Passion for art and outdoor spaces.
Painted Fire Hydrant Walking Tour
Dream
What can we do that we’ll look back on fondly and say, “We did that during the summer of 2020! Remember the pandemic summer when we all stayed home?”
“Gosh, that green fire hydrant is kind of boring. What if we gave it some life and color?”
Research and Plan
What would be fun and bring a smile to someone’s face when they discover our design?
Research fire hydrant design ideas with daughter. She chooses the design. I ask her to sketch it on paper.
Decide and Start
What is the minimum number of paint quarts we can buy to create the maximum number of gumball color options?
Limitation: color needs to be pleasing as a potential gumball flavor.
Iterative Process
Maybe we drew those gumballs too small? There sure are a lot to paint! What if we stand back. What would a car see speeding by or someone down the sidewalk?
Paint when it isn’t raining and when air quality allows. Limitation: weather, forest fire smoke
Share and Grow
We need more street art and art in public spaces, especially now that art venues are closed.
Make a Google map and share our mini-tour online. Let’s hope the idea catches on!
Success
One day, I overhear a boy say to his mom, “Today I’m going to get the red one!” He runs up and pretends to put a coin in the hydrant to get a gumball. Seeing the joy in his face as he played this game felt like success.