VIEWS OF A FARM BOY
ARTISTS IN ACTION
OCTOBER--2021
RETURN TO HOMEPAGE >>>>
We visited Lauridsen Skatepark a few months ago when it first opened in downtown Des Moines--May, 2021.This largest skatepark in the world is really a big deal for Iowa--yet something was missing. The massive gray concrete retaining wall overlooking the park needed some personality. That happened today--September 12, 2021. This event attracted a large group of artists with various skills and interests. Each staked out a claim to a section of this gray blight overlooking the skatepark. I walked the path watching the artists working his/her own section, yet in harmony with each other, to express their own creative messages. By nightfall the work was done! The art murals spanned the entire wall in a combination of colors that is almost beyond description.
Why then have you broken down its walls, so that all who might pass along the way pick its grapes? (NIV) (Psalm 80: 12) -----
Restore us, O Lord God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we might be saved. (Psalm 80: 19)
Left: The red arrow shows my walking path.
Right: I took my break on the skateboard bench.
NOTE: Photos below are in no particular order.
My focus today was to watch the artists put a finishing touch to Lauridsen Skatepark as they painted the retaining wall. Each of these art-on-the-wall murals tells a story. Some of these stories I may not want to know! You probably thought an old man like me doesn't understand things contrary to my up-bringing! But I do understand this is a younger generations territory and they have a right to express themselves as they see fit. In summary, I like to keep up with new happenings around Central Iowa and I am glad I saw the ARTISTS IN ACTION painting the wall. But , for me, the real highlight of this day was watching the kids on their skateboards--just having fun!
This is by far and away my fave and the only one I can identify with. I love the skateboarder showing off his athletic ability flying over an Iowa corn field. Then, of course, there is the small town water tower and the farm barn in the background. What more could you ask?
