Trip to Atlanta, Pt. 1

Just when you thought I had disappeared, here I am back, recently returned from the UCDA (University & College Designers Association) Conference in Atlanta, Georgia at the InterContinental Buckhead hotel.



I really do hate flying from the west coast to the east; with the three-hour time difference and a plane change, by the time I arrived an entire day is shot. The hotel was beautiful though, so I had that going for me!



Not necessarily my vibe, but I do appreciate the look of it.



The art was amazing, including this painting which “melted” off the canvas and spilled over onto the walls. Nice touch!



Interesting sculpture pieces throughout…





The room was spacious, comfortable, and clean. My home for the next few days!



The only thing on my agenda was to have an early dinner (we’re talking Senior Citizen time) and then crash. On my last visit to Atlanta, I had enjoyed dinner at the Southe City Kitchen restaurant in midtown Atlanta.



Right across the street from the hotel was the Buckhead location. Say no more.



I had a table out on the patio with a view.



The Fried Green Tomatoes melted in my mouth. They were DELICIOUS!



For my entrée, I selected the Springer Mountain Farms Fried Chicken. Good choice #2.



The Chocolate Chess Tart was good choice #3.



I was in bed by 7pm, which made it easier for an early morning swim.



The hotel’s pool was gigantic; perfect for laps.



Since my sessions didn’t begin until later in the day, I ventured off with my camera to Buckhead.



More on that coming up!

See more Atlanta photos at my main website.

Monday in Michigan, Pt. 2

On my recent trip to Grand Rapids, Michigan for the UCDA Design Conference, I was able to see the ArtPrize contest that basically took over the entire city for 19 days. Dinner at the Grand Rapids Brewing Company exposed me to this 30 panel portrait titled Monkey Business by Brenda Gordon. Of course I loved the one dedicated to Marilyn Monroe eating a banana.



Throughout the entire area, people were able to see sculptures, paintings, light installations and more and vote on their favorite.



The Wonder Woman mask creeped me out a bit.



There was also the Pantone Pathway, spray painted on sidewalks leading walkers/runners through highlights of each neighborhood's local businesses, featured venues, and activities. With each Path being 2.4 miles or less, you could experience nearly 90% of ArtPrize.



A few of the pieces that piqued my interest:





When Keith Coleman the artist was around, apparently this one actually was a fire-breathing dragon. Wish I could have seen that for myself!





Even local churches participated. St. Mark's had a number of installations on their property:





The Amway Grand Plaza Hotel where I stayed also hosted a number of pieces. Not a surprise that this one took home the Three-Dimensional Public Vote Award. Good location, very cool sculpture! The artist, Joe Butts, was out there every time I walked by, working the crowd.







I don't believe these murals were part of Artprize, but they are cool nonetheless!







The Conference and Artprize definitely stirred up my creativity. The highlight of the week for me was going to the Bitter End Coffeehouse...



and sketching with some of the speakers who are also involved with Creative South.



Mike Jones was trying to improve some of the coffee labels displayed here. He definitely accomplished that goal!



Doc Reed showed me how to sketch digitally. While I can’t see myself replacing traditional methods with this, it was a blast. I can see why so many artists love using this new artistic medium.



See more Michigan photos at my main website.

Monday in Michigan

The Hotel for the 2018 UCDA Design Conference was the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids. Half historic, half modern, this facility was originally known as The Pantlind hotel opened in 1916 after three years of construction. Fashioned after English Adams architecture by designers Warren and Wetmore, the hotel's special details included one of the world's largest gold-leaf ceilings and two incredible chandeliers, both located in the lobby.



By 1925, the Pantlind hotel was ranked “One of the 10 Finest Hotels in America.” As often happens with the passage of time and fashion, along with downtown Grand Rapids, the Pantlind fell from favor as people discovered the suburbs. The Amway Corporation acquired the historic Pantlind in 1979 and carefully restored it to its former glory. The Amway Grand Plaza re-opened in 1981, presided over by President Gerald R. Ford and his wife Betty Ford during a formal black-tie gathering. A 29-story Glass Tower was added in 1983 by Marvin DeWinter & Associates.



The hotel definitely has two distinct styles, as can be seen in this shot of the historic Imperial Ballroom (formerly a bank):



versus this shot of the modern lobby bar:



My room was in the historic section of the hotel (which was just fine with me!). It had been nicely furnished and still had the feel of an older property (again, just fine here!).



But the fitness center was anything but historic. I loved the pool, the workout room, and at some point I SHOULD have used the jacuzzi!!



PLENTY of the historic details that I love!





Especially on the exterior!



See more Grand Rapids, Michigan photos at my main website.

Cruising with MONA, Pt. 1

One of the things on my bucket list was the MONA (Museum of Neon Art) Neon Cruise. I am happy to say that I have now checked it off...for now, at least. Beause I had so much fun I want to do it again!

Designer and neon aficionado Eric Lynxwiler was our tour guide, and I can't imagine a better or more entertaining host. We boarded the double-decker bus and had unparalleled views of Los Angeles. Just watch out for those tree branches, folks!





The former Tower Theatre, which is about to find new life as an Apple Store.



The Golden Gopher Sign was one of my faves.



This restaurant near Union Station is supposedly the original home of the French Dip sandwich.



Eric dropped us off in Chinatown so that we could feast our eyes upon all the vintage neon signs and trim that highlighted the buildings. To quote Eric, it was FAAAAAAAABULOUS!











This one cries out for a detailed view:





Hop back on the bus tomorrow for more vintage neon wonders!

See more MONA Neon Cruise photos at my main website.