Three months ago, Sally Marbry conceived the idea to transform a utilitarian electrical box in front of the Greyhound station in downtown Redding into a piece of public art. This 18-part series is a chronicle of her work and her observations of life on the corner of Pine and Butte.
Part 1: On Your Mark
July 28 Sweep, wash, scrape, sand, wash.
July 29 Sweep, wash, scrape, brush, sand, sweep, scrape, wash. A voice interrupts asking if I have permission. My caustic “yes” startles me and I apologize to this nice person who cowers back inside the Greyhound door. He waves it off, friendly. Finishing a step toward a completed trunk, I walk in and “yoohoo” an appearance over the counter. Tony, the manager, introduces himself again, and I chat and talk. He offers bathrooms, I offer happiness and retreat to prime the box.
A woman stifles a sob. “I love you, son.”
Part 2: Once Forgotten Never More
July 30 Sweep lots of cigarettes, wash cigarette marks. Prime again and need another roller pan. People probably think I am a city employee just doing the yearly maintenance spiff. Street people, local business people, travelers and I share the sidewalk.
A student traveler queries an old woman about why she is waiting. Her twin sister is having a birthday and her sister’s husband bought her a ticket to come up to surprise her. She is waiting for him to pick her up. I am sure he will recognize her.
I keep my painting outfit constantly the same. Not so people will recognize me, but so that I am able to wipe my hands anywhere. I did add a neck scarf to liven things up, but it also serves as a handy clean-something to wipe grit from an eye. Hair slicked back in a tight knot. I think the knee pads are the tale-telling sign.
July 31 The usual daily prep plus my polite happy voice to sweep off a resting street person. I call him”Weaving Bum.” He is totally confused but obeys. The battle of cigarettes and shooing people off will always be. Paint first base coat. Hate the color. What was I thinking three months ago?
To be continued…
Visit Sally on September 12 on Pine and Butte as she reveals her electrical box turned masterpiece as part of September’s 2nd Saturday ArtHop.
Sally Marbry has shared her fine art, ceramics and sculpture skills as a teacher, product designer and interior designer. For the past year, Sally has been the host and writer of “Home Zone,” weekly on KLXR. She also chairs Viva Downtown Redding’s Design Committee, which spearheaded the public art and street beautification project. Reach Sally at Earth2Sal@charter.net.
