late in the year public art

A view from behind the microphones of a new sculpture.

Cleveland Summit/Muhammad Ali Summit took place on June 4, 1967 at 10501 Euclid Avenue, the Negro Industrial Building. The decal group portrait foto is of eleven prominent athletes, and a candidate for Cleveland's mayor. Here civil rights was joined with athletics, and perhaps not surprisingly, it has not been made clear. Not then, not now. It was a contentious time, and even moreso because of the Viet Nam War.

The world heavyweight champion, Cassius Clay, had joined the Nation of Islam and changed his name. Many people were upset. Then Ali was drafted, and refused. His position was that his religion forbade him to fight such an unjust, and racist war.  He claimed conscientious objector status. He was stripped of his title, and his license to box, and was to be soon on trial for draft evasion. The summit was a public act of solidarity in support of Ali. He was quickly found guilty, and won an appeal from the Supreme Court (8-0).

In Old Brooklyn, on Memphis, a store owner had a an artist paint a city scene of Puerto Rico on an outside wall.

From a distance it looks real flat. The wall has a bulge in it. Not just with this one, but when something is new, better see it soon. One can not tell its longevity, and whether it is upkept.

Argos approaching a metal dog.

The Cleveland's tourist board has commissioned six artistic signs. Supra is on Fleet, infra is on Lorain.