Cee Neuner and I welcome you to the first ever publication of Photographing Public Art Challenge (#PPAC) which we are co-hosting, We will take turns, one of us hosting every week exploring art in public places. We invite you to join in the fun of exposing public art where you find it – at home or in your travels.
“What distinguishes public art is the unique association of how it is made, where it is, and what it means.”
Association for Public Art
As writers of this challenge, we don’t have all the answers. We will explore a deeper meaning of public art as we go through the challenge.
“…every public art project is an interactive process involving artists, architects, design professionals, community residents, civic leaders, politicians, approval agencies, funding agencies, and construction teams.
Association for Public Art
Marsha’s Samples of Public Art
Photo Challenges are all about the photos.
Cee Neuner
Topic Suggestions
The #PPAC is deliberately open – photographer’s choice. Here are some ideas to get you started.
- Seasonal Displays
- Graffiti
- Statues and Sculptures
- Collections
- Store Windows
- Car Shows
- Artistic Construction (benches, buildings, bridges)
- Wall Art (not just murals)
Challenge Guidelines
- Art has to be freely visible from a public street, freeway, or walkway.
- Photographers have free access of use for their photos – no copyrights by the artists.
- The challenge starts every Friday by 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time.
- Write a post on your blog, publish it, and include a link back to the appropriate host’s post – not on Cee’s or Marsha’s #PPAC page. Also write us a comment and paste the link into the comment. Sometimes pingbacks are missed.
- Visit at least two or three other participants in the community and leave them a comment.
Marsha’s #PPAC #1: Freeway Art
This week my camera took me to Scottsdale, AZ, where it is 118 degrees. Guess what? I didn’t have to leave my car for some of these, and the rest only took a split second to shoot.
I love that the freeways are fairly clean in Scottsdale in spite of how hot it is to get out and clean them!
On the other side of the freeway – our destination – there’s a biking and walking path that is also decorated – double sided freeway art.
How cute are these prickly pear cacti? They may well show up in another challenge calling for squares or spots.
Being off the freeway allowed me to get up close and personal with the flip side of this freeway art.
I hope you enjoyed this first #PPAC post. Cee and I invite you to join in and show us your wonderful finds. We will both be visiting your creative posts. Take us with you on your next Photographing Public Art outing. Your choice of topics!
Cee will host next Friday’s #PPAC. See you at your place.
Marsha Ingrao - Always Write 
159 responses to “#PPAC: Photographing Public Art Challenge #1”
[…] Here is my entry for Marsha’s, Always Write blog, PPAC #1. […]
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Here’s my first entry: https://amoralegria.com/2021/06/20/ppac-1-photographing-public-art/
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[…] happy to get in on this brand new challenge with co-hosts Cee and Marsha! For this very first week, Marsha is the host. She […]
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[…] Challenge (PPAC) hosted by Cee Neuner on Friday. There’s still plenty of time to get in on PPAC #1. Thanks for playing along with this new endeavor. Your displays of public art have been […]
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Hi – me again – is this the challenge you mentioned last week – well if so – it sounds great and I might be able to join in once in a while (I am only blogging around 2 or3 times a week this summer r- at least that is the plan right now) but it looks like there is already a ton of interest in this fun challenge and so It will be fun to join in even by just visiting some of the entries
Also, what a way to share more of the art n the world – I enjoyed your art here today – sepciay the freeway art!!
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Thanks, Yvette. I seem to be blogging more and more. I want to keep up as much as I can with regulars, especially those I’ve interviewed who are doing challenges (and the wonderful friends like you who participate.) So blogging is keeping me busy right now. Good time, though with the heat. 🙂
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Hmm, I’m not sure this my link is coming across as intended. Trying a fresh comment to share my link for the #PPAC.
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Gary your public art is fabulous. I got so caught up in your story (and mine) that I forgot to even mention how perfect your choices of public art are for this premier PPAC post. Thanks so much for playing along. 🙂
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Excellent!
You just can’t go wrong with Peanuts.
