Three Sewers (Stickball Tribute)

Mastrangelo’s sculpture relief 34″ x 30 ” x 4″

ABOUT STICKBALL:  Stickball was a game that turned the landscape of the city street into an asphalt field of dreams for kids who wanted to play baseball nearby.  An old broom handle morphed into a bat, manhole covers and car tires became the bases and a pink rubber ball  called a SPAULDINE, replaced the hard ball so that the windows of cars and apartments weren’t broken in the process.

Stickball lovers talk about “Three Sewer Hitters” who were the really big hitters.  Manhole covers were about 90 feet apart.  Car Tires served as first base and third base.  The three sewer positions were home base, second base and the outfield limit.  So a batter hitting past the third sewer was a “Home Run Hitter!” Can you just picture the intensity and enthusiasm of the kids who were in charge of their own entertainment and exercise in this simple version of Baseball.

How fantastic it was to have my three art entries accepted for Orlando Museum of Art’s 1st Thursday, May 1, 2014 Exhibition:”Inside/Out.” This link leads to the story explaining the unusual inspiration and basic steps of their creation.        http://bobbimastrangelo.com/MyNews/?p=4040

On May 1st, we loaded the art works and delivered them to the Museum early that morning. We went home to relax. Actually I could not relax. I must admit to being extremely excited inside and out because I thought my art was so suited to the exhibition theme of “Inside/Out.”

When we returned for the Evening Reception, we were pleased that the art was displayed handsomely, museum style. Notice the construction and side detail of the center “Florida Storm Sewer.”

“Inside 52GA-R”  “Florida Storm Sewer” & “Victorian Cover”

“Inside 52GA-R” wins “BEST of  SHOW” at

Orlando Museum of Art’s  “Inside/Out” Exhibition  5/1/14

I guess you can say this is my favorite view of the art winning a Blue Ribbon. If I was euphoric for being accepted into the competition, then I was riding high with this award:  “Best in Show!” Everyone who wished me luck aided in my good fortune.

  “GRATE NEWS!”

** The Best of the Best!! June 5, 2014 6 pm ** 

This past season a “Best of Show” was selected at each 1st Thursdays Exhibit. On June 5, 2014, these artists come together with fresh works celebrating their recognition. An overall “Best of The Best of Show” artist will be selected.

Best of Show Winners:

Sabrina Etheridge
Cherie Bosela
Michael Moffett
John Baker
Michael Allen Langshaw
Gladiola Sotomayor
Louis Lochead
Crystal Bernard
Edson Campos
Bobbi Mastrangelo

The Ten Best of the Best Artists will also have the opportunity to exhibit their work at The Mayor’s Gallery on the third floor of City Hall from Thursday, June 12th-Friday, August 22nd 2014.

Mark your calendars for Thursday: June 5, 2014  if you are able to attend the Reception for “Best of the Best” at The Orlando Museum of Art from 6-9 PM.

UPDATE:  PRESS RELEASE POSTED ON LIGHT SPACE & TIME ONLINE ART GALLERY

Grate Works of Art Vie for Best of the Best | Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery

Please share the news and wish me luck.