This summer, I’m trying something a little different. Every week, I’ll share one artwork by one artist that has stayed with me. Sometimes it made me laugh or feel something indescribable. Sometimes it challenged what I believed. Sometimes I simply couldn’t stop thinking about it.
These aren’t necessarily the “greatest” works of art. They’re the ones that sparked wonder for me.
I hope these stories help you discover a few artworks that stay with you, too.
See
Computerized LED Light System, 2013 Birmingham
Light Rails by Bill FitzGibbons was commissioned by REV Birmingham-the city’s economic development organization and debuted Thursday, June 27, 2013.
This colorful art-light installation transforms a 1931 Art Deco railroad underpass near Railroad Park in downtown Birmingham. The vibrant colors brighten the walkway beneath the viaduct, drawing pedestrians between First Avenue North and the park's East Gate.
Story
I haven't actually seen this rainbow underpass in person. I discovered it online years ago and was instantly smitten. When our kids were young, we lived near a highway underpass we'd walk through on the way to the grocery store. It was one of those rare things that genuinely creeped me out. Every time we passed through, I'd shudder and hurry to the other side. If it had been lit like FitzGibbon's light sculpture, I'd have wanted to linger.
Say
The public reception to the "LightRails" art-light installation under the 18th Street viaduct has been overwhelmingly positive. The illuminated underpass has become a popular downtown landmark, praised for transforming a historically dark, unwelcoming barrier into a safe, vibrant, and celebrated connector between Railroad Park and the city center.
If you could activate a part of your city with color and light, where would it be and why?
What does your home threshold offer you?
Is your threshold intentionally signaling a transition?
Do
Make a small intentional change to your threshold. Think about how color, an object, or a scent can change how you feel as you enter your home.
Create a threshold in a wooded area using fallen branches. Take pictures during different seasons.
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Everyone can draw.
This welcoming class is designed for adults of all skill levels, especially beginners who may feel unsure about where to start. In a relaxed and encouraging environment, you’ll build confidence, learn foundational drawing skills, and discover the joy of seeing the world more closely through line, shape, and shading.
No pressure, no perfection- just a supportive space to explore, practice, and grow.
Hosted by Shannon Steven arts educator and owner of Wonder Wander
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About the Artist: Bill FitzGibbons
Artist Bill FitzGibbons has fabricated sculpture for over thirty years; during his career he has completed over 30 public art projects and performances in five countries including Reykjavik (Iceland), Helsinki (Finland), Braunschweig (Germany), Stockholm (Sweden), and Yorkshire (UK). The Texas State Legislature announced FitzGibbons as the Official State Artist, during the 82nd Legislative Session in 2012. With an environmentally conscious approach to public art FitzGibbons has embraced the use of computerized LED lighting systems. FitzGibbons won the COD Award for LightRails in Birmingham Alabama in 2014. FitzGibbons has been on the Board of Trustees for the International Sculpture Center and in 2011 FitzGibbons founded the Texas Sculpture Group as a chapter of the ISC. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville acknowledged FitzGibbons with the distinguished Outstanding Alumni Award in 2010. Additionally, in 1993 FitzGibbons taught at the Hungarian Academy of Art in Budapest, Hungary as a Fulbright Scholar.
This summer, I’m trying something a little different.Every week, I’ll share one artwork by one artist that has stayed with me. Sometimes it made me laugh or feel something indescribable. Sometimes it challenged what I believed. Sometimes I simply couldn’t stop thinking about it. These aren’t necessarily the “greatest” works of art. They’re the ones that sparked wonder for me. I hope these stories help you discover a few artworks that stay with you, too. Do you have Pareidolia? "Canface" by...
This summer, I’m trying something a little different.Every week, I’ll share one artwork by one artist that has stayed with me. Sometimes it made me laugh or feel something indescribable. Sometimes it challenged what I believed. Sometimes I simply couldn’t stop thinking about it. These aren’t necessarily the “greatest” works of art. They’re the ones that sparked wonder for me. I hope these stories help you discover a few artworks that stay with you, too. Kimiko Nishimori “I just want to do...
This summer, I’m trying something a little different.Every week, I’ll share one artwork by one artist that has stayed with me. Sometimes it made me laugh or feel something indescribable. Sometimes it challenged what I believed. Sometimes I simply couldn’t stop thinking about it. These aren’t necessarily the “greatest” works of art. They’re the ones that sparked wonder for me. I hope these stories help you discover a few artworks that stay with you, too. See Nimbus Palácio de Estoi, 2026,...
