"Balancing Act" is a very cool piece of public art located in Downtown San Carlos, right as you…read moreenter Frank D. Harrington Park on Laurel Street. It's a slim, tall figure, I think it's made of wood, balancing 3 balls, holding them very high with one arm. Surrounding this sculpture and park are lots of restaurants and all types of different shops up and down Laurel Street. This seems to be the centerpiece of the downtown area, it definitely stands out!!

"Balancing Act" is a public art installation located at the enterance of the Frank D Harrington…read morePark, in the City of San Carlos, California. It is the work of artist James Moore. Moore a native of Oakland California and has an original background in economics and worked as a banker. Unlike many artists, he was self taught and eschewed traditional art schools in favor of a self taught approach. He began with wood but soon switched to metal. He eventually left the business world to devote himself fully to art. "Balancing Act" stand well over 7 feet tall. It is a contrast of straight rectangular blocks in human form holding 3 brightly covered spheres up overhead. The structure as a whole shows the interplay of geometry and art. There is a nice flow to the sculpture and it is a bit whimsical. The figure is in fact very reminiscent of another work of his I have reviewed called 'Bliss in the Moment" that is located in the Palo Alto Bayshore. Balancing act as noted is located int he heart of Downtown San Carlos. As such there is literally hundreds of excellent restaurants and shops easily within walking distance. It can easily be part of a luch outing or other trip. THere is pleanty of street parking but finding a spot during lunch time hours can be all but impossible.

This 2023 aluminum metal sculpture, located in front of the Sunrise Senior Living facility in…read moreSunnyvale, is surrounded by a couple benches as well as a small garden of flowers and plants (and even a couple fruit trees) creating a simple but beautiful setting for relaxing and appreciating the artwork. The artist, Michael Kalish, is known for his unique license plate collection including portraits of iconic figures such as Albert Einstein and Superman, as well as impressive artworks (particularly roses) made of car parts. But his Floral Sky design and creation is just as impressive and beautiful, the Sunnyvale version, Sunflower Sky, creating a nice outdoor space I was able to take advantage of on a sunny Monday afternoon. There's also easy street parking on Manet Drive, adding to the convenience of checking out this lovely art piece.

This is an easy-to-miss horse sculpture, made of bronze and metal with the simple appearance of…read moredriftwood pieced together into a lovely work of art. A similar art piece can be found at the Cantor Arts Center as part of a series by the artist, Deborah Butterfield, however Butternut, named after its color, is easier to access and view right in front of the Stanford Hospital, with tables and seating in the vicinity as well. Free self parking (up to 2 hours) is available in the Pasteur Visitor Garage, hidden underground. I wouldn't go out of my way for it, but the sculpture is worth some attention if you're in the area.

Butternut is a public art installation location on the ground of the Stanford University medical…read moreCenter. It is the work of artist Deborah Butterfield. This is the 3th or her Horse series that can be found on the Peninsula with the other being in the Cantor, and of all places in the middle of nowhere in Mountain View. Deborah Butterfield began sculpting horses back in the 1970's. She started with sticks and clay, but soon progressed to scrape metal. She later moved on to cast bronze. She selects individual pieces of wood and then creates the bronze cast. The wood/bronze is then used to create the horses. A native of San Diego, California, her art can be seen in museums around the country. From the artist: ""The lines of the branches do not simply outline the forms of horses, they create the contours through an accumulation of simple or energetic lines that seem to build up from within. This is three-dimensional gesture drawing, and the result is both skeletal and muscular." The sculpture at first glance appears to be driftwood with all of its detail, but when you touch it and feel the cold hard metal its shocking everything even though I know what to expect. There is a stark simplicity to the sculpture as a whole from a distance, but the intricate details of the casting and the complexity the small shapes form are shockingly complex. The sculpture is about 40 feet from the sidewalk and up a slight hill. There is nothing around and I have to admit I spent a good 30 minutes enjoying both the relative quiet and the sculpture from different angles. I am always fainted by the works. Cast in bronze, they really look like driftwood. Despite being somewhat skeletonized, they appear to be alive. Up close the intricate detail reveals itself. Each angle brings a new view and you can find yourself gazing at it for a long time. Butternut as noted is close to the new Stanford Hospital. In and of itself it is not a destination, however, given its proximity to the Cantor, and numerous other art installations, it is best part of a multi stop trip.

