Ocean City, Maryland, USA

In Ocean City, the power of place is generated by the beach. That power is amplified by the public art that is featured on at least one of the city's power boxes. What else is used to amplify the power of place? Hint: Focus on the horizon. [2021]

Providence, Rhode Island, USA

Can you find the power box? It amplifies the power of place by calling attention to the "Superman building," Providence's iconic (though sadly unoccupied) landmark. You know it is important by the two yellow stanchions that protect it from traffic-flow kryptonite. Are you aware of its primary function? [2021]

Huntington, West Virginia, USA

They are called power boxes. Their job is to give access to the underground cables that provide electricity to a passel of homes or businesses. Usually, they are as drab as can be, but starting sometime this century, they came to be noticed by mayors and muralists for their artistic potential. What's the purpose of this one? To amplify the power of place. [2022]

Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA

If you are a high school senior, you know what the Ides of May means! It's time to take a break and enjoy the last few weeks of your high school career. Don't do anything that would jeopardize graduation, but do have some fun and break a few rules. [2021]

York, Pennsylvania, USA

Baseball season began over the week-end. Let's hope the York Revolution is ready. Revolution? Quite apropos when you consider that York was briefly the capital of the united States of America during the Revolutionary War. And, kudos to city artists for noticing that the siamese parking meters are shaped like the Y in York. [2014]

Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

Initial impression: The world is being being buried in trash. Then, you notice the pipes that lead to the surface. Intended impression: The world should be channeling the energy of landfill gas to the surface and using it to generate electricity. "Waste not, want not!" according to the plaque at its base. (See it?) [2020]
 

Rome, Georgia, USA

♫ These Are a Few of My Favorite Things ♫ ~ Public Sculpture: Who founded the 'eternal city'? Romulus 'n Remus, abandoned twins suckled by a she-wolf! Now you know where the name Rome came from. Wonder how it came to Georgia? Like all good public art, the sculpture here invites you into a web of connections and, perhaps, controversies. [2013]

Chappell, Nebraska, USA

Some advice from Geographically Yours: World globes make great monuments for small towns with big dreams, but please make sure they reflect the 23.5 degree tilt of the earth on its axis. We learn things from public art: Let's make sure what we learn is accurate geographically. [2019]

Siem Reap, Cambodia

What is overhead? Parasols or parapluies? Do they shield (para) from the sun (sol) or from the rain (pluie)? In Cambodia, both. But, historically, their first job was as umbrellas: to provide a little shade (umbra). What does all that have to do with parachute, solstice, pluvial, and umbrage? [2016]

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Members of a jury are a nation's pillars of justice. But here there are only 11. "The missing pillar invites you to imagine that you are the twelfth juror." Jurors, yes, but also telamons and caryatids. What are they holding up? Not just the pediment of a Greek temple, but the entire Canadian justice system. [2013]

Changhua, Taiwan

How does a city make its sidewalks fun? The sculptural arts can help. Included in that category would be the fantastical beasts that greet shoppers and pedestrians in downtown Changhua. Also included in that category are the botanicals that give the animals an ecological niche of their own. [2011]

Phoenix, Arizona, USA

"Tribute to Navajo Code Talkers" by Doug Hyde, 1989: During World War II, a group of about 400 bilingual Navajo Marines constituted a unit tasked with using their native language to encode messages that were vital to the war effort. Their code was unbreakable and helped assure victory for the Allied Powers and peace, which is symbolized by the flute. [2019]

Jefferson City, Missouri, USA

Even casual visitors can participate in the Jefferson City arts scene just by completing this statement: "I am...."  My words, however, were added to the "blanceaux" only after I took the picture: "I am from Virginia," said I. And, then, I drew a map of the state while thinking: This city ought to be the capital of Virginia, but I guess we didn't buy that domain name. [2015]

Punda, Willemstad, Curaçao

The "love lock" sculpture on the waterfront in Punda gives couples a chance to show the world how much they love each other – with all their heart. It also inspires a call to merriment for anyone celebrating a birthday on World Heart Day (which is today). [2017]

Connell, Washington, USA

Where have Main Street movie theaters survived? In towns like Connell that are far away from metropolitan centers. Could that be Hobbs and Shaw sitting out front enjoying a beer before the film begins? [2019]

Granby, Quebec, Canada

Happy Canada Day! It is time to celebrate more than a century and a half of unity. On July 1, 1867, three colonies became one: Canada (Quebec + Ontario), Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. With confederation came more self-governing powers and less Crown control. Nevertheless, Canada still recognizes the Crown. Elizabeth II is head of state. [2009]

Singapore, Republic of Singapore

Singaporeans never stop. They just don't have the time. Even though they would love to sit and relax, there is always too much to do. So, these are their avatars: They sit and relax for them. [2011]

Glasgow, Scotland, UK

Glasgow hosted the 20th Commonwealth Games. Now, the same space that made memories for athletes continues to make memories for a wee lad and his dad. Don't they look happy? The games may have been in 2014, but they continue to cast a brilliance over their host city. [2017]

Nipton, California, USA

The Hotel California was built in 1910, not long after Nipton was founded as a rail head for the local cattle ranches and mines. Today, it is being brought back to life, complete with lots of modern art (like this basked of tomatoes), frequent nods to history, and one hopeful nod to something more contemporary that is sweeping the nation. [2019]

Monroe, Michigan, USA

Faux Animal Characters: Here's a beloved character right out of "kiddie lit": Little Brown Bear. His life was chronicled by Marjorie Upham in the 1940s and 50s. Now, he helps honor his creator outside the Monroe Public Library. But, where is Little Grey Goose? [2008]