38. PUBLIC ART IN DOWNTOWN - PART 2, Boise, ID

So this is part 2 of public art in downtown Boise.  There is just so many different pieces, I'm not sure how I am going to cover it all in the next few months, but here goes my attempt to infuse everyone with a bit more culture.

This is 1 of 3 pieces of historical art.  You look through the view finder and see a picture from Boise's past.  Did you know that there was a Boise Chinatown the mid 19th century?  Yep, there were Chinese emigrants here working on the railroad, but due to Anti-Chinese reactions from some members of the community, their businesses and opportunities were limited.  These pieces of art show us a glimpse of some of the Chinese history in downtown Boise.

The first one (above) is a picture of a parade on Chinese New Year.  It is on Capital St. between Front and Main.  Here is what it looks like, but you should see it for yourself.

This is number 2 of 3.  It is on the Boise Center on the Grove across from the Qwest arena.

It is a picture of a restaurant owner in front of her restaurant.

This is number 3 of 3.  It is right in front of the Grove Hotel on the corner of Capital and Front.  You literally look right into the side of the building.  You may feel kinda silly, but that is no reason not to look.

It is a picture of the Fong's in their shop.  I bet they never thought that it would one day be the sight of a huge hotel on the corner of the busiest street in downtown Boise.

The next piece is called Sydney's Niche by Rick Thom son.  It is on 8th street between Main and Idaho.  I like that it looks like the mouse (Sydney) is running the escalator.  The challenge is to get someone to actually believe that mice run the escalator.  What if that was really how we ran mechanical things?

The last one is called Homage to the Pedestrian by Patrick Zentz.  It is on the Grove Plaza between Grove fountain and 9th street.  It is one that you need to have lots of people with you or walking by it during a busy time.  It is a way to make music while you walk, so you get to participate in order to make it art because just looking at it will do nothing.  So grab your friends and go make some beautiful music.  Check it out at night because you can see "the shadow ballet of the drums and bells within" ;)

And now 2 more sweet electrical boxes.  But I forgot to write down what streets there were on, so you have to go and find them for yourself.

This is titled "Whitedog with Earcap Leads Parade" by Tarmo Watia

This one is called "Traffic in the City" by Bob Neal

Go check out all the art and stay tuned for more infusion of culture next month.

Heather