#flockCLE

by Kaylah Stroup
crackingart, land studio, state bicycle co

I’m not sure how closely any of you out there follow politics, especially American politics (I am always blown away by how many international readers I have!) but the Republican National Convention is coming to Cleveland this summer. That doesn’t mean much to me personally, but I do realize this is a HUGE deal for the city. It’ll bring in tons of people, as well of lots and lots of revenue. Everyone is hustling to get ready for the influx of business. Bars have petitioned to stay open much later, businesses are hiring extra help, and the city itself is doing everything possible to get cleaned up. Most recently, and most exciting to me, has been the addition of public art!

CrackingArt, an Italian art collective, has done large installations all around the world and this summer, with the help of Land Studio, they brought some color to Cleveland! I’m passionate about a whole slew of random things including Cleveland,
and giant animal statutes. Well, this clearly combines them both! I could not be more excited to have these things in my city. I only wish they were permanent.

land studio, public art, cleveland ohio, crackingart

Earlier this week I took a quick ride down to the Great Lake Science Center, where one of the largest groups of the statues is located. When I first heard about the project, before seeing any photos, I was on the fence about whether or not I would like how it looked. It sounded a little crazy. After seeing them in person, and seeing how people interacted with them I’m smitten! I really enjoyed watching people take funny photos with them, and smiling at the sight of these colorful critters. They’re definitely bringing joy! I, of course, loved getting cool photos of my bike with them. They’re really neat, and I bet they look even more amazing at sunset since they’re right near the lake!

This is a little off track but it blows my mind how close I am to the science center and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I remember visiting them before living here and it just taking foreverrrr to get there. Now it’s like “Hmmm, I guess I could take a quick ride down there.” It’s less than 3.5 miles! SO cool! I really, really love living in the city.

cleveland, ohio, land studio, bicycle
meerkat, land studio, cleveland, ohio

Prior to these last few months, Cleveland didn’t have too much in the way of public art. We do have little nooks with graffiti which the city I’m sure will do it’s best to eliminate before the RNC actually happens but seeing cities like Toronto makes me ache for more. Even if right now the big push is only to make our city look more approachable to a bunch of out-of-towners, I’m excited!  Land Studio also recently helped organize another project where they brought in a bunch of amazing artists to line one of our train routes with huge murals. I have yet to go grab photos but when I do I will definitely share.

Thank you to Land Studio for doing great things for Cleveland. They’re just giant colorful animals but they add so much to the city.
xoxo

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12 comments

Justine Arreche June 23, 2016 - 1:21 pm

Oh wow, I hadn't heard about these! They're super cool — pity today is kind of a crummy day but maybe tomorrow my partner and I can stroll over there and check it out. I'm pretty sure I need a few photos of these "little" guys too. Seem like some good candidates for the Instax!

Kaylah June 24, 2016 - 12:31 pm

They're really awesome, you definitely have to swing by and see them. Also, there is apparently another large grouping of them at the library. I haven't checked those ones out yet but plan to soon!

Alexandra June 23, 2016 - 2:10 pm

Sometimes large, public art installations are a bit of a head scratcher, but these are so cute! I love how bright and joyful they are. Way to go Cleveland!

Kaylah June 24, 2016 - 12:33 pm

I agree but seriously anything is better than nothing! These are definitely a win!

Holly Karnes June 23, 2016 - 4:15 pm

Those are some pretty wild sculptures! The colors are magical!

xo. holly erinn

Kaylah June 24, 2016 - 12:34 pm

Aren't they so much fun!? They really brighten up the area. 🙂

Izzy June 24, 2016 - 2:41 pm

Oh my gosh they're amazing! And so gigantic, I didnt know it before but i want huge meerkats and snails in my town.

The Quirky Queer

Jordyn Schwersky June 24, 2016 - 5:26 pm

That art is so much fun! The RNC was in Tampa four years ago and things got similarly crazy here.

Sarah Albertson June 24, 2016 - 9:50 pm

Oh my gosh those are so cool!! I love the bright bold colors.

steph rivers June 26, 2016 - 6:48 pm

Totally killer as public art but it would be a dream to have giant technicolor snails slugging through my front yard! I'm super left leaning but hope those GOP $$ are a boon to your town. 🙂

Tabby June 27, 2016 - 3:35 pm

I LOVE the snails! They are so much fun. In Dallas we have a giant eyeball installation but I'm pretty sure it's behind a locked fence so you can't get at it.

Mariko July 5, 2016 - 6:30 pm

I'm so in love with those animal statues. How fun would it be to have one of those giant meerkats standing in your front yard?

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