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Hands Up Pardner; This is Tucson, Arizona!

By Mike Jones

Mortgage and Lending with SUNSTREET MORTGAGE, LLC (BK-0907366, NMLS 145171) NMLS 223495

November 03, 2007 08:33 PM

Tucsonans take their yard art seriously.

Most places around the country, you'll see a water fountain, a reflecting ball on a pedestal, or some such thing.

Not in Tucson. This metal sculpture guards the driveway to a relatively modest home built back in the 1950s.

Driving past, you'll notice no grass lawn, no flowers or shrubs except for the native desert mesquite and chapparal. Yet here stands a piece of art likely worth more than the SUV parked next to the house.

You can't help but admire the spirit of the man. Standing eight feet tall, shotgun at the ready, cloak blowing in the wind, he braves the scorching summer sun, drenching monsoons and sometimes, a winter snow to guard the property.

I'd like to buy the house (it's not for sale) just for the sculpture. Wouldn't you like to own it? Am I crazy? I don't think so.

And that's the opinion of this Tucson, Arizona mortgage lender.

Mike in Tucson

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Sandi Bauman

Chico Homes Real Estate - Chico, CA

Chico CA Realtor

I must be more uncultured than I thought... to me that looks like a "death eater" with a gun from Harry Potter! 8 feet tall? ....definitely not your norm for Chico, CA homes!

Nov 04, 2007 03:30 AM

Mike Jones

SUNSTREET MORTGAGE, LLC (BK-0907366, NMLS 145171) - Tucson, AZ

Mike Jones NMLS 223495

Kris, this is Tucson! They would never cover it up. Thanks for commenting.

Linda, it sure does beat the garden gnome!

Jo, I stopped and talked with the owner. His son is the sculptor, and he's not an artist or sculptor, according to his dad. I'd say otherwise. The son just likes welding.

Catherine, I went past, turned around, and parked on the opposite side of the road to watch the drivers passing by. No one looked or slowed down; I guess they're all used to it.

Cynthia, thanks for commenting. It got MY attention!

Charles, it's home built! Amazing!

Bill & Barbara Jo, thanks for stopping by to comment.

Terry, it still IS the wild, wild west, and that's good for our market in real estate.

Anne, it's at the top of La Canada; I was driving down from Dove Mountain when I saw this. I haven't seen the one you're talking about. Why don't you feature it in a post?

Cheryl, I really should go back and get the artist's phone number. Good idea.

Pink Couch Sandi, you're anything but uncultured! Thanks for commenting.

Mike in Tucson

Nov 04, 2007 05:16 AM

Cheryl Johnson

Highland Park, CA

Mike: Another thought .... maybe the artist has some ....uhhh ... smaller .... creations that could stand on a desk or shelf in an office ?

Nov 04, 2007 06:56 AM

Dan Forbes

Bradenton, FL

What a great sculpture! It makes you wonder what the owner is like. Is he friendly? Is he trying to convey the message, "stay away!"? There may be a great story behind it. Thanks for sharing the photo.

Nov 04, 2007 08:49 AM

Eric Kodner

Wayzata Lakes Realty: Eric Kodner Sells Twin Cities Homes - Minnetonka, MN

Wayzata Lakes Realty: Twin Cities, Madeline Island

Pretty cool metal sculpture, Mike!

On Madeline Island every summer, there's an event called "Sculptors Wrestle Steel". Various metal sculptors exhibit their works and judges select winners. Then most of the exhibits are for sale. I think you'd enjoy seeing some of them.

Nov 04, 2007 11:41 AM

Marlene Bridges

Village Real Estate Services, Inc. - Laguna Hills, CA

Laguna Homes|Laguna Condos|Laguna Real Estate

Mike - You're so right about the yards in Tuscon. This sculpture is pretty spectacular. It's always interesting to me how different areas bring out different yard decorating styles. One of my favorite things in Hawaii for example is their ornate gates.

Nov 04, 2007 12:23 PM

Mike Jones

SUNSTREET MORTGAGE, LLC (BK-0907366, NMLS 145171) - Tucson, AZ

Mike Jones NMLS 223495

Marlene, I'll have to go to Localism and check on those gates in Hawaii. Thanks for commenting.

