Sometimes magic is found in the least likely of places...
And sometimes it's created. ;)
Saturday found me taking the rare - and much needed - day off, as John and I ventured into Center City for brunch with Courtney and SarahGrace (our daughter and her BFF), followed by a visit to
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens.
We met at
Mixto, a wonderful little restaurant on Antique Row, where we feasted on delicious and healthy Latin American inspired cuisine. Check out the Plantain chips and guacamole...
I was good though, staying away from the big basket of fried bread they brought, and opting instead for a vegetarian egg white frittata...
Sooooooo good.
After brunch, we walked a couple of blocks over to South Street to check out the Magic Gardens. It's been awhile, and I'd forgotten how much I enjoy walking around the city. We passed this lovely little park on the way...
And noticed the cool rainbow flags on city street signs (they recognize an area known as The Gayborhood)...
Turning a corner, we came upon our destination...
The life's work of artist Isaiah Zagar, the Magic Garden mosaics cover the indoor and outdoor space of about half a city block! Just incredible...
Here are a couple of details from the first room we entered. You can click on the photos for a larger view...
Stepping outside, we found a maze of mosaic pathways and staircases, adorned with everything from china, glass and mirrored pieces, to bottles, wheels, pottery and figures, and sometimes messages...
Magical, indeed! Another detail...
A perfect spot to sit and take in all the beauty...
Another detail...
We rested for a bit under this umbrella, where I thought the overhead "chandelier" was pretty cool...
A winding path...
The staircases were stunning, but I had to be a bit careful, as they're not for those (like myself) who are less than surefooted...
It is truly one of the most amazing places I've seen in a long time, and if you're within striking distance of Philadelphia, I HIGHLY recommend a visit!! I'm also told that it's not unusual to run into the artist (although we were not that fortunate). But I'll most definitely be back, and hope to do just that someday.
I'll leave you with just one more photo, and promise to be back soon with some art of my own...
Sometimes these little field trips are just what the soul needs - a sort of replenishing of the artistic well. Inspiration, indeed!
Until next time, wishing you magic and enchantment ;)
♥ Carolee
I took a break from painting tea chests today to paint four of these autumn welcome signs, which will list on Etsy tomorrow, unless someone grabs them first. They measure 11" x 14" and are hand painted in acrylics on solid pine, with stained and routed edges. Sawtooth hanger on the back for display indoors or out.
It sold before I had a chance to list it, but I hope to have prints available soon. :)
Next up - Ghoultide Gathering painting!! I'll post some exciting news about the show very soon. In the meantime, I'm off to make supper. Wishing everyone a happy and *CrEaTiVe* rest of the week!
Isn't he beautiful?
This regal looking fellow was rescued by our vet, and now resides with one of the vet techs. But I couldn't help snapping a few reference photos before he went to his forever home, thinking with those markings, he'd make a fabulous painting...
Stepping outside, we found a maze of mosaic pathways and staircases, adorned with everything from china, glass and mirrored pieces, to bottles, wheels, pottery and figures, and sometimes messages...
Magical, indeed! Another detail...
A perfect spot to sit and take in all the beauty...
Another detail...
We rested for a bit under this umbrella, where I thought the overhead "chandelier" was pretty cool...
A winding path...
The staircases were stunning, but I had to be a bit careful, as they're not for those (like myself) who are less than surefooted...
It is truly one of the most amazing places I've seen in a long time, and if you're within striking distance of Philadelphia, I HIGHLY recommend a visit!! I'm also told that it's not unusual to run into the artist (although we were not that fortunate). But I'll most definitely be back, and hope to do just that someday.
Sometimes these little field trips are just what the soul needs - a sort of replenishing of the artistic well. Inspiration, indeed!
The edges are adorned with rosebuds and vines, so there's no need for a frame (additional photo on tomorrow's listing)...
The first Halloween cats of 2011, they're sold individually, but if anyone wants to purchase both, I'll refund shipping. There are a few prints left in the Etsy shop as well. ;)
