Billy
Billy Christman is the creator of an eccentric sculpture garden right in the heart of the West End. You may have seen the giant Fitz’s soda bottle or maybe the mural of Marvin Gaye and wonder, “What’s Going On”? From the street, the park looks never ending. By blending existing architecture into the natural landscape these figures look to be sprouting from the ground. If you aren’t careful, you may mistake an abandoned building, affectionately called The Cabanne Castle, as one of his props. Unmanicured tree branches create silhouettes that become a part of the sculptures. You’d probably compare this to the City Museum, downtown. And you’d be right. Billy has exhibits still on display at the City Museum. The third floor, near the snack shop, is home to the cutest little tree house.
As we enter the seventh month of sheltering in place with social distancing and lock downs, a space like this can be fun to visit for people of all ages. So much has changed these past months including how and where we spend time with each other. Part of Billy’s goal is to hold public events with live music. He has started this already every Friday just by word of mouth. Crowds range from a scattering of onlookers to a full fledged crowd.
Billy Christman spent his childhood living in the West End, a neighborhood full of historical mini mansions and abandoned buildings and lots. It stretches from Union to Skinker and Delmar to Page. I too grew up in this area. Billy and I got to sit and talk about how there are no places like this around. Murals or gardens, things of beauty don’t seem to be the main focus in urban areas like this. He wants to create a space for people to be able to walk to, and enjoy an evening appreciating an environment centered around art. Collaborating with the community is another goal. One of his pieces was built by an art class held at Better Family Life, a pillar of community improvement located on Page, just steps away from here. The class made a bridge out of popsicle sticks. Billy used the kid’s creation as inspiration for a large art installment that serves as a focal point at the park. He wants his art to bring positive curiosity to people in the community that ultimately leads to great conversation and collaboration with local artists or people that share a similar vision for the community.
As an artist myself, I’m intrigued and want to be a part of what he’s creating, but not everyone feels the same way. Billy knows of a plan to condemn his property. Many people see issues with him being able to hold events during a pandemic and make this plot of land look like whatever he wants. I feel disheartened hearing that this park may close, but that depends on people in the community. To me,this is a great addition to my neighborhood. I’m interested in being a part of what this park could look like. This feels like another loss that never got a chance to reach its full potential.
I appreciate art in all aspects and love the character he’s bringing to Union Blvd. It’s nice to see art that’s just fun. The craftiness, quirkiness, and uniqueness is needed in a place that’s surrounded by too many abandoned lots and buildings. I support any creative way to transform empty lots with something other than a basic new house. Many things are a work progress which I can also resonate with. A project is never truly complete, and I love watching the transformation.
