Imagine you are sitting on the gold dome at the Iowa State Capitol Building, looking west. This is pretty much what you woud see. But actually, this is a photo of an almost finished new wall mural at 200 Court Ave. in Downtown Des Moines. I am standing in the parking lot adjacent to the building-looking west. Iowa artists Thomas Agran and Drew Etienne used subdued colors to present this magnificent panoramic view in a gentle an non-overwhelming way. This building is 150 feet wide so it is hard to imagine the beauty and immensity of this great work of art.

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (KJV) Genesis 1:1)

Views of a Farm Boy--Dedicated to promote Iowa agriculture and Iowa values--Robert Vaughn--Urbandale, Iowa  EMAIL:   vaughnrobert@me.com

Both of these projects should be completed this week. I will be there to check them out. I think you would enjoy seeing them, too!

Sometimes I am amazed at how things in life work out! That's why I call this a "bonus story." Sunday afternoon we were returning from Court Ave after visiting the almost finished art mural (top photos). Enroute I spotted this man on a ladder with paint brush in hand. I stopped to talk! It was mural artist, Siricasso Garcia. He was painting DES MOINES on this building at 601 6th Ave. Quite a contrast from the complicated mural on Court Ave! But I thought it was a perfect compliment to this location. Time hasn't been kind to 6th Ave and it has suffered through deterioration that damaged its appearance and reputation. Now this area is getting a new lease on life and I am happy to see the improvements include some of the fun stuff like this.