New York Insider Tours: New York as an Artist's Canvas

One aspect of New York that has endeared this city to me and continues to has been the army of artists -- whether they be musicians, painters or dancers -- who take to New York's streets and its parks to hone their skills and, if we’re lucky, to share them with those of us who want to see and listen.
I remember the first time I heard the sound of a saxophone emanating from the corner of Fifth Avenue and 53rd Street, an acoustically perfect performance chamber thanks to the stone facades of gothic churches, former mansions and towering office buildings. It struck a chord with me and made me grateful to call New York my home.
That feeling overtook me again a little less than two weeks ago when, walking through Washington Square Park with my husband, we happened upon artist Joe Mangrum creating a masterpiece in the midst of a crowd milling about, watching and taking pictures. His canvas was the park’s ground, and his medium was sand, which he expertly let fall through his fingers into a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors.
Now this wasn’t an anomaly. Mangrum can be found around the city -- weather and his schedule permitting, of course -- creating art with a variety of mediums and materials in the public space. You can follow him via Twitter or Facebook to witness his next creation or you can take a look at his Web site, where his bio explains: "Joe began his training as a painter and moved toward installations of found objects, while traveling abroad. He continues to explore multiple mediums and materials in his work."
As for today you can find him in Union Square “above ground or below.” And while I may not think today an ideal day for art -- it started off with snow showers that are expected to return later this afternoon -- he's out and, in my opinion, making the city a little bit brighter. So enjoy images from his work on Jan. 16 below, and the next time you're in the city, check to see if Mangrum will be around. You might just be lucky to see some free art in the making.