ArtSlam at Bradentons brand new Riverwalk Park.  Still wore out and trying to recover from a week at the Sarasota Chalk Festival, I couldn’t stay away.

It was a perfect day to stroll along the Manatee River.  I had seen glimpses of the new park crossing the bridge and was excited to finally go there.  So much has gone into the park, I truly hope we as citizens do our part to respect it and take care of it.   

Music drifted from the bandstand and seemed to add to the energy in the play area which was full of kids climbing all kinds of contraptions, swinging on tires and laughing.  Mingled in all this activity were parents of tots who were eagerly exploring but not quite able to navigate on their own.  Oh, I remember the day!!!  After rumbling around on all the equipment there is a water splash area to cool down in.  

I just love watching and photographing kids.  Especially in their own environment where they are happy doing what they do best.  Before they learn they might be more popular if they become someone their not.  It’s inevitable… we all have to get grown up and all too often we fall into the trap of self-consciousness. 

It’s also hard that I start to worry about lingering too long and possibly giving someone the wrong impression.  I could watch the antics and expressions of our most precious commodity for hours, waiting for that perfect shot, but since none of them are mine I feel the ”lady with the big camera” has to move along.

Heading east, I passed a nice display of poetry boards that were randomly set in among the fountain grass.  Suncoast Photo Alliance, Sarasota Chalk Festival, Ringling, Realize Bradenton and many more were all doing their part to make this years ArtSlam successful.

There is a beach volley ball court that was getting some action.  I’m not one for the physical output volley ball requires but the sun-warmed sand sure looked inviting. 

We’re walking… we’re walking…

Huge sheets of cellophane have been stretched between the columns of the DeSoto Bridge.  Cans of spray paint scattered here and there for anyone who had an urge to leave their mark.  Cellograff is what it’s called and it was introduced here during last years Chalk Festival by Astro and Kanos.  There is a taboo associated with “graffiti” and cellograff is the answer.  It’s easily removed.  

Oh to be young and agile.  Come to think of it, that wouldn’t change anything, I couldn’t ride a skateboard even when I was a kid.  The only time both wheels of my bicycle ever left the ground was when I was wiping out and roller blades, well, they hadn’t been invented yet.

Bikes, blades and boards.  All being represented.  All ages and skill levels were taking their turns showing off for the crowd.

Congratulations Bradenton on your new Riverfront Park.  Definitaly not the “passive park” we have come to expect here in SRQ.  You have created a place where kids can connect and have fun.

One more thing…

Maybe it’s because I’m a Mom or maybe it’s because I’m getting older (even wearing a helmet myself these days) but please… wear your gear.  The city isn’t responsible for any injuries and even if they were… the world could stand less law suites but bottom line is we want you to be safe.