4.03.2012

Public Art with a Smile!

Jo here . . .I have lived in some big cities with some great public art, and now I live in my home town where we have public art with a smile.  Its mostly a little town's claim to fame, and they have special days around whatever it is.  Let me show you a few:

This
is the Vergas, MN loon (state bird).
Up above is Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox.
You will find them in Bemidji, MN and also Brainerd,
Here is the World's Largest Pelican from Pelican Rapids.MN


     Here is another famous guy, Smokey the Bear & cubs from International Falls, MN.  He and Paul Bunyan have gone on to greater glory.

Here is the Black Duck from Blackduck, Minnesota.  Don't think I have ever seen a black duck in person.

If I were to have a piece of art at my home, say, sitting in an Adirondack Chair , greeting my visitors this is the one I would choose.  He was photographed by Kathy Goes-A-Ramblin', who takes great pictures and kindly allowed me to use this one! 
His name is Ronald and he always has his hair just so and a big smile for you.  So someday if you are driving around in Minnesota, and see him sitting outside a white house, stop by and say hello before you go visit all the other statchews!

Cheers,
Jo, Stella and Zkhat

15 comments:

  1. i don't live too far from canton - if you need me to transport ronald up to you, let me know! :)

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  2. Hi Stella no way would I charge you to come in my tent.
    Its just this lot rush in then there is no room for me.
    We now have snow and its freezing and my tent has gone away.
    We like all your art they are very big.
    Licks Bobby

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  3. I'll take the pelican for our yard. Those are pretty neat.

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    Replies
    1. Since I found the pelican all I have in my tiny brain is that Ogden Nash thing about

      Behold the mighty pelican
      His beak holds more than his belly can!

      That may be paraphrased a little but I know you know it!

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  4. Momma and Dad have seen Paul Bunyan and Blue in Brainerd. We share Smokey the Bear because he was born in the mountains near Capitan, NM. Momma thinks he is also buried there. There is a giant statue in his honor. You have some very interesting other art in your state...wonder if black ducks make good jerky?

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  5. Big birds there!
    Thanks for sharing them!
    Kisses and hugs
    Lorenza

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  6. Hi I am Sasha, Bouncing Bertie told me about your very cool blog and I hope we can be friends. I live in Michigan. Those big statues are kind of cool, but also kind of scary cause I am little. They are much more fun to see in pictures for me.

    Loveys Sasha

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  7. Well, Jo, the art made us smile, but the fact that there is apparently a place called Brainerd made us smile even more! Is it populated with very clever computer geeks?
    Toodle pip!
    Bertie (and Gail).

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  8. I have no words after seeing Smokey bear :-) X X X

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  9. Howdy Stella Up Over, Jo and Zkhat, love the photos. We have a few large things like that in Oz too. Not far from our town is a giant Rocking Horse. You can climb right up to the top of his head. Mum can't cause she is a bit scared of heights hehehe. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory

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  10. Have I told you that my husband is from around Minneapolis/St.Paul and has family around Bemidji. Next time we are in that neck of the woods, I'm going to meet Paul Bunyon!! :-)

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  11. I love that big pelican and the duck! They are all very sweet and definitely made us smile!

    Your pal, Pip

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  12. Love those pictures of the public art with a smile! What a great way to spread happiness and smiles.. Thanks for visiting and sending good thoughts my way. It helps cuz I am already feeling better.
    Wags
    Ernie and the pack

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  13. We have a Paul & Babe statue in the Northern part of Michigan. I would invite the red haired guy if he brought burgers & fries!

    Nubbin wiggles,
    Oskar

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  14. Ronald looks really good on your blog!

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