's Crump Theatre, which was built in 1889, is the oldest theater in Indiana. This is a nice place to visit and and I like to bring my family here to spend the day sometime on a nice day to take in all of the history and sights.