Tag: art

Umbrellas Outside the Mall – Kilkenny, Ireland – PPAC Challenge

Sure, this doesn’t fit my usual music themed content but I thought it was beautiful and I wanted to share. So here is another PPAC Challenge entry.

My wife and I strolled the streets of Kilkenny during my first trip to Ireland. She is the daughter of Irish immigrants and Kilkenny was the home of her father many years ago.

She tried to find the street where her grand parents used to live, even though she knew the house was no longer there. It had been razed years ago to build a bustling city block.

She wasn’t exactly sure where we were going, but she knew there was a mall there now. It didn’t take us long until we we found this alley, leading to the mall which stands where her grandparents once lived. The colorful umbrella installation was a delightful surprise and it brightened our day, even if the sky was grey.

Kudos to whomever is responsible. Well done!

Cleere’s Bar and Theater, Kilkenny, Ireland – Artist Unkown – PPAC Challenge

I’m really happy to combine my PPAC Challenge entry this week with my musical content.

This hand painted sign is a repurposed old door outside Cleere’s Bar and Theater in Kilkenny.

A painting outside Cleere’s Pub, taken August 22, 2022.
A hand-painted bodhran, a traditional Irish drum, is used to reserve the table for the musicians.

I’ve got another post planned to describe the incredible musical experience I had at Cleere’s, but for now, please be sure to check out their YouTube channel below. Also, be sure to check out my recent post about the music in Dublin. Perhaps it will hold you over until you can plan a trip to Ireland.

PPAC Challenge- Sculpture Outside Kilkenny Castle

Sure, this doesn’t fit my usual music themed content but I figured these cheeks are remarkable enough for a PPAC Challenge post.

A sculpture outside Kilkenny Castle, Ireland. I’m not sure who the sculptor was.
A handsome front view of the guy with the sweet cheeks.
Sweet Cheek’s lady.

These sculptures are viewable from the street through the gates at Kilkenny castle. But luckily, entrance to the garden is free so you can get an even better look.

You’ll have to pay a small fee to enter the castle, but it’s well worth it. The tapestries, furniture, and numerous paintings offer plenty to scratch itch for art lovers and history buffs alike.

If you’re interested in learning more about my experience in Kilkenny, be sure to subscribe. I’ll be posting about the music shortly.

Sliante!

PPAC Challenge #61 – “Art” at Guinness Open Gate Brewery

The Always Write Blog challenges users to post art found in public places. Here is another submittal for the PPAC Challenge #61.

A sculpture in the lobby of the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Dublin.

You can find this colorful artwork in the lobby of the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland. Truth be told, this sculpture is technically just beyond turnstiles of the facility so I shouldn’t submit it because the rules say that the art should be free. You can see this from the lobby without paying if you really want to, but seriously, pay to go in. You’ll find lots of great artistic exhibits including sculptures, advertising campaigns, educational material, and of course beer!

Have your selfie printed on your beer.
Check out sculptures of marketing characters.
The Guinness harp.

PPAC Challenge: BJ’s Bar Fredonia, NY

The Always Write blog challenges users to post art found in public places. Here is my submittal for the PPAC Challenge #61.

BJ’s bar has been a staple for bands passing through western New York State for nearly a century. It’s dark and moody and there are so many trinkets to catch your attention.

Be sure to stop in and have a beer if you’re in town and certainly be sure to mention if it is your birthday.

A painting of a skull under the bar at BJ’s Fredonia, NY.

PPAC #54: Harbor District Guitar

Here is my entry in Marsha’s, Always Write Blog, PPAC Challenge. This challenge it to take pictures of public art and share with others. There is an …

PPAC #54: Harbor District Guitar

PPAC Challenge: “Full of Beans” Moxy Hotel, Dublin

I recently learned of the PPAC Challenge and thought it would be fun to share pic I snapped of some staged graffiti in the Moxy Hotel in Dublin. Don’t worry, I’m sure it was done legally since it’s inside the bar.

I’m sure it’s not considered high fine art, but it, it makes me chuckle when I see it. Art is meant to elicit emotion- am I wrong?

PPAC Challenge: Eric Schultz Reconnecting

I recently learned of the PPAC Challenge and thought it would be fun to share pic I snapped of this fellow playing the banjo.

This is by an artist named Eric Schultz and it is called “Reconnecting.” I spotted it during the Memorial Day parade in Hopewell, New Jersey.