Art – RDZ Photography

Columbus – July 2017 – Ohio State Fair

The Ohio State Fairgrounds has been at the same location since 1886, when the land was north of town. Now it is in the middle of the city, between Ohio State University and some inner city neighborhoods, along the flight path for the airport.

It is in this setting that each year thousands of Ohio youth (and adults) bring their prized animals for show. Nothing like a morning in Columbus with about 1000 rooster cackling, airplanes blasting over, and the smell of 1000 fried food stands. Still it seems to have become an annual event for photography.

In addition to the animals there is the always fascinating ‘butter sculpture’. Imagine the cholesterol.

Also featured are crafts.

Prize winning cake.

Throughout the midway are rides, and other attractions including the ‘Wild Monkeys’ show.

Columbus – July 2017 – The Ohio Theater

Architecture, Art, History

The Ohio Theater is a grand old theater downtown that was built in 1928 in an exceptionally ornate style to ‘separate the patrons from their everyday life’; it was originally built as a movie theater. It currently has seating for over 2700 people in the main level and the balcony, and features a massive ‘Robert-Morton’ organ.

While the theater hosts the symphony, opera and ballet we were there for a screening of the movie classic ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. The screen is massive, and the sound quality was superb.

The impressive ceiling has a more impressive chandelier.

The lobbies are equally ornate.

We chose a seat in the balcony.

The loges are no longer used for seating, rather they serve as lighting structures.

The maestro served as the organist, performing for 30 minutes prior to the movie, during intermission, and during the exit period after the movie. A visit to the Ohio Theater is worth it just to see the building; to see a classic old movie is even better.

Rockbridge, OH – July 2017 – Lilyfest

Art, Festival, Nature

Buried way back a small one lane road in the Hocking Hills is Lilyfest. It is a celebration of one couple’s gardens, adorned with art. What started as a small gathering now has over 70 vendors with artistic wares, two stages for music, as well as the gardens, now known as the Bishop Education Gardens.

Most of the vendors were happy to allow photography of their art. One of the first we visited makes all natural doll, with a clay face, moss, grasses and other natural products make up the rest.

Not really sure, but it is cool

The gardens were in bloom providing a bucolic setting, despite the throng of people and vendors.

Art from old instruments.

Hanging decorations.

Air feed plants from South America

There was a large collection of iron art.

How they managed to jam all of the cars parked on every available open space of the hills and trees is amazing. Fortunately we were there early enough that we had a good place to park, and enjoyed festival before it was too crowded.

West Chester, OH – July 2017 – Crazy Cardboard Boat Races

Architecture, Art, Festival, Sports, Transportation

The town of West Chester, Ohio is located between Cincinnati and Dayton, with a rapidly developing suburban feel to it. It was here that we attended our second cardboard boat races ever, the first being a couple of years ago in the Ohio River town of New Richmond.

While both were entertaining this one was clearly geared more to youth, although there were some adult competitors. Still, the boats were creative, the competition at times fierce, and the opportunity for photography excellent.

The concept of a snow shovel for an oar must have seemed like a good idea at first – but it was an epic fail.

The victors of a heat return to cheers.

The ‘Five Peas in a Pod’ quickly realize one of their competition have sunk.

One of the more creative boats was the US Airway flight that landed in the Hudson, complete with a grey stash on Sully.

One young lady decided it was best just to close her eyes and paddle in any direction.

A couple of the adult heats clearly knew what they were doing and were extremely intense in their competition.

These young ladies made it back to the dock first, then promptly sunk.

Rounding the 3rd buoy and heading for home.

Another sinking at the dock.

Loudonville, OH – July 2017 – Mohican Native American Pow Wow

Architecture, Art, Festival, History

Twice a year a campground near the town of Loudonville hosts a Native American Pow Wow, which is a celebration featuring Native Music/Chants, Dancers, Crafts and skills.

First up was a fire starter – who was able to lite a fire with a bow, wood and (I believe) flint in about 30 seconds with some dry grass.

There were numerous craft booths featuring Native items.

some made onsite

The hoop dance was excellent, as the dancer was able to pick up and feature 9 hoops with grace and ease. It is not a traditional dance, most recently added in the 1930s.

The opening ceremony featured all the dancers arriving in an ‘inter-tribal’ dance.

Interestingly there was an amazing amount of patriotism displayed.

The costumes were very ornate.

There were 3 drum circles who provided the singing/chanting and drums for the dancers. The drummers were very impressive.

It was a great day of watching a celebration of traditional Native American culture.

Grove City, OH – July 2017 – Flashlight Museum

Architecture, Art, History

As I research various unique places to see I sometimes come up with one that doesn’t really appear to exist. One such place is the ‘Flashlight Museum’ in Grove City, a Columbus suburb. There is a website for it (http://www.flashlightmuseum.com/), as well as a contact page, but no actual address, so I entered some information in a contact page of the website and a couple of weeks later received an email.

After a phone call I realized the museum itself is actual one person’s (Steve Giterman) personal collection. Steve was more than happy to have us stop by for a visit to see his collection.

In his home he had ‘thousands’ of flashlights, virtually all in working condition.

In addition he had a great collection of peripherals and advertising.

Who knew that flashlights came in so many different looks.

They were loosely grouped together by age and style.

All were in excellent condition, including the advertising.

Steve had many unique flashlight accessories, including these stamps.

Of particular interest are the ‘novelty’ flashlights.

The older, standard flashlights have a great streamlined look to them.

More novelty flashlights.

In addition Steve does flashlight repairs. If you have a classic old flashlight that doesn’t work, contact Steve at sgiterman@columbus.rr.com, he will be more than happy to help you, and welcome you to see his fantastic collection.

Pittsburgh – July 2017 – Anthrocon AKA The FURRIES

Art, Festival

Each year in Pittsburgh over 7000 people attend Anthrocon, a convention for people who like to dress up in furry costumes. In addition over 2000 of them participate in a brief parade around the convention center.

Think what you might, this was easily one of the best photo ops I have ever seen. The people all were very cool (albeit quiet) and were more than willing to pose. It was a hoot, and will be hard to top for general strangeness for subject matter. This one is highly recommended to anyone with a sense of humor.