First of all, they are more than simply two birds – more than two bluebirds – they are two Charley Harper bluebirds.
One on the left …
… one on the right.
Two bluebirds – a male and a female – coming home
Known for his minimalist, geometric style commonly featuring wildlife in his work, Charley Harper (1922-2007) is a local artist who became accomplished and celebrated. I didn’t realize Harper’s impact until I saw his work in a bookstore of a Frank Lloyd Wright home.
Homecoming (Bluebirds) is an ArtWorks mural honoring Charley Harper. Simplistic in style, this work is for Harper and his wife (Edie) whose studios were in their home. A past post I did on Charley Harper is further below.
ArtWorks is a unique non-profit organization that employs and trains local youth to create art in the community. To date, ArtWorks is responsible for over 125 murals throughout Cincinnati – which many are in the main part of the city.
Basic Information
Homecoming (Bluebirds)
Location: 119 East Court Street (Downtown Cincinnati)
Designer: Charley Harper
A past post about Charley Harper
To see more of my posts about the murals of Cincinnati, click here.
Thanks to Resa (Toronto’s leading lady) whose posts about street art in Toronto and Winnipeg, got me interested in outdoor art in my area. I invite readers to visit Resa’s blog (but tell her I sent you.)
Great. I love public art displays. Just enhance the day.
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Patti,
Glad to know that this blog allows you to enjoy Cincinnati’s public art. 🙂
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Another lovely piece Frank – your city must look very colourful!
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Pauline,
Downtown Cincinnati has many murals, so I’ve only captured a few of them. I guess that means I better get busy! Meanwhile, Charlie Harper is beloved here, and since you enjoy art, I think you will enjoy revisiting the past post I linked in this post.
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Cincinnati, I see, has its own unique brand of street art/murals. It’s an exciting reality that a city paints its face in the way it wants to look. Toronto has a face in street art/murals, as does Winnipeg, Montreal, NYC and many, many more. Thank you for showing Cincinnati’s!
Luv the mention! ❤
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Resa,
I’m glad you enjoy want Cincinnati visually offers through its murals. FYI: From what I understand, Philadelphia is also quite bountiful! BTW … this one will probably reappear in a future post, but I won’t say how. 😉
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I just enjoyed again the video from your previous post showing the art of Charley Harper. My wife and I look forward this Sat. to hopping off Cincinnati’s streetcar near 119 E Court St. to admire the mural dedicated to this ‘American Modernist Art’ Master.
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Tim,
Welcome home … and I look forward to hearing about your bountiful travels. We may have to gather for breakfast soon. BTW – there are enough murals in the city to see by foot!
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!!!!!!!!!!!LIKE LIKE LIKE LIKE!!!!!!!
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Raye,
Such a simplistic style delivering so much beauty. Glad you like it!
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Beautiful composition! Great find, Frank! 🙂 Happy November, my friend. 🙂
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Marina,
Harper is a local treasure with a distinct style. I had to get this posted because of what I plan to show about this mural later. Hmmmmm …. 😉
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Hmmmmmm indeed! 🙂 🙂
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Simplicity in urban art has a sublime beauty and message.
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Pam,
To me, simplicity is a great adjective for this one …. I love Harper’s style …. and the way the planners incorporated the windows. Have you heard of Charlie Harper?
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Thanks for sharing this art, Frank!
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Merril,
Thanks …. and there is so much out there yet to be posted here.
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I love the simplicity of these birds. A fine homage to an artist.
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Jo,
Glad you liked this one. I encourage you to see the link near the bottom of this post about the past post I did about Charlie Harper.
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I loved this. What an honor it would be to see this work. Was it done before Charley passed?
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John,
Cheers to you enjoy this one. Charlie past in 2007. He’s a local legend, and also nationally recognized. My past video (linked near the end) has a wonderful video. Check it out.
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OK, now I can say you’ve posted my favorite mural, Frank. I have an extreme fondness for Charley Harper and this pleases me. I recently bought a little children’s book with his illustrations and I think he’s a treasure. I loved seeing him represented in this ArtWorks mural. 🙂
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Debra,
This is so simple … but that’s his style … I loved the way the planners used the windows. A question about Harper: Did you already know about him or did you learn about him on my previous post about him?
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Lovely exhibition you’ve presented here, aFrank. Art has so much history behind it.
I always enjoy Resa’s street art photographs. They’re filled with color and character.
The birds are quite whimsical in their simplistic execution.
Isadora 😎
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