We have already talked about how, all over the world, you will find art pieces placed along the way just to make you smile or sigh or tell a friend the place you want to meet. These two photos are from closer to home than earlier pictures. One shows one of the many representations of dance steps on the sidewalk on Frazier Avenue in Chattanooga. In case you’ve missed it, there is a series of diagrams for different dances at various places along the street. They show footsteps of a man and woman as they would appear if you could see where they step during the dance.
It’s such a simple idea, yet it represents an almost universal experience. And it’s an experience that is associated with joy: the joys of moving your body, hearing music, sharing with your partner. I know when I first saw these, I strolled along the sidewalk the whole distance they stretched, just to see what was next. And in doing so, I saw the shops and restaurants and all the wonderful things available on that part of Frazier Avenue. Later I was drawn to walk on the pedestrian bridge—perhaps inspired by all those footsteps!
If you let your mind wander, you might think about Dancing with the Stars, or Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, or the romance combined with grace and athleticism that dance brings. Art moves us to flights of fancy. Once you start thinking about what you associate with dancing, who knows where you can go in your mind? You might remember your prom, your wedding, your first kiss, your dance teacher, or just your enjoyment from watching others perform. Let your mind go and see where the idea of dancing takes you.
While your mind is wandering, let’s go to Asheville, NC, where the other photograph was taken. These statues are in front of a business on a street not too far from the main business district. Again, there is dance. But this time, there are statues of people doing the dancing, playing music, and enjoying themselves. It reminds me of traditional Southern reels. It reminds me of the history of music and dancing and good times that is so rich in these parts. This feels like it is music and dance for all ages. There are a lot of good musicians in Asheville, and it made me remember I wanted to catch a live show soon.
When I was recently in Asheville, I walked by those statues every day for a few days. I was always drawn to them. I paused and enjoyed the feelings that arose from them. And again, I was drawn to investigate the businesses, stores and restaurants nearby. Art is a sign that a place is thriving and has much to offer. Here, young and not-so-young people walked in the area after school or work. Visitors enjoyed the ambience. Art made the business district attractive and successful. In fact, the stores in the area displayed their products artfully. Even the second hand stores had windows that were colorful, with items placed in appealing designs.
In summary:
1. Enjoyment of beauty is universal
2. Art is beauty
3. Art prompts us to visit places in our memories that are particularly pleasant and uplifting (or scary or sad, etc., but that is not where we are going today)
4. Business can benefit from providing a catalyst to help us recall those pleasant memories of places where we have encountered joy in our lives.
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Sue Gridley, Ph.D., EEMCP is a resident of Rising Fawn. She is a member of the Trenton Arts Council and has an interest in art that she has captured in photographs during her travels.