In spite of the thousands of young students, professional educators and others who might insist “school bus,” this is not correct. Besides, the riddle reads “sit on it,” not “in it.”
Regardless of one’s answer, the innocent query is merely a lighthearted way of saying kudos to members of the Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway board of directors who have added deeper dimension, and yet another direction, to the Greenway experience. For those who might have missed our front-page announcement in Monday’s edition, or who didn’t catch the recent “Keeping It Green” column on the Editorial Page, our Greenway planners have created an offshoot to be tentatively known as the Greenway Public Art Committee.
The group’s objective sounds simple enough, but looks can be deceiving. GPAC members are being tasked with identifying appropriate public art — in all likelihood modern and interpretive — that can be placed along the four-mile community fitness trail to enhance the total Greenway experience. Our earlier reference to “big and yellow” best describes the first contribution to the GPAC cause.
Most have seen it before.
Many have climbed atop it.
A majority have had their photographs snapped while enjoying its unique comfort.
Many a smile has been brought to the faces of local residents and visitors alike who have caught a glimpse from the roadside of its canary-shaded majesty, and most have turned their vehicles and come back for a second look.
We refer, of course, to “Sitting Tall,” the bigger-than-life sculpture created by local artist Joshua Coleman who has made it available — at GPAC’s request — for display at the Greenway. It is the first such piece of public art to be located along the linear park. It can be found at the Raider Drive entrance near the ever-popular playground that sits adjacent to the multi-story First Tennessee Bank building.
“Sitting Tall” has enjoyed past engagements in the front lawn of the downtown Museum Center at Five Points and outside the Old Woolen Mill which houses Coleman’s business, Imagery Sculpture Studio. Thankfully, Coleman is one of two creative locals who already have signed on to support the work of GPAC and to help direct its vision. The other is Joe McCullough, owner of Theme Fusion. Community arts advocate Tara Brown has agreed to serve on the committee, as well as Greenway board member Tara Brown who will serve as a GPAC liaison for the board.
Those who don’t use the Greenway, or who live too far from its outreach to make regular visits, might not fully understand the “presence” that such enhancements can offer this community destination. To best understand, one must consider the Greenway’s purpose; or in the case of our Cleveland and Bradley County hometown, its many purposes.
It is about exercise.
It is about improved health.
It is about recreation.
It is about family togetherness.
It is about appreciating the bounties of Mother Nature.
It is about socializing with friends and rediscovering shared interests with loved ones.
It is about getting away from anything electronic — TVs, computers, video games and yes ... cellphones.
It is about fleeing the uninviting restrictions of the indoors and embracing a breath of fresh air in the outdoors.
And now, it is about opening our minds, hearts and imaginations to unique interpretations of life through the miracle of public art.
We applaud the Greenway board for looking into this direction. The results of its work won’t come as easily as some might believe, but this new GPAC task force has miles of potential.
A big, yellow chair is a good first step, one that we hope will lead to an explosion of the senses and a continued rounding of the total Greenway experience.