Eric, I know I'd enjoy that. Have you written a Localism post on it? I'll come comment!

Dan, thanks for the idea. The owner was friendly, but the artist may not have been. I'll get back there and see what I can dig up.

Cheryl, you might have a good business idea for the son. I'll try to regain contact. Thanks for commenting.

Mike in Tucson

Nov 04, 2007 01:09 PM

Joan Mirantz

Homequest Real Estate - Concord, NH

Realtor, GRI, CBR, SRES - Concord New Hampshire

Mike...I just LOVE metal sculpture.

There is a town in Maine called St.George and they have a full size metal sculpture of St.George slaying the dragon! It's fabulous!!

Nov 04, 2007 01:31 PM

Mike Jones

SUNSTREET MORTGAGE, LLC (BK-0907366, NMLS 145171) - Tucson, AZ

Mike Jones NMLS 223495

Joan, where are the photos? We want visual stimulation! Come on back with the pictures.

Mike in Tucson

Nov 04, 2007 01:42 PM

Anonymous

Jason Botelho

Love the sculpture. It would be nice to buy the property just for the location and sculpture! Great photos!

Nov 05, 2007 06:22 AM

#20

Mike Jones

SUNSTREET MORTGAGE, LLC (BK-0907366, NMLS 145171) - Tucson, AZ

Mike Jones NMLS 223495

Jason, I couldn't agree with you more!

Mike in Tucson

Nov 05, 2007 06:08 PM

J Alcantara

Legacy Financial - Las Vegas, NV

Mike, John from Las Vegas. Good talking with you today, and I appreciate the "tips." Keep in touch!

Nov 13, 2007 06:05 AM

Paul Slaybaugh

Homesmart - Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale, AZ Real Estate

That's a great sculpture, Mike. I'll have to post a few here from your neighbors to the north. I already know which houses to visit.

Nov 13, 2007 06:22 AM

Mike Jones

SUNSTREET MORTGAGE, LLC (BK-0907366, NMLS 145171) - Tucson, AZ

Mike Jones NMLS 223495

John: Thanks for calling me; I hope it was useful. Thanks for visiting and commenting.

Paul: Please do! The comments section could use a few sculpture photos!

Mike in Tucson

Nov 13, 2007 02:20 PM

Anonymous

Jeff Butler

The sculpture in question was done by my brother Bruce. It is being held at the home on La Canada Drive for a collector that owns it. Bruce is very unique in his medium, as has been quite prolific over the past 15 years. His work is presently in Tubac, Sedona, and here in Tucson at the Max Gallery on Skyline and Campbell Ave.. He also works in bronze, and has sold pieces from coast to coast. Please feel free to visit his website at BruceButler.com.

Jan 01, 2008 01:06 PM

#25

Anonymous

Jeff Butler

Thanks for appreciating the art, and the exposure Mike! Bruce is also featured in the May issue of Tucson Lifestyle Home and Garden magazine. The issue with the big red flower on the cover. Thanks again!

Jeff

Jan 01, 2008 01:15 PM

#26

Anonymous

Jeff Butler

Just one more FYI for everyone; the piece in the picture is titled "EL HOMBRE".

Jan 01, 2008 01:18 PM

#27

Mike Jones

SUNSTREET MORTGAGE, LLC (BK-0907366, NMLS 145171) - Tucson, AZ

Mike Jones NMLS 223495

Jeff,

Thanks so much for commenting! Happy New Year to you and yours.

Mike in Tucson

Jan 01, 2008 02:12 PM

Cindy Bryant

Redesign Etc. Home Staging - Houston, TX

"Houston Home Staging Pros"

Yikes...his eyes look scary! That would be kinda neat to have at the end of your driveway.

Jan 01, 2008 05:56 PM

Tina Merritt

Nest Realty - Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Real Estate

What a great story with a great ending!

Jan 01, 2008 10:55 PM

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Hands Up Pardner; This is Tucson, Arizona!

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