Sunday, January 16, 2022

Monday Murals: For Iris

 

Before we begin, I want to mention to those of you who visited last week and gave concern about Century II.  Century II has been the city’s primary performing arts, convention center, and exhibition hall for the past 50 years. Its round modern design and blue dome roof make it one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. It is owned by the city.  Thankfully, the previous mayor was the guiding force behind the desire to raze this building.  He wanted to get rid of it because it takes up so much space that could be used for high rise hotels and condos.  Thankfully, he lost the election and that is one of the reasons it is no longer on the chopping block. 

The building is used nearly every week for everything from a car show, a flower show, an RV show, the symphony, and live theater (The Lion King is coming soon).  And you pay for every show too, so not only are the promoters and vendors making money, so is Century II, and in turn so does the city of Wichita.  Just because it was is "OLD," it doesn't need to go.  BTW, it was completed in 1969, so some of you "OLD PEOPLE" can relate!!!  But I digress.

EDIT: Kathy mentioned in comments that perhaps the building could be saved from future administrations.  I should have added that it has been added to the National Register of Historic Buildings, so it will definitely be difficult to raze it now!

It's time once again to join Sami at Sami's Colourful World and her Monday Murals.  Even though it's still Sunday in my world, please be aware that Sami's mural link goes live at 10:01 a.m. my time today.   

I named this "For Iris," because when I saw this mural, I thought of her and Henry.
 
There was lots of graffiti on the door,
 
but none on the murals.

This was on the left side of the door (as you faced it).  Neither mural had any information with it.  It was like someone had come along and painted whatever they thought was appropriate.

I have to admit, the bold use of color was what caused me to stop and photograph these.

These murals were found in the middle of the 1300 block of east Douglas Avenue, Wichita, Kansas (USA).

If you enjoy murals from around the world, please don't forget to visit Monday Murals at Sami's Colourful World.  Thanks for stopping by to visit Bleubeard and me today.  
 

 

22 thoughtful remarks:

Elephant's Child said...

Definitely intriguing, and unlike anything I have seen. Thank you for posting them.

ashok said...

Interesting ones..

craftytrog said...

These are fabulous!!!

Iris Flavia said...

Henry and I are... ohhhh... thank you!!!!
You get the most silent roar a Lion can give! It´s more a Lion-kiss 🥰

Mae Travels said...

That's a wonderful store-front. I'm amazed at how you get out and find so many murals. I haven't been going out at all, except for walks in a not-built-up park where I'm far from people, and rare grocery shopping. No murals in my life. Not to mention cold weather!

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Barbara said...

I cannot imaging how much fun it is to see so many murals each week within your area! Indeed, the lion is colorful!

kathyinozarks said...

Good mornng, you are so blessed to have all these wonderful murals nearby Loving Henry in this one. So glad was arts building was saved-perhaps they could make this permanent somehow so another administration can not try to do the same.
did you get some ice? we are cold with a thin layer of ice everywhere right now

DVArtist said...

Yes, Iris will love this. Have a great Sunday.

Divers and Sundry said...

I'm glad to hear the building is safe.

I'm curious about the "Choose Life" mural.

Jenn Jilks said...

Hooray murals!
It's too cold to go out here!

Elizabeth Varadan, Author said...

I'm glad to know the building will still stand. These historic buildings perform such an important function in a city or town - particularly when they have become convention/art/cultural centers. I really enjoyed the grafitti photos, too. They are so colorful and well done.

Rita said...

Glad they are saving that building! 1969--I graduated in 1968 so I guess I am good and old--LOL.
Bright murals. :)

Jeanie said...

It's a perfect Iris mural with a wonderful Henry! And good news about the building.

Birgit said...

I love the murals especially the bold lion. I am glad the kids did not graffiti over the murals so they must have some brains.

Don't get me started on historic buildings. I am so glad your building has been saved and that mayor is history. A historic building in our downtown, was razed to the ground in a 6 alarm fire last year. This building was noted for its underground springs so it started as a hotel and spa that was elite. Harriet Tubman used this building as the ending point for the underground railroad for the freedom of a number of slaves. late some important people stayed there like Grace Kelly (why? I have no idea). In it's later year it became a student residence before they were kicked out by a new owner who wanted to raze it for either new condos or a parking lot. It was an historic landmark and the Historic society just won the case to save the building when it mysteriously caught fire. This has happened before in our little city. It is still under investigation from what i hear but it is being blamed on vagrants. Now it is just rubble laying there in a heap. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKNzumB4Gtc

Jim said...

Interesting.

My name is Erika. said...

I love that lion face. It is not only perfect for Iris but it is a super painting! Hope you're having a nice Suinday. Hugs-Erika

kwarkito said...

funny and intriguing

Tom said...

..once a building is tagged it become a magnet for more tagging. I'm always in the lookout for one of Henry's cousins. Take care and stay well.

CJ Kennedy said...

I thought of Iris when I saw the lion,too.

Sami said...

Glad Century II is now on the National Register of Historic Buildings.
This could indeed be one of Iris's lions :)
Thanks for participating in Monday Murals Elizabeth.

Bertiebo said...

It's a wonderful Henry

Lowcarb team member said...

What a wonderful Henry :)

All the best Jan