OCTA Annual Report hits the streets, freeways, Express Lanes, rail lines...

After months of hard work, design revisions, chasing bus and Metrolink passengers during the rush hour commute, and countless copy revisions, James Klein + Associates is proud to announce that the 2008 Annual Report for the Orange County Transportation Authority has finally hit the streets.  The theme, Concrete Results, speaks to the achievements the transportation agency made in 2008, including moving forward with important freeway projects during trying economic times.  In an effort to be economically, and environmentally sensitive the report was scaled down in size, and printed on an uncoated and recycled paper. A cool interactive version of the report (complete with animated page flips) is available online. 

Chihuly Glass exhibit in Scottsdale, a visual feast for your creative soul

In Julia Cameron's book, The Artist's Way, she suggests that to rejuvenate your creative soul, you should take yourself on an "artist date" as much as possible.  I find myself sadly forgetting this treat most of the time.  However, on a recent trip to Scottsdale, Arizona, I discovered a wonderful art exhibit by the renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly in the heart of town at the Desert Botanical Garden.  The exhibit is called Chihuly: The Nature of Glass, and it weaves his breathtaking glass sculptures around some of the areas most dramatic desert scenery.  You'll find art imitating nature and towering saguaro cactus interacting playfully with the vibrant glass.  There are three, four-hour sessions each day to choose from.  If you want the most visual bang for your $15 admission fee, I recommend that you select the 4 p.m to 8 p.m. time slot so you can see the works of art in the dramatic late afternoon sun, and then at night when they are beautifully illuminated.  The exhibit will be at the Desert Botanical Garden through May 31st, and if you are craving a really cool "artist date," I highly recommend escaping to Scottsdale and enjoying this show.