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Exactly. He was the author I loved as a child. He has a kind face. Peanuts was so beloved. Thanks for sharing this, Gary. It was a real treat. 🙂
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Here is Beautiful Photograph’s entry for the week.
https://ecstaticeclectica.com/2021/06/20/photographing-public-art-challenge-ppac-june-20-2021/
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Thanks, Cee. It was lovely. He also responds to Jez’s challenge Water Water Everywhere, so I had a chance to look at some of those posts too. 🙂
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I’ve known Russell for a couple of years, he is a cool guy. 😀 😀
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I’ve known him since I really got back into photo challenges.
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Hi Marsha. I’ve driven a lot around the Phoenix and Tuscan area so have seen some of your freeway wall art. I generally appreciate that someone made the effort to break up the boredom of the appearance of most sound walls to produce something pleasant to the eye, but not so dressy or thoughtful that one would be tempted to slow down for a better look (a bad thing for a freeway).
I do take issue with lots of public art because it presumes that those in charge of my tax monies somehow know what I want in public art and often find that some weird thing is erected that, given the chance to decide I would not have wasted a dime on. But that makes me something of a curmudgeon so I tend to just ignore.
Locally there is one example of public art I do enjoy and will try to capture some photos to share and comment why even though, in this case ‘why’ might be obvious.
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Yes, slowing down would be a bad ideal I think most people are used to freeway art now. We drove through Las Vegas admiring their big-horned sheep freeway art, and low and behold, there was an actual long horned sheep on the freeway. https://tchistorygal.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/b-w-horns103.jpg
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And here’s my entry. https://garyawilsonstories.wordpress.com/2021/06/20/peanuts-on-ice-ppac/
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This link worked, too. You are in like Flynn. 🙂
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Trying that link again: https://garyawilsonstories.wordpress.com/2021/06/20/peanuts-on-ice-ppac/
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Both of the last two links worked here, Gary.
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How weird. It wasn’t displaying as a link from my side. The next update will fix this right?
So glad you liked the story & art. At first I didn’t think I had anything to offer but – you know there all those peanuts statues around and I sorta met Charles Schulz. . .
Maybe there’s a story here somewhere
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That’s how it is with challenges. After a little thought, you twist the box and come out of it just enough to realize you have lots to share. We are keeping this pretty open so that people will be able to think of something they have that classifies as public art.
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I shared this post with my readers and it was very well received. So once again, fun to create and really – really fun to share. Again I find myself in your debt.
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Gary, you are amazing. Thanks so much. I think it’s going to be tons of fun. 🙂
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Here is one of my favorite displays of public art. Located in Asbury Park, NJ along the boardwalk
https://dailymusing57.com/2021/06/20/ppac-photographing-public-art-challenge-1/
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These are wonderful pictures! Thanks for joining in. 🙂
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[…] PPAC […]
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Thank you both for starting this challenge! I’m always interested in public art and it will be a joy to take part and see what others see around them.
As you will see, I had one photo immediately but it was taken in a café, not in the street, so I include some others from my city of origin – Ljubljana, Slovenia – as it greeted me when I was finally able to return for the first time after the pandemic last year. Here it is:
https://mexcessive.photo.blog/2021/06/20/ppac-a-new-public-art-photo-challenge/
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Your post is so fun and funny from start to finish. Thanks for joining in! 🙂
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You’re always welcome!
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I would have had to include that inside one too. Thanks for playing along.
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Most welcome, Cee!
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[…] host of the first week of this challenge is Marsha Ingrao at Always Write. Since I have just a photo for it, I shall take part at least in the first round, said I and ended […]
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That’s a nice idea for a challenge! Time for me to start photographing street art and monuments again. I love good wall paintings! We don’t have many of them in this little town but we have lots of different monuments as part of a project to save endangered animals.
That lizard in your first photos is lovely!
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I am amazed how many things pop up as public art and I know you will be surprised too, Susanne – even in small towns. We wanted to include both rural and urban types of art. It will be fun to see what you find. 🙂
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[…] New Photographing Public Art Challenge (PPAC) hosted by Cee Neuner on Friday. There’s still plenty of time to get in on PPAC #1 […]
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Congrats on your very first PPAC. You are right when you messaged me that you thought that I would enjoy this sort of challenge… Here is my entry this week: https://mywanderings.travel.blog/2021/06/20/drewery-lane-project/
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Yay! I recognize a great public art photographer when I see one! 🙂
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Thanks Marsha… this will always be a fun challenge. Will be looking forward to it every week!
