Following in a recent trend by some other cities Baltimore now has its second round of animal art on display. There are now several hundred crabs placed around the city in what they are calling Crabtown. Each decorated uniquely and often in relation to their placement around the city. I have seen about 10 or so while commuting. Some are better than others. The previous effort was called Fish out of Water in the summer of 2001.
This type of art has apparently been a trend for a few years. It started in Europe first and then came to the US in Chicago. The display there was called Cows on Parade and happened in the summer of 1999. A bunch of other cities have done it as well since with different animals.
The other one that I have seen is what Washington, DC did. In that city they did what they called Party Animals. 200 Elephants and Donkeys representing the two parties were created and painted also by local artists. They came and went in the summer of 2002. It was so successful they even did a second round with Pandas called Pandamania in 2004.
I imagine the Crabtown crabs of Baltimore will come and go similarly this summer. It is an interesting idea for community good will and some fundraising for worthy causes.
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