Did your mom ever tell you do not touch? If so, you are not alone. I was often told the same thing when I was about to touch something fragile. During my last Art Trails event, I realized many people respectfully observed my work at a distance. While I appreciated their concern, I thought to myself, “My work is not fragile.” That is when I decided to break the taboo and test the durability of my work.

You may think I am crazy. I may very well be. If you think contemporary art needs to hang on gallery walls or something you see in a museum, I am here to tell you otherwise. Art can easily go outdoors and blend beautifully into your landscape. I like to think of this convergence of art and landscape as an Art Scape.

An outdoor art installation can take any form, an exterior painting, a sculpture, or random object. It provides a welcome surprise. Creativity in any space, indoor or outdoor, will broaden the imagination. If an Art Scape could speak, it would say, “Please touch!” It should be approachable, not feared. It should persuade the observer to explore further.

In thinking about where to place an Art installation, I can think of a number places. On a home’s exterior wall, situated in a lush garden, aside a winding pathway, a community park, or a sunny beach. The options are endless. The key factor to any art installation is that it needs to absolutely be durable to withstand the intense warmth of the sun, moisture from rain, salty air or a curious animal. But, I ask, how long is anything really expected to last?

Any passerby can enjoy outdoor art installations. It is a way to inspire and change a perspective. An Art Scape will provide both intrinsic and utilitarian value. Intrinsic value in that it has an aesthetic value and offers a form of individual expression. Utilitarian value in that it has the ability to service a useful purpose such as a bench or a door.

What are your thoughts on outdoor art installations? Would you place art outside? Please share your ideas with me.