This is a cool painting by local photographer and artist, Dodge Williams. Part of the Community…read moreAdvocacy Through Art (CATA) organization, this was the first mural of its Open Paint series in Redwood City. It's not located in the most inviting place, on the front of the building at Emerald City Liquors. But the artwork itself was in decent condition when we came by this past weekend, and I appreciated the creative portrayal of healing through a community effort, promoting support for those struggling with mental and/or social challenges.

Sail Sculpture is an outdoor art installation located in the city of Mountain View, California…read more Located on Garcia Avenue, it is the work of artist Burke Rutherford. It is located near Intuit Corporation Building 4. As a side note you never see Intuit bikes abandoned but I digress... Rutherford, who was born in Utah, and moved to California in his youth, studied art extensively in Europe. His work which is primarily seen in North America, ranges from huge outdoor installations to small tabletop designs. Its seems very hard to pin down a particular style and he seemed content to dabble in a vast multitude of them. He passed away at his home in Mexico in 2015 From the artist: 'There is noting more gratifying than to see people, young, old, and even blind, enjoy your work, touching and feeling the sculpture as it truly should be experienced" And indeed, before I did my research, I was compelled to run my hand down the face of one of the triangles. I normally do not do this but I'm happy to see this was his intent. The sculpture consists of three abstract, curved triangles position close together. The effect is very cool, and from some angles you may only see one, or all three, but you are drawn into the symmetry and differences of each piece. This kind of art significantly interfered with my bike ride as I was really reluctant to leave the sculpture. It really drew me in. If I had a lawn chair and a decent pilsner in quantity, I could spend hours just staring at it. Sail Sculpture is really off by itself. There is a variety of activities to do within a few miles, and this is better as a stop than a destination. There is a nearby installation I have already review, Ling The Lang and Buzzcock, so there is more than afew to see int he immediate vacinity. There are also several installations int he immediate area I have not gotten too, so stay tuned

Apart-Together, 2021 is a public art installation located on the Stanford University campus. It is…read morethe work of Lauren A. Toomer. According to the author, she prefers to guide her work towards reflecting people emotional and physical conditions. From the artists Stanford Faculty web site: "figurative artist who creates work inspired by the human body and the impact of a subtle moment. She continually looks at alternative approaches that challenge the spatial, contextual, and surface boundaries that circumscribe us. Graphite drawing serves as Toomer's home medium, while she also rigorously explores painting and sculptural projects. Her uninhibited and traditional approach to art making inspired Toomer to study human anatomy and art in graduate school" Apart-Together, 2021 is memorial to those impacted by the COVID-19 epidemic. It features hand painted petals made by facility and staff. The installation is located in the front of the Angel of Grief installation. It can be access by walking or bike and sits alongside a paved trail. It also in in easy walking proximity of the Cantor, lots of eateries, and other art installations. There are nearby services but little exist in this area. This is better part of a larger walking tour as opposed to a stand alone destination.

this mural viewable in the 7-11 parking is faded and quite old. no doubt a comic book store was…read moreonce a tenant in the building behind it. Batman, Superman, Captain American, Flash, Spider Man, Hulk, and Wolverine can be seen in the mural. doubt such a mural can be painted these days as Marvel and DC comics don't mix their heros with other groups. creator: United BUstvie?

Faded but has great memories! When I see this I know I'm home! (My mural). This was painted when…read moreAmerican Comics was there. When I had this painted, 9-11 had just happened. This was in honor of the strength of our country. Look at the top right corner... clearly has 9-11 on it.

Mitchell Park Library is a lively community center with lights illuminating the outdoor area after…read moredark during business hours. Six shiny stainless steel owl sculptures, by Brad Oldham, are lined up in front of the entrance, greeting visitors. Two kinds of owls are staggered in a row, "whimsy" with a round figure and larger eyes exuding a lighthearted and playful vibe, and "wise" with its wings straight down at its sides, appearing alert and attentive as intended by the artist. The tails are curved enough to be used as makeshift seats (I saw a kid sitting on one of the statues while I was there). The mirror finish of the sculptures ensures those who encounter this beautiful artwork become part of the art as well.

Avatar is a memorial honoring Steve Unangst who was the chief city zoning planner for the city of…read moreMountain View when he passed away in 1987. A plaque at the foot of the statue reads "To recognize his contributions to the design of our community". The artwork was created by L.C. Shank, and portrays a tall figure releasing a bird into the sky, perhaps symbolizing freedom. A simple yet uplifting monument worth checking out at Eagle Park.