Hitting the Boardwalk

Makanda, the small town nearest Giant City State Park, appears to be home to an eclectic collection of people. At least that's what you might conclude from looking at the Boardwalk and the variety of stores. Sandra and I regularly stop by for a visit and I wrote about the place in this 2009 post.


The Boardwalk

You might expect the antique store and perhaps the odds and ends grocery/deli/ice cream shop. But, you probably wouldn't expect at one end a little grocery/Mexican restaurant and at the other end a metal shop where the work ranges from large sculptures to rings and sometimes even flowers.



Flower

And you certainly wouldn't expect what lurks in the garden at the back of the metal shop.


A Rather Large Imagination

But this is Dave Dardis, his creation. He's the force behind RainMaker Art. His mediums of preference are bronze and copper, and his garden is his expression. The collection of paths through his backyard, in many ways, is his own one-of-a-kind art exhibit. While they might seem a little over-sized (I wouldn't want to meet a living one at that size), the sculpted insects feel entirely at home in this space.


Playtime or Snacktime?

If you're ever visiting Carbondale or hiking Giant City or hitting the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, stop along the Boardwalk. Get an ice cream, enjoy the day, but before you leave drop by Dave's shop, check out his works, and ask about the garden. It's a real unexpected treat. You can also find out more about Dave Dardis by visiting his web site.


Makanda Water Tower