Murals – RDZ Photography

Cincinnati – January 2019 – Union Terminal

Architecture, Art, History, Transportation

As noted in previous postings the Cincinnati Union Terminal is a masterpiece of art deco that was completed in 1933. It has the largest semi-dome in the western hemisphere, measuring 180 feet wide by 106 feet high.

Once it closed as a rail station in the early 1970s it lived on briefly as a shopping mall before becoming the Cincinnati Museum Center in 1990.

It is immensely popular, with the original information booth serving as the ticket booth for the museums.

Fortunately each weekend day they offer tours of the building. While (as noted in other posts) portions of the building are undergoing restorations, it is still an amazing place to see any of it.

Our docent lead us on an hour tour, giving highlights and details.

The art deco touch is evident throughout, including this ticket booth for one of the smaller theaters.

Among the highlights are the massive mosaic murals on the main rotunda, as well as others hidden in corridors. The detail in the murals are amazing.

All depict either transportation or industry of Cincinnati over the years (up to 1932).

An ice cream shop off the main rotunda was once the women’s tea room. The entire room is Rookwood (a famed Cincinnati ceramics pottery company).

While it was abandoned as a train station in the 1970s, Amtrak has returned and uses a small portion of the building. It too has a great art deco look, with inlaid wood depicting railroad scenes.

A bank of phone booths grace one wall – without phones, but you can always close the door and use your cell phone.

Pierre Bourdelle was a framed French artist who designed linoleum panels with floral design for the walls of the women’s lounge.

Fortunately it is no longer a women’s lounge so anyone (including me) can see it.

A private dining room, and former men’s lounge, has a large mural of a map of Cincinnati and nearby northern Kentucky on the wall and mirrored walls giving a great effect.

A second view of the room.

Finally a stop in the main dining room that features some recently discovered food themed artwork.

The Cincinnati Union Terminal was, and continues to be, one of Ohio’s great buildings.

Columbus – August 2018 – Urban Scrawl

Architecture, Art, Festival

The near west side neighborhood of Franklinton has been experiencing a lot of activities and redevelopment, many of them based on the arts in the existing warehouses.

One of the highlights of the year for the neighborhood is an annual event known as Urban Scrawl. This event features a number of artists painting murals on large surfaces.

The artists took various measures to maintain focus in the very crowded space.

Some works were two people efforts.

There was a diverse collection of artists and subjects, but all appeared to be very talented.

Close ups show the details within each painting.

Collectively they made a great scene.

The work was completed over one weekend. We visited mid afternoon Sunday.

Urban Scrawl is one event that is always worth visiting each year.

Harrisburg, PA – May 2018 – Pennsylvania State Capital

Architecture, Art, History

In our travels we have seen half of the state capitals in America without really trying. Amazingly we had not seen the Pennsylvania state capital, despite having lived in that state for many years. Since we were in the area we stopped by.

We were immediately blown away by how ornate the interior is.

The walls and ceilings have decoration throughout, with stained glass and other impressive features.

The rotunda has medallions and lunettes.

The chambers are equally ornate.

The rotunda has an amazing ceiling. Who knew Pennsylvania had such an amazing capital.

Newark, Ohio – March 2018 – Trying to Come Back

Architecture, Art, History, Nature, Transportation

Newark, Ohio is a city of 50,000 located 30 miles east of Columbus. While the entire Licking County area is growing in population thanks to the proximity of Columbus, downtown Newark has seen better days.

The town however, appears to be working hard to spruce up downtown, and as a result has some nice areas popping up.

The center of town is dominated by the 1876 Licking County Courthouse.

Just to the south of the courthouse is a farmers market area facing the backs of the buildings on the courthouse square. They have made good use of this area by painting a number of well done murals, although this one is marred by the unfortunate location of the garbage cans.