julieswhimsies

Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 9:30 p.m.

I love this! Lovely work!

Ms.Rodriguez

Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 9:12 p.m.

My dogs were photographed here enjoying the artwork of local artist Mary Thiefels, a longtime resident of Ann Arbor and a good friend to many. I grew up playing in Allmendinger and to see this funky old building take on a new life through Mary's eyes is a wonderful thing. The gathering was a slew of local folks who all support Mary and the wonderful things she has done for the city as an artist. The neighborhood is better for it, and to watch young middle school students find their pieces and portraits was a treat. You may not agree with the way the city is supporting public art but you can't keep Treetown Murals down!

Roger Kuhlman

Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 8:59 p.m.

Remember folks when you go to vote next week what the taxation issue concerning public art is all about. The issue is not whether art is a good thing nor is it even whether it is a nice thing to have art in public places. The issue being decided is whether to make it compulsory for all Ann Arbor taxpayers to pay for public art projects whether they support them or not.

DJBudSonic

Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 7:58 p.m.

So I got a look at it in person today, and, while it is far from my liking, I can see why it was well received by the neighborhood. It plays much better in person than in these photos. I have my concerns about the durability of the medium, and the danger presented by the many sharp edges, but clearly the artist was working with what the commission wanted. Circular columns are not the best place for mosaics, esp. with larger tiles like these.

Brad

Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 4:05 p.m.

Yeah, but does it have any blue blinky-lights?

Peter Eckstein

Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 3:55 p.m.

The installation works well for several reasons. It augments an existing structure and does not attempt to compete with the natural features of the park. It represents the work of a local artist and therefore encourages our artistic community rather than deprecates it. It manages to incorporate the work of a number of other budding artists in the community--in this case, from Slauson Middle School. And it was executed at a very reasonable cost. I hope the future projects of the Arts Commission will adhere more closely to such standards.

Bear

Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 7:59 a.m.

Kudos, Mary! You help to brighten up this town with your spirit and your art!

PineyWoodsGuy

Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 3:15 a.m.

Funky, but Kewl. I kind of think that old man Allmendinger would enjoy it. Just saying . . .

DJBudSonic

Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 2:38 a.m.

I will go see this in person this week, but from these pictures I will say it looks to be somewhere between underwhelming and hideous. Which is about where most of the public art has fallen so far. Hopefully it is better in person.

lsl

Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 1:31 a.m.

Mary, It's gorgeous!!!!!