Ectoplasmic Spirit

I love it when people make my job easier. Such is the case with photographer Peter Patau, who sent in this submission today, taken in the alley behind Riley's Wines of the World. Seems an appropriate find for this haunted time of year.

The many stencils of Vilas Hall

Vilas Hall, on the UW-Madison campus, does seem to attract an inordinate amount of stenciling. Whatever the reason, it provides for some fun double-takes whenever you walk through its outdoor corridors. This series of shots comes to us courtesy of C & V, who say they love this blog. Well, this blog loves them right back! And all of our other readers and contributors. You make things a little easier when I don't have time to go out and grab photos on my own, and for that I'm very thankful.

The Darker Side of Autumn

Intrepid photographer Peter Patau snapped this shot of a gnarly skull on a picnic table in Wingra Park. The title he gave the photo seems even more appropriate considering the nasty weather we've been having lately. It won't be long before seeking out street art becomes a major expedition. Our local alt-weekly's website also picked up on this one.

Are you prepared?

So asketh these incredible posters stuck to the wall outside of the Weary Traveler on Willy St. (as well as Mother Fools). Is there a story to these?

SOLVE art show and reception at East High

Just got the head's up from SOLVE's father, Bill Scanlon:

Brendan Scanlon, the artist known on the streets as “SOLVE,” grew up in Madison and graduated in 2002 from East High School. After graduating he lived in Chicago, where he worked as a graphic designer and became recognized, in traditional art circles and on the streets, as a prolific and intensely creative artist, before being struck down in 2008 in a senseless act of violence. A retrospective show of Scanlon’s art is now on display at the Ray Edwards Art Gallery at East High, 2222 East Washington Avenue. In connection with the show, the public is invited to the Gallery for a reception with light refreshments on Saturday, September 26, from 5 until 8 PM. For more information, email wscanlon at tds dot net.

Chalking it up on the streets

Literal street art! This Sunday, Madison held its first annual "Ride the Drive" event, wherein 6 miles of downtown roads were shut down to all but bike and pedestrian access. There were a lot of kids and adults out doing chalk art on the suddenly accessible streets, too, and the above shot was snapped by intrepid kite aerial photographer Craig Wilson.

Doesn't jogging mess up his hair?

Looks like disgraced ex-Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich has been hiding out in Madison - this, apparently, in the middle of his attempts to cash in on noteriety by appearing on various reality TV shows and hiring himself out as a terrible Elvis impersonator. He should really look where he's going. Photo by USB.