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Awesome, I’m excited. A very weird thing happened on my phone. My WordPress App was lit up in colors rather than its normal blue when I got up this morning. I think it was trying to be public art, too! 🙂
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[…] This is for the collaborative challenge which started this week from Marsha Ingrao and Cee Neuner where they will take turns every Friday to explore art in public places. It is entitled Photographing Public Art Challenge or PPAC […]
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Marsha, You’re one busy and creative blogger. Great photos from Scottsdale, especially the lizard. I can’t resist joining your PPAC #1. Thank you for linking with #weekendcoffeeshare.
Here’s my entry: https://natalietheexplorer.home.blog/2021/06/11/things-to-see-in-canary-district/
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When I saw this post the first time, Natalie, it inspired me to go on and try hosting the challenge. Then when Cee offered to co-host with me, it was set in stone. But your statues have an indelible place in my brain. Thanks for sharing in #PPAC #1. 🙂
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[…] Linked to Marsha’s #PPAC Public Art Challenge #1. […]
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Thanks, Natalie! 🙂
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I love your idea, these days we need something fun, it reminds me of a hunt of sorts, looking around your town. Here is one I see every day and often wonder who took the time to add to what mother nature created with this rock sitting on the corner year after year.
https://myforever.blog/2021/06/19/ppac-what-is-it-a-fun-challenge-of-public-art/
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Thanks so much for sharing Myrna. This is a perfect sample of public art. What a great “eye” you have!
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[…] See ANNOUNCEMENT […]
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[…] PPAChallege:…Wall-Art […]
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Thanks for the link! 🙂
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[…] https://alwayswrite.blog/2021/06/18/ppac-photographing-public-art-challenge-1/ […]
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Thanks for the link!
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this looks like it will be a fun challenge, and some great photos already…
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I know! I love it!
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👍
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This is going to be a fun challenge – I’ll see what I have to contribute 🙂 Your comment about the lizard made me smile!
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Unfortunately true, though. I know almost all of your pictures are art!!! I can’t wait to see what you come up with, Sarah. 🙂
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I never tire of the freeway art on bridges and approaches that we see when traveling through Arizona. Fun challenge topic!
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Thanks, John. I know you have tons of pictures that work. And that’s just one topic! 🙂
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I just noticed that a brand new mural is being painted in downtown Fargo starting on Monday. I hope to stop by later this week when it’s closer to being complete to capture a “Cellpic Sunday” that will fit the public art topic.
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https://nowathome.wordpress.com/2021/06/19/ppac-photographing-public-art-challenge-1/
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This is perfect! The picture tells the story.
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Thank you Marsha
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You are welcome!
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[…] Ingrao from Always Write blog and Cee Neuner are co-hosting a new challenge that has started today. They will bring together […]
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[…] My entry for the first Photographing Public Art Challenge, set this week by Marsha. […]
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Fantastic new challenge, Marsha 😃 Here’s my first of what I hope will be many 😃 https://jezbraithwaite.blog/2021/06/19/giant-roman-head-ppac-1/
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[…] Hi all 😃 My entry for the first Photographing Public Art Challenge, set this week by Marsha. […]
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I’m joining in with road theme too this week – but on a different scale to your freeway art.https://travelwithintent.com/2021/06/19/public-art-on-everyday-signs/
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[…] Enjoying street art has become a regular event on my travels around the world: more of my findings can be seen here For more public art, check out Marsha and Cee’s Public Art Challenge […]
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So fun and cheerful! Loved your take on this challenge, Marsha!
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Thanks, Donna. You always say the nicest things. 🙂
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This should be a fun challenge to do. I think anything that brightens up a long dull drive on a freeway is a good thing and it is interesting to see what people come up with.
