Architecture attracts - Erin and Craig's wedding at the Old 4th Ward Park

Erin and Craig got married last Saturday in the Historic Fourth Ward Park. Is there a more delightful event than a wedding? A better venue than Atlanta's newest park?


We held our breath but Erin neither wavered nor stumbled on her way down. But I'm getting a little ahead of myself.


We arrived early but we weren't the first.

We'd known Erin since our kids were in kindergarten so there were friends galore.


Our crew dressed formally and informally. We started out a bit stiff, as if it was an indoor wedding.


But the atmosphere was so comfortable that we loosened right up and started greeting and hugging friends.


It may surprise you that this part of the park is a retention pond at the headwaters of Clear Creek. When it's not managing runoff, it welcomes brides, grooms, guests and passersby.


Nicest retention pond I've ever seen and not a frown in sight.


Molly in boots, Craig in the suit, and the preacher in the robe awaited the big moment.


By this time everyone was smiling.

Erin would start her march way up at the top of those stairs.


In the meantime we enjoyed friends and festive dress.


It was time and Craig was ready. All the married men had been in his shoes.

"Marriage is a duel to the death that no man of honor should refuse" - G.K. Chesterton.

Here came the bride.


As the bona fide officiating began, families felt uncannily close.

It's irresistible at weddings: For a moment we felt a bond with the other families too.


Molly Rose Reed sang. The obligatory PA problems made it a bit sweeter and more personal. Not everything has to be amplified.


Erin and Craig joined the club, said their vows in public, and we were happy about it.


It was over just before dusk. The light turned magic. The formality was over. The park got cozy. The party began. Conversations crossed generations.


Our crew was feeling mighty good as we headed for the food.


And what's a wedding without dorky photo-booth pictures?

Congratulations Erin and Craig, you have our love and best wishes.

Dancers and skaters at the park, crazy and fun.

Skateboarders and dancers shared the Historic Old 4th Ward Skatepark last weekend. I was there for rehearsal and two performances but I'm at a loss to explain it. The ArtsATL.com review might help.

I'd call gloAT a dance troup that dances off stage. They say "gloATLis a collaborative platform of exceptional contemporary physical experience...Part choreography and part interactive art installation..." and I think that's right.


This is the event. The park remained open for skaters throughout the rehearsals and performances.


That was a very good thing.


Hundreds of folks showed up.


Did  you know about the brand new skatepark on the Beltline?


The fans didn't always know what was going on.


They probably still don't know.


Dancers wore '60's outfits and wigs.


They danced solos and septets. They danced everywhere. They danced in front of, in, and behind the audience. They danced to music, to words, and to crowd noise. I chased them about but if you stayed in one place, they eventually came to you.


They danced on concrete and grass.


Skaters watched dance and kept skating.


Dance fans watched skaters and dancers.


And it was just crazy.


Just crazy.


Crazy fun.

Brickwork with Pinking Shears - Walking Edgewood with Dashboard Co-op and Terrence Jackson

"On October 8th (2011) at 6pm, EIGHT artists will fill FIVE vacant buildings along Edgewood Ave with work specific to each space. This exhibition will encompass a series of individual shows that are each challenging and poignant while simultaneously activating 5 vacant buildings along a street that needs a lifeline." - Dashboard Co-op's Ground Floor.

So the Architecture Tourist Art Patrol did a slow evening walk on Edgewood.

For most of my life here, Edgwood was an interesting area I just wanted to get through safely. It's on the way from downtown to Inman Park. now it's an emerging hip area retaining a bit of rough seediness.


The slow walk in the dark let us "see" a few things for the firs time, like this crinkle cut brickwork in light and shadow.


It's tighter than 90 degrees.


I'd guess this building is 80+ years old. The corner shows some wear and tear.


It's now home to U Space Gallery.


Here is Terrence E. Jackson @uspace, the U Space boss for 8 years.


This is one of Terrence's. I like it.


He's giving the ceiling a major "do" but he's not finished.


I may have more tales about Edgewood and Dashboard Co-op's Ground Floor. You should'a been there.

Pool House Classical on Krog Street - Really?

Yes really. Well no, it's actually in Inman Park Village but it's as close to Krog Street as any other. It's new and way better than it needs to be.

The shape is irresistible to me, a tiny Greek temple. The giant architrave, the details, the chimney cutting through the roof. Rings my bell, I tell ya'.

It's a beauty. Greek revival? Craftsman? Have a look next time you are at Rathbun's Steakhouse. I must return for a closer look and a better picture.


Krog Street may have the highest personality/block ratio in Atlanta. Am I wrong? This is a block from the pool.



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The Hop ended at Mint Gallery and celebrated the 3rd Form

Before I get started, this is about Form, the 3rd annual book featuring independent Atlanta Artists. It includes Hudgens Prize winner Gyun Hur among others. I think Atlanta Art fans should own the book. You can get it in several formats on Amazon.

Mint Gallery just moved from the Cotton Docks to next door to the Cotton Docks on Sampson Street in the Old 4th Ward, halfway between Studioplex and Jacks pizza. It was my first time at Mint.


It's "young," energeticm and active in promoting art and music and art and music together.

You can't miss Mint on the Internet. Mint Gallery blogs. Mint Gallery is on Facebook Myspace and Flickr.

It was a special occasion: The launch of the 2010 Form. "FORM is Williams England Design’s annual published collection of works from artists throughout the Atlanta area." Tonight featured the art and artists from this year's book.


Most of these folks are Form artists. Didn't get their names.




I loved the purple sky.


Marcus Williams of We Design Atlanta told me everything.


We got to vote for the cover of the special edition. I won't reveal my vote.


The new Mint space has a kitchen area so naturally it was packed.


These ladies sold the book. It's 80 pages in color.


Mint proprietors Mike German and Erica Jamison held court. You can see them on Youtube.


My one minute video is a little tour of the gallery and the Form art.


Mint had just completed it's 5th Postcard Pun-up show. This beauty is the size of a post card.


And looked great as a Triptych, "How We Fell In Love" by Emily Maxwell.