Patrick Renner in the Christmas Tree exhibition in Buffalo Bayou Artspark, Houston, Texas In my backyard of southern Florida, not much great Christmas art emerges. Most public Christmas trees, Santa sleighs and Bethlehem manger scenes are of the lowest quality. The people that create the Christmas displays for governments and religious institutions are only interested in visual prominence, not the inventive quality. (See the aestheticgrounds essay on Hindu celebration) In Florida and elsewhere in the USA, the finest visual displays on public … [Read more...]

Charities have been utilizing the thinking and skills of artists for many, many years. From donated works for art auctions - to - donated design and labor for special events. Artists share the values of the charity and the charity typically needs the energy and positive spirit of artists. The Make It Right for New Orleans is one such project of mutual assistance. The difference with Brad Pitt's latest effort - the Pink Project for Make it Right - is the creative synthesis typical of the film industry. Perhaps public art and urban design … [Read more...]

When I fall off the volunteer writing wagon, I need to start up in little bits. So here is one. Art Basel Miami reminded me of the conservative tendencies in public art. Even the quasi-sponsored public art projects, were without energy. Only the muralist at the primary flight project brought a little freshness to outdoor Miami. My photographs and few downloaded ones are at the AestheticGrounds picasa site. Question: Does not public art have a responsibility to "record" in the public realm the art of the moment even if the art becomes … [Read more...]