Let's Talk with Cheryl Hollon
Let’s Talk with Cheryl Hollon
September 24, 2020
The sculptures around town are masking up
By Cheryl Hollon
Wild Bill Hickock in front of The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art is setting a good example of a masked sculpture. In order to tour the museum during the pandemic, you must wear a mask in addition to having your temperature checked. It was a great visit since we hadn’t been inside since March.
Another example is the bronze newspaper boy in front of the St. Petersburg Museum of History hawking his daily newspaper. Isn’t he industrious? The newspaper he’s holding is a reminder that nothing is forever – The Evening Independent went out of business in 1986. It was famous for giving away the paper the next day if the sun didn’t shine in St. Petersburg.
I recently had a drive-by book signing of Still Knife Painting at TOMBOLO Books and wore my favorite: The Raven from Edgar Allen Poe’s epic poem, “NEVERMORE.” I love the ruby crystal as his eye.
I’ve amassed quite the collection of masks to suit my mood when I’m out and about. Here’s a few of my favorites.
Do you have a favorite mask?
While you’re here, set yourself a reminder to enter our Booklover’s Bench contest. It runs from October 1-18. We’re collecting entries for a book giveaway from our vault by one our Booklover’s Bench authors. Click here to enter after Oct. 1!
Posted in Let's Talk, with Cheryl Hollon • Tags: BLB Discussion, Cheryl Hollon, Let's Talk, The sculptures around town are masking up | 18 Comments
Your raven mask is awesome! I’ve amassed quite a mask collection, myself. I have my plain black mask, a blue one with Palm Beach Co printed on it that the county sent out, a red with silver metal accents assuit mask that is my fancy one, a reversible bees and honeycomb print mask that a friend sent me, two scarf/mask combos, two handmade ones (one tropical, one blue and white stripe) that I bought at the beginning of the pandemic but need to have the too-thick elastic replaced, and a couple of motorcycle gaiters for backup. So, like you, I am truly styling. 🙂
Hi Diane. I have realized that I’ve replaced my usual scarf with a mask. Giving my scarves a rest is probably a good idea. It’s fun to see what people are wearing.
For me, my favorite is a simple black one that doesn’t, like the surgical masks, ride up into my eyes. It covers the places it needs to cover but stays put and is soft enough that I almost forget I am wearing it.
You da bomb, Cheryl! I still have a lot of paper masks, but they DO bother my eyes. I’ve gotten some cloth ones, but don’t like any of them so far. Still searching for something else, but I have my paper masks, at least. A lot of “but”s in there! Needs editing.
At least there are more masks available locally. The little alteration shop down the street has ordered a TON and that’s my new place to pick them up and support a small business as well.
Wow, you have quite the collection. I love the raven mask. I need to get stylin’. They’re a good replacement for earrings, that I used to wear to make a statement. Nowadays the statement is either, “When did I lose that earring?” or “Ouch” when I remove my mask.
Sadly, I’ve stopped wearing earrings — it’s just too many things to juggle as I also wear hats. The Florida sun is unforgiving down here. That reminds me that I should pop in a pair today so that my ears don’t forget how.
Cheryl, I love the raven mask! I can’t say I have any favorites. Right now I rotate between four cloth masks and have a box of paper ones for trips to the hairdresser. I loved seeing the masks on your local statues. The lions in front of the NYC Public Library are both masked. In my town the parking enforcement officers have been going around, randomly handing out gift cards for local shops to people who wear masks walking around downtown. Several other towns have adopted the idea after hearing what our town was doing.
Wow! Your parking enforcement officers absolutely rock! What a great way to build a sense of community.
I like masks that curve under the eyes and are not flat across the top. My glasses always fog up no matter which ones I wear.
Hi Nancy, My husband found some little metal strips that attach on the outside of our homemade cloth masks. That solves the fog problem. My newest mask is a Vincent Van Gogh water lily design. It curves under the eyes and there’s a small wire to keep it fitting nice.
My masks are working out pretty well–grey, blue, black, red (haven’t worn that one yet), and an off-blue. I keep one in my pocket while at home so whenever I step outside to walk over for the mail or see a neighbor, there’s one handy. Two in the car, one in my tote. They have a vent which helps me breath. But even without my glasses on, they edge up and give my vision a little trouble. My sister’s friend made us each one before I moved here: I’m Mickey and she’s Minnie. Never without one, but none so fancy as The Raven (one of my favorites from Poe).
Hi Claire, I love the idea of Minnie and Mickey. I might surprise husband with a set. Cool!
I do have a favorite mask. I love everything about it: the fabric, the way my glasses don’t fog up due to the contoured top, the comfy straps, but most of all, there’s a speaking pouch. It’s a little extra room above the nose and mouth, but oh is that nice, especially when I have to speak while wearing a mask. I’ve now set that one aside exclusively for use while teaching yoga.
Hi Maggie, I’m jealous that I can’t attend your yoga class. That’s one of the things I really miss.
Love the masks. It’s humid here in South Florida, and I can breathe better in plain blue paper masks.
Hi Elaine, We’re humid over here in St. Petersburg as well. I can’t wait for the temperature to drop a little and make things more comfortable all the way around.
I have 2 my sister made they got the best. One has a place for your nose so it’s always covered. Good idea for the statues.