There are landmarks and icons of American culture that can be recognized by people around the world. The Statue of Liberty, The Empire State Building and The White House are a few examples that just about everyone could name instantly if they were to see a picture of them. And certainly if they were not recognized internationally, they would easily be recognized by Americans.
Part of that American culture is the unmistakable small town feeling you get in so many places that you visit. Each small town has it’s own specific character and traditional events. Every area of our fifty states seems to have something special to share with the locals who live there. I imagine that the towns of the Russian Federation also have these small town distinctions.
Today, I shared one of our most unique local treasures with my daughter and some friends. The location is in a nearby town and it is the vision and work of a local artist, Ricky Boscarino. For the past 21 years he has planned, designed and executed with fantastic artistic ability each aspect of a spectacular and unique house he has named “Luna Parc”.
Ricky Boscarino poses with Claude Larson in front of his amazing creation
Ricky holds two open houses a year and basically allows the general public to wander the grounds of his fantasy yard and the better part of his private home. It is a jaw dropping experience where you can’t help but say, “Hey look at that!” about a hundred times. The work is eclectic and ranges from highly unusual to classically artistic. Every medium seems to be represented in one form or another.
The amazing mosaics that cover the inside and outside of the Luna Parc are all original designs of Ricky Boscarino
While visiting the local landmark, I asked Ricky if he would mind me sharing the house with you on my online journal. He listened as I told him that I would soon be seeing Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral and how I find his home to be a work of art similar to the cathedral due to it’s bright colors and fantastic designs. He agreed and even posed with me in the front yard.
Walking around the sculpture garden guarantees a unique view in every direction.
As much as I am looking forward to my visit to Moscow, I very much enjoy seeing local artists and their work close to home. And may I recommend that if you are ever in the area of northwestern New Jersey and you have the opportunity to stop by Ricky’s place. It would truly be time well spent.
Jenny and Beth Ann wander into the House of Bottle Blues, a structure made completely of concrete and blue glass bottles.