Sunday Church Series - 16th Avenue Baptist Church

On September 15, 1963, this church was bombed by Ku Klux Klan members killing four little girls. This was taken from Kelly Ingram Park. It shows Elizabeth MacQueen's powerful Four Spirits sculpture with the church in the background.

House Guests

Birmingham sculptor Frank Fleming's studio is in his lovely home and aside from being able to see his works in progress, there is the added delight of seeing much of his sculpture displayed throughout his home and gardens.  These gentle creatures seemed quite at home!

City Daily Photo Theme Day - Best of 2013

Today, the first day of January, 2014 the CDP bloggers around the world have chosen the photograph that they feel is the best of 2013.  My choice was easy this year.  Today I repost Addie Mae's Shoes , part of the beautiful sculpture The Four Spirits by Birmingham native Elizabeth Macqueen.  The work was unveiled in September during commemorative events marking the 50 year anniversary of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing that killed for dear little girls.  Macqueen's beautiful sculpture stands at the corner of Kelly Ingram Park, across the street from the church.

Please click HERE to see the images that my fellow CDP blog friends have chosen as their favorites for 2013. 

Autumn Becomes You

The Birmingham Museum of Art looks even better with these gorgeous autumn leaves don't you think?

Getting Buffed at the BMA!

I told you that I never do my volunteer shift at the Birmingham Museum of Art without my trusty camera. Last week it was the neat reflections in the rain puddles. This week may be the best yet. I looked out over the Sculpture Garden and Botero's "Reclining Figure" was getting a bath! I ran for my camera and scooted outside. This friendly museum employee, who works in the restoration department, explained that this is done periodically and after her bath she will be waxed and polished to protect her finish. She laughingly added that she would wait till after the lunch crowd had cleared out of the Terrace Café. Apparently the "buffing process" always draws a nice crowd of (snickering?) onlookers. I hate I missed that! If this piece looks familiar, I've featured her here. You really do need to visit the Birmingham Museum of Art you know. There's a really great exhibit you need to see!

A nice surprise yesterday. Our blog friends Maya and Janet gave me a SKYPE call and we had a terrific visit. I even got a "tour " of their new apartment in France, a stone's throw from Geneva where they have jobs now. This time they didn't catch me in my baseball cap, worse.....I was in my PJ's much too late in the morning! That could be drawback of SKYPE I think.

Fallen Heroes

Centurion- Jus Fides Libertatum is a bronze by Birmingham artist Branko Medenica.  Commissioned by the Birmingham Fraternal Order of Police, the memorial honors the more than 60 police officers that have died in the line of duty since 1889.  Located at the Mel Baily Criminal Justice Center, it is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our city's law enforcement officers.

The Tune du Jour is " Consolation" by Michael Dulin

Discover Michael Dulin!

The Four Sisters

In 1898, four Daughters of Charity founded St. Vincent's Hospital, the city's oldest hospital.  Here they are depicted wearing a more modern,  metallic version of the very recognizable habits of their day.  St. Vincent's Hospital advertises that they are "where babies come from."  For our family that is absolutely true.  My two daughters and 5 grandchildren were all born there.  The hospital has grown and grown over the years, but continues to give the same excellent, compassionate care that it is known for.  I live near this hospital and always enjoy seeing the Four Sisters as I pass by.

Thanks to my friend Amy who tells me that this sculpture was done by Birmingham artist Brad Morton.