I’ve added my two cents worth.
https://two-sisters.blog/2021/06/19/ppac-photographing-public-art-challenge-1/
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You did a great job illustrating examples of public art. 🙂
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[…] Roadside Attractions […]
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[…] #PPAC: Photographing Public Art Challenge #1 Gumtree Road Gullah Museum Hilton Head Island #PPAC: Photographing Public Art Challenge #1 […]
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Fabulous post, Alice. Thanks for your wonderful contribution to Photographing Public Art!
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The freeway art is a pretty nice idea I can already think of some places where this would work really well🙂
Pat
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Arizona has quite a bit of it, so does Nevada.
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🙂
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What a great new challenge, Marsha and Cee! You have wonderful examples shared here! I know your area is way more artistic than mine. I managed to capture a few images of the wonderful art on the Sac State campus a few years ago, but I guess I don’t think about taking pics around town. I know you and I did when I visited last year (man, how much has changed in 11 months!). I will have to keep on the lookout for public art! Congrats on your new challenge!
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Even in little Woodlake we had quite a bit of public art. You also have Spokane. Remember the Christmas pictures? That place was amazing. 🙂
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Oh goody, that is going to be fun (and I have been looking for a regular Friday challenge)! Good luck and all the best for your new challenge.
German freeway art seems to be happening inside not outside and more often than not it’s graffiti rather than conceptualised art so I didn’t even try to come up with anything comparable but I chose something that signifies a beginning!
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Hi, I love your enthusiasm. The good thing about this is that the choice of art is yours. I’m sure public art is different everywhere. 🙂
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[…] Photographing Public Art Challenge #1 […]
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Opps :make they make,”.typo.
Thanks for this idea Marsha.
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No worries. What I hate are when I make a typo in the title. It never goes away. 🙂
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🤣🤣
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These are great images and make they make me smile. Very hot but a great site to see.
Here is mine.
https://100countrytrek.com/2021/06/18/photographing-public-art-challenge-1/..
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Thanks so much for joining in. I’m thrilled you did! 🙂
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[…] This a fun challenge join in ..Marsha Ingrao f Always Write blog . […]
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A great start to the challenge, Marsha. I’ll be back with something 🙂
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Great! You see we liked the name you suggested. It widens the challenge enough that many people can contribute. 🙂
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Sounds fun!
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Thanks, I think it will be. 🙂
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The wall art on the interstates really helps when on long trips, best wishes with the challenge sounds like fun
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Hi Alice, Wall art does, make a difference, and a lot of towns have started putting them up. I remember the mess on 405 when they were working on the walls on the freeways. I don’t know how it came out, I hope it was equally happy. 🙂
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[…] Ingrao from Always Write blog and I are co-hosting a new challenge that has started today. I think we bring together two very […]
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Love the cute lizard on the wall! So much nicer than drab gray, lol
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It is, or worse, lots of trash and no wall. Thanks for visiting, Jacquie. What do you think? Does it sound interesting?
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The PPAC? Yes, it’s a wonderful way to see the world from home 🙂
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Great! Thanks, Jacquie. We thought it would be a lot of fun. 🙂
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Great pictures
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Thanks, Sadje. I thought it was cute freeway art. 🙂
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It is wonderful indeed.
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🙂
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Oh Marsha, what a fun first entry to our challenge. Bravo my friend. And those temperatures are way too hot for me LOL
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Me, too. I’m going to have to go down there soon, though and make sure it is supplied for guests. I’m not sure who would go there in 118 degree heat, but I guess we will find out. There are tons of people there. 🙂
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It simply amazes me who all really like the desert.
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Vince is one of them. He doesn’t mind it. I die. 🙂
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That heat is intense, but I do love the desert! Here in the Midwest it is the humidity that is the worst. Dry heat is more tolerable, but I think when it’s 118 degrees, I’d rather stay indoors with air conditioning!
I am looking forward to participating in this challenge – I love public art and always enjoy taking photos of it. What fun!
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I can’t wait to see how it all develops. The response has been amazing. I hear you on that Midwest humidity. I may have mentioned a million times that I grew up in Indiana. We loved the summer thunder and lightning storms.
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