PUBLIC ART INSTALLATIONS
PUBLIC ART PROJECTS...
In 1999, Chicago, Illinois started the Public Art on Parade trend with the extremely popular "Cows on Parade." I had the pleasure to see this Public Art on Parade as well as Louisville, Kentucky's "Gallapalooza" and St. Louis, Missouri's "The People Project." Now, there is another local entry into the Public Art on Parade trend entitled "The Roaring Lions of University City" in University City, Missouri.
SUCCESS BASED ON LOCAL APPEAL...
Public Art Projects are hit or miss type of affairs. The "Cows on Parade" in Chicago, Illinois had a strong appeal to local residents and tourists evoking the legend of the Great Chicago Fire and Mrs. O'Leary's Cow and ties to the stockyard industry. A similar project introduced in New York City was less successful. It appears that the success or failure of the Public Arts Projects often depends on the nature of the local arts community and the sense of pride that the subject matter evokes in local residents.
THE HISTORY OF THE ROARING LIONS OF UNIVERSITY CITY...
If the key to the success of a local Public Art Project depends on the strength of the imagery, then the Roaring Lions of University City should be a "roaring" success. This year marks the centennial of the installation of the Lion and Lioness on the Gates of Opportunity located on Delmar Boulevard and marking the western boundary of the Loop business and entertainment district. Created in 1909 by Hungarian sculptor George Zolnay, the Lion and Lioness are, were and remain a symbol of strength and pride for University City as one of the premier places to live in St. Louis County, adjoining the Western boundary of the City of St. Louis.
COMMUNITY EVENTS FOR THE ROARING LIONS OF UNIVERSITY CITY...
The Roaring Lions of University City isn't the typical Public Art on Parade project. It is distinctly different in that it represents one of a series of events hosted by University City to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the installation of the Lion and Lioness. University City is using the Roaring Lions of University City to promote its great residential neighborhoods and local business and entertainment districts. However, it is also promoting recycling, literaracy, children's activities and the arts with a series of events from a lion themed movie in the park to a high school writing contest to children's art events painting over 2000 paper mache lions to musical performances - all culminating in a city wide birthday bash for the Roaring Lions of University on September 12-13, 2009.
GUIDE SAFARIS AND SCAVENGER HUNTS FOR THE ROARING LIONS OF UNIVERSITY CITY...
To see University City's Public Art on Parade project entitled "The Roaring Lions of University City", you have three great options:
Option 1 - Take the easy route. Take a driving safari tour of the Roaring Lions of University City using the Event Map - Roaring Lions of University City.
Option 2 - For the more adventuresome, explore University City on foot using the scavenger hunt clues for the Roaring Lions of University City. Read each clue and head off in search of your Roaring Lions prey.
Option 3 - Not from University City? Be a National Geographic reader and take a peak at the Roaring Lions of University City by clicking on Meet the Roaring Lions of University City.
However, don't stop there. Seeing the Roaring Lions of University City is just one part of the summer of fun events in University City. For more information on Roaring Lions of University City related events, visit the Roaring Lions of University City website.
PUBLIC ARTS ON PARADE IN OTHER AMERICAN CITIES...
After exploring the Roaring Lions of University City, you may want to take a safari and explor other Public Art on Parade exhibits. The concept of streetscape art isn't exactly new. The website American Arts Parade chronicles this community art trend with an interactive map, photographs, and links to other Public Art on Parade exhibits.
Now. after taking a look at the other 150 Art on Parade projects, let us know how the Roaring Lions of University City compares to these other great community art projects and events.
Interested in Urban Living in the walkable neighborhoods and the bustling business and entertainment district of the Loop in University City? Contact Ryan Shaughnessy at PREA Signature Realty at 314-971-4381 or send an e-mail to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com. Or, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com.
Comments (15)Subscribe to CommentsComment