It was a newspaper marriage, right down to the invitation

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I first wrote this in 2007, on the 10th anniversary of my marriage to the former Roselee Papandrea. I'm sharing it again today on our 22nd anniversary. And this time I was able to include the unusual wedding invitation referenced in the story. --- It was a newspaper marriage right down to the … Continue reading It was a newspaper marriage, right down to the invitation

Murals can visually define a downtown. Denver is one example (photo galleries)

As artist Mauricio Ramirez wraps up his mural in downtown Burlington today -- and let's just say it's a dynamic and stunning achievement visible behind Bella's House on display for Webb Avenue traffic -- I thought it might be a good idea to look at how a mural can help define a downtown area as … Continue reading Murals can visually define a downtown. Denver is one example (photo galleries)

An emerging symbol for transformation in downtown Burlington

Mauricio Ramirez got his first taste of good ol' North Carolina humidity on Thursday. It was just about the hottest September day I can remember -- 97 degrees with humidity registering at about the same number. It was the very definition of "sweltering." For Ramirez, the Chicago-born and based artist selected to create the first … Continue reading An emerging symbol for transformation in downtown Burlington

Public displays of art coming to downtown Burlington

People driving on Webb Avenue past downtown Burlington next week will likely notice something different. Along the back of Bella's House, a consignment furniture store that faces Front Street, an artist will begin crafting a new piece of public art that will the beginning of a three-mural project for downtown. Chicago artist Mauricio Ramirez was … Continue reading Public displays of art coming to downtown Burlington