Creating your own Public Art Gallery
Where to find outdoor art for your mid century home
This homeowner took a unique approach and used metal remnants from a local metal fabricator shop to give the front of her home some colorful art.
A major characteristic of mid century homes is that the party is happening in the back of the home. By that I mean that a big part of the design and layout of these homes is to blur the inside with the outside. The entire backyard is available for entertaining and living.
The front of these homes is the opposite. Carter Sparks, architect of the Streng Bros homes was rumored to have said, “why would you want to talk to your neighbors anyway?” That was probably a tongue-in-cheek comment from a man who was known to love social engagements and entertaining but he is correct in that you often can’t tell if anyone is home by looking at the front of the home with the lack (or few) front windows and narrow or non-existent walkways.
This sculpture by artist Will Robinson came from an art gallery.
We have noticed that many Streng and Eichler home owners have effectively used the front windowless walls and narrow walkways almost as gallery walls to add some interest and texture to the front of these homes. Others have added a water feature as part of their landscaping which has the added benefit of blocking out street noise.
Here are some of our favorite art pieces along with ideas and resources for finding your own piece of public art.
Wall mounted art piece on Streng Bros home.
Pottery World is another source to purchase water features and other outdoor pieces.You can also have custom pieces commissioned from landscaping firms such as Change of Seasons, a local landscape contractor.
This piece of art is from Light Wave Laser, a Santa Rosa based company. They have more than 200 patterns in different styles including midcentury modern. They will also create a custom pattern for you.
Other local sources we found:
Share your art with us. Just snap a picture in front of your Mid Century Modern home. Let us know where you got the piece and any other relevant information. Send us an email with your information.
