You are currently browsing the daily archive for February 1st, 2007.
The Mosaic Dragon sculpture park, originally uploaded by Jude Adam.
Fannie Mae Dees Park is often referred to as “Dragon Park,” thanks to Pedro Silva’s 20-year-old sea serpent, which features hundreds of personal designs–including faces, birds, alien creatures, flowers and animals–all made of cut or chipped tiles painted by local artists. Over several months in 1999, neighborhood volunteers gave the beloved reptile much-needed repairs and polish, making him as handsome–and climbable–as ever.
Fannie Mae Dees Park – Nashville, TN, 37212 – Citysearch
mosaic dragon sculpture of dragon park on Flickr – by discutant
Dragon Park mosaic sculpture on Flickr – by chartnot3
The mosaic details of Dragon Park on Flickr – by Brent and MariLynn
The dragon part of the playground was built in the late 70s, with art made from tiles by children from the nearby schools. The end of the tail is in the foreground and the head is in the top left. During the day, this area will be covered by children and at night will have couples on a date. I have heard that if the moon is right and you stand at the right spot, it will look like the dragon is breathing fire.
Dragon mosaic detail on Flickr – by jbparker
Scary Clowns on Flickr – by Lizish
Balloons on Flickr – by Lizish
mosaic detail face of the dragon of dragon park on Flickr – by discutant
In the tiles on the dragon, look for artists’ renditions of local civic leader Fannie Mae Dees, for whom the park is named, Dolly Parton and others.
Fannie Mae Dees Park – Nashville, TN, 37212 – Citysearch
More Mosaic on Flickr – by Lizish
Woman in the Dragon on Flickr – by Lizish
Dragon Park mosaic detail on Flickr – chartno3
mosaic face on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
New York’s answer to Parc Guell mosaics on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
Grant’s Tomb was erected in 1897 and designed by John H. Duncan, who modeled it after Mausoleus’ tomb at Halicarnassus. In 1973, Pedro Silva and the City Arts Workshop created colorful mosaic benches, done by children, around the memorial’s plaza intended to beautify the site.
There is dispute whether the mosaics were all together helpful, or keep with the architectural integrity to the building. As Grant’s Tomb was descending into ”one of the least visited places in New York,” neighbors deflected graffiti and vandalism by creating what some call ”garish” mosaic benches. I think that the general, would not so readily dismiss them as a ”misguided” effort.
Published: April 27, 1997
To the Editor:
I was saddened to hear that the Park Service is eager to remove the mosaic benches (”Mosaic Benches Face Unseating at Grant’s Tomb,” March 30). I was one of the local children who helped create the mosaics (one of my earliest memories is working on the big yellow taxicab with my classmates from nursery school). It’s true that the mosaics were not part of the ”original intent,” but after decades in the neighborhood they have become a treasured part of our community. People relax on them, lovers cuddle on them, children run on them. Removing them would destroy the community work put into them and take away the humanity and color around an otherwise monotone and imposing monument. MIRANDA SCHWARTZ Morningside Heights
Stop to Play Chess in Mosaic City on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
New York’s answer to Parc Guell mosaics on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
Winding curvy mosaic wall on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
Mosaic Art around Grant’s Tomb on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
Mosaic Bench at Grant’s Tomb on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
mosaic loveseat on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
Stop to Play Chess in Mosaic City on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
mosaic dance with me on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
Mosaic Bench Ballerina on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
Mosaic Dragon on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
mosaic rainbow on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
Mosaic Car on Flickr – Photo Sharing!
Flower Girl on Flickr – by carbonNYC
Mosaic Panoramic Photo of undulating mosaic benches around Grant’s Tomb
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