Maybe I'll See You There

"So maybe I'll see you there. We can forget all our troubles, forget all our cares
And go downtown. Things'll be great when you're
Downtown. Don't wait a minute for
Downtown. Everything's waiting for you."

You've probably heard the 1964 hit song by Petula Clark, or at least clips of it somewhere at some time. It comes to mind for me often when I go downtown. Particularly downtown Rapid City. It's a little bit of an urban feel. As much of an urban feeling as you can get in a relatively small town. I like it. That may sound a little strange coming from someone who enjoys being in nature so much, but I've always felt a certain draw toward city streets. I don't know if "everything's" waiting for me, but there is a lot. I like that it's a little different each time I visit, and I always run into different characters of some sort. One of my favorite places was Art Alley...until a year or so ago when messages like this started appearing -

I really wasn't surprised. Tagging and graffiti were overwhelming any actual art that was there. I know some will say that graffiti is art. I won't argue that. But it was starting to be like weeds. Weeds are plants, too, but they are not so attractive when they take over your garden. It was no longer a fair sharing of space, so the property owners shut it down. That is their right and I guess I really don't blame them.

The good news is, though, that the alley is showing some signs of resurgence. And, speaking of gardens, this was an encouraging site during my most recent visit -

Pretty impressive for being tucked in an alley surrounded by concrete and brick.

There was some actual work being done on a wall. Perhaps not a work of art by most standards, but I think I know where they were going with the message, and at least it is something fresh.

I also encountered a pretty cool "auntie" with a couple of pretty cute kids in tow (although one was either a little camera shy or noticed something much more interesting on that wall).

And there is always a splendid view to be found...if you look close enough. Including some interesting abstracts and angles, if you like that sort of thing. And I do.

So maybe there's some hope for an Art Alley rally. A comeback of sorts. Even if it doesn't come back all the way. And if wandering around in alley is not your thing, I will suggest a short walk around the corner to one of the best little used bookstores you'll ever find. Just take a look at how their windows were decorated on Sunday -

Somebody spent a lot of time and did a lot of work to make this such an appealing display. Especially since it's not a franchise or major brand store and probably doesn't employ master window dressers and designers. I really appreciate the effort. It's called Again Books and Bazaar. I've dug up some pretty good treasure there. You should check it out next time you go ..... Downtown. 

Roger O'Dea        8/14/2017