It was a gorgeous (and I mean GORGEOUS!) Spring day last Friday. Although I didn’t plan on being outdoors all day, the kids and I ended up doing so. We were only supposed to have lunch with friends then drive back home for my son’s nap. The sun was shining and people were happily walking around. My daughter, Miranda, asked after our meal, “Can we go for a short walk?” (Sure, why not?)
As we walked around Downtown Pleasanton, we saw life-size art figures* displayed sporadically around the street. At a distance we thought they were real people, but as we got closer, we realized they were bronze sculptures. And they were cool! So cool, in fact, my children thought playing around them was more fun than a playground! (This one is inspired by the “American Gothic” painting by Grant Wood, 1928.) Miranda couldn’t get enough! We spent the entire afternoon walking up and down the street counting the number of unique and interesting sculptures we encountered, and admiring the precision and patience the artist put into each work of art. Since we were still in Pleasanton and it was getting late, we called Daddy to meet us here and join us for dinner. So up and down the street we walked again till Daddy showed up.
Who thought we’d spend the day appreciating art? Great idea, Miranda!
(* Works by artist Seward Johnson.)