What approach should Tri Cities take to Public Art?

Public Art is planned and executed with the specific intention of being sited or staged in a certain area … Thus, Public Art should be pursued proactively alongside the plan(s) for Tri Cities development.

Like other cities, 1% of construction costs could be set aside for art. Thus, public areas and commercial developments would be peppered with public art so to perhaps secure a more unique presence and recognition for the site. Recreation funds could be allocated to art that offers participation and interactive possibilities … such as the hydraulaphone in Ontario Canada or the Battenkill urban oasis in Thomas Paine Park, Manhattan.

Balance sustainable art such as restoring the architecture of downtown Kennewick or creating parks with attractions such as gardens and labyrinths; and performance art such as street theatre, dance, or curbside music; and memorial art that reflects the history of Tri Cities – Lewis & Clark, Kennewick Man, various native tribal customs, current customs ~ with expressive art in all of its forms.

Art attracts an audience. Art can distinguish this area - and it can differentiate the many facets of Tri Cities. Art reflects life and provides an opportunity for reflection on life.

Consider the impact art has on the world:

Barcelona & Gaudi
Statuesque D.C.
NYC's Statue of Liberty
Gateway to the West in St Louis
Fingernail at Howard Ammon Park
What do you remember from where you’ve been?

And, it can provide work for the local creative force, craftspersons, and artists.

Recipe - Jicama Ahi Tacos

With the warm weather, it is time to "lighten up" and do some summer cooking! I shared this recipe with Cañon de Sol winery for their eNewsletter, Enjoy. Any time you serve them, these tacos are refreshing and tasty.

Slice 2 cups jicama super thin with a 3mm mandolin blade.

Cut 1 lb ahi tuna into about 1-inch by 1-inch by 4-inches. Coat liberally with pepper and a little salt. Heat a sauté pan until very hot; add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and the sear tuna on all sides for about 15 seconds per side. Make sure to just sear outside of tuna and not allow inside to cook. Remove from heat and refrigerate promptly. Once cooled, slice into 1/8-inch thick slices.

Prepare the toppings: 1 red onion thinly sliced, shred 1/2 head romaine lettuce, and cut 1 medium avocado into small chunks.

Plan on 3-4 tiny tacos per person. Top each piece of raw jicama with a couple pieces of ahi, a few chunks of avocado, onion, romaine, a dollop of sour cream and some tomato salsa. Add a sprig of cilantro.

And of course, pair with Cañon de Sol Viogner or your favorite local wine.

Art draws people

Public Art is planned and executed with the specific intention of being sited or staged in a certain area ... Thus, Public Art should be pursued proactively alongside the plan(s) for Tri-Cities development.

Like other cities, 1 percent of construction costs could be set aside for art. Thus, public areas and commercial developments would be peppered with public art so to perhaps secure a more unique presence and recognition for the site. Recreation funds could be allocated to art that offers participation and interactive possibilities ... such as the hydraulaphone in Ontario Canada or the Battenkill urban oasis in Thomas Paine Park, Manhattan.

Balance sustainable art such as restoring the architecture of downtown Kennewick or creating parks with attractions such as gardens and labyrinths; and performance art such as street theatre, dance or curbside music; and memorial art that reflects the history of Tri Cities - Lewis & Clark, Kennewick Man, various native tribal customs, current customs -- with expressive art in all of its forms.

The 4F's ~ Fun, Food, Fashion, & Flair

A fave is to gather for lunch with a girlfriend to catch up on all the venting, gossip, and shared advice one can handle over a Portabella Road mushroom pizza at Atomic Ale. Oh, and desert ~ Plutonium Porter Chocolate Containment Cake ~ don't ask, just indulge. Afterward, it is necessary to shop off the extra calories (though, calories consumed among friends are priceless).

First, a stop at Greenies to select some organic goodies for the pantry while eyeing the tee's. Ooh, and a great time to get a gift for that upcoming birthday!

Then, on to another part of town where Malania welcomes you with a live, indoor palm tree plus chic selections to help one express one's fashion sense. And, a few days after making my purchase, I received a hand written thank you not in the mail. Nice touch!

Well that is as much as one could squeeze in between appointments this afternoon. Lots to catch up with you in the current of Tri Cities.