Travelogue: Eastern State Penitentiary

7/24/10

If you ever get a chance to visit Eastern State Penitentiary, you won't be disappointed. Whether you're into penal history, art, urban decay or historic preservation projects, this Philadelphia landmark has everything. As they state on their website, "Bring a camera: And extra film. Eastern State may be the most photogenic place you see in years!" They're not kidding. I'm no photographer by any stretch but, with subject matter this rich, my amateur shots looked pretty cool.

Left: Barber Shop Chair, Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, PA

The self-guided audio tour is narrated by Steve Buscemi, and offers just enough detail to keep you informed but moving through at a steady pace. There are additional stops along the way where you can delve deeper with the audio component. Special tours are offered as well, though I'm not sure if these are a daily happening.

They hold a haunted house called "Terror Behind the Walls" that helps fund artist installations. Very cool.

Here's a slideshow from the visit. Go full screen with 'em -- the textures and colors are amazing there.

Gallery Space of My Dreams

4/17/10

I'm here in Chicago for work, so not much time for sight-seeing, but man did I visit the most amazing set of galleries last night: River East Art Center. (Okay, visit wasn't quite the right word. They were closed and prepping for a big event, but deliveries were coming and going, so I snuck in for quick stroll...)

I was drooling like a fiend: Strong work, exposed brick walls, what looked like reclaimed timber, glass walls.


The neighborhood has arrived. The stage is now set for River East Art Center, MCL’s daring vision of River East’s artistic, cultural hub.

The Mission of River East Art Center can best be expressed by the Mandala, the universal, ancient diagram River East Art Center has adopted as its logo. The Mandala is symbolic of individuals coming together to create something larger then themselves, while maintaining personal uniqueness.

We consider River East Art Center to be Chicago’s embodiment of Mandala – a place of enrichment, expression and inspiration... a place to discover fine art, and the finer things in life... a place of community, ideas, poetry, performances, lavish galas and corporate affairs. Moreover, it is a place of surpassing beauty – breathtaking spaces, dazzling views, daring architecture. In the coming years, River East Art Center will give rise to stunning works of importance – masterpieces to be discovered and cherished by local residents.

As a neighborhood resource, it will bring sophisticated Chicago residents and artists together, and forward, into a new age of growth, expression and appreciation of life, for each individual, and for the community as a whole.

Incredibly cool. Planning to visit Chicago? Put this place on your to-see list!

Louisville

10/4/09

Just got back from attending a conference for work there. I love this town.

I walked around to see some of the places I'd photographed in spring 2008, and most looked the same. I had hoped that some of the renovations for the interiors of the old buildings would be done and filled with thriving shops. I guess when 1 of 10 people are unemployed in a city, these kinds of projects fall to the wayside.

I dug up my old photos since I forgot my camera this time around. Such lovely surfaces...

Colorado

7/17/09
...is amazingly beautiful. Makes me want to paint realistic landscapes, but I would never do them justice.