Art On Wheels, Part Eleven (A Philadelphia Story)

Yeah, Another Blogger

It was a fortuitous moment for yours truly when the idea for Art On Wheels popped into my head in 2017, as this series, now comprising 11 stories, has brought me plenty of pleasure. An admirer of good-looking objects, I have become semi-addicted to tracking down attractively decorated trucks, vans and other wheeled vehicles, snapping their portraits and writing about the adventures.

This is especially true for parts eight through eleven of Art On Wheels, which are the four most recent episodes, because I initiated them by roaming the streets of Philadelphia on foot in search of prey. Prior to that, my main modus operandi had been to drive all over the frigging place in the Philadelphia suburbs (I live in those burbs), where I located vehicles in strip malls, loading docks and other non-descript places. I doubt if I’ll ever return to that method. I’d rather walk than drive, for one thing, and Philadelphia, unlike the burbs, is made for walking. What’s more, Philly is fascinating and full of energy. My suburban area doesn’t come close to fitting that description.

There I was, then, on a recent Friday morn, boarding a train in my sleepy town. Forty-five minutes later I bade the train farewell within Jefferson Station in central Philadelphia and headed outside to begin my mission. Past experience had shown me that lovingly adorned vehicles, some in motion, some parked along curbs, are not uncommon on Philadelphia’s streets. But would I encounter enough of them on my wanderings this day to illustrate a story? Was a dud of a day in store?

It wasn’t! Man, within three minutes of exiting the train station I saw, and photographed, several vehicles that passed muster: a delivery truck, a delivery van and a tour bus. I’m worried that the truck and bus might sue me or physically confront me, as I’ve decided that only the van, belonging to the Mini Melts ice cream company, is worthy of immortalization on my site. I tell you, being a beauty contest judge is cool, but there’s a darkish side to the gig.

Long walks and I agree with one another. And it was a long, zigzagging walk I took through a multitude of neighborhoods in Philadelphia, the city I know better than any other. After six and a half miles of pavement-pounding I decided to call it a day. I likely would have continued the expedition for another hour or so, but at around the six-mile mark, from out of the blue, my calf muscles cramped up outrageously. Shit, those f*ckers hurt like hell! I could barely move and had to lean against a building to prevent myself from sinking to the sidewalk. Amazingly, the pain soon mostly went away, but I wasn’t about to push my luck. So, I made my way to Jefferson Station and returned home. I’ve never had leg cramps like those before. If they ever decide to pay a return visit, I’m going to be royally pissed.

I’ve poured over the pix of the vehicles that posed for me during the trek. I’m avoiding overkill by presenting but six of the nearly 20 photos I snapped. They are the portraits I like best. My top two votes go to the trucks belonging to Allspec Construction and to Vision Furniture. They took my breath away when I crossed paths with them the other day, and their pictures continue to do so. The airiness and lightness of their designs make me say “ooh la la!”

Still, I have a clear favorite. Vision Furniture, in my book you are numero uno! Your chairs are the embodiment of happiness, barely restrained by gravity’s pull and delighted to be with one another. And your power goes beyond that: When I look at you, I hear piano music ā€” melodies as carefree as kids at play ā€” accompanying the flying chairs.

Well, maybe I’m getting carried away a bit. But hell, I can’t help myself. It’s the way I roll. Been doing it for decades. One thing I know for sure, in any event, is this: If Vision Furniture had been the only stellar vehicle I saw during my urban safari, I’d have deemed the day a success.

151 thoughts on “Art On Wheels, Part Eleven (A Philadelphia Story)”

  2. alhenry May 20, 2023 / 6:00 pm

    For humor, I vote with College Hunks Moving. For innovative design, it’s gotta be the Red Bull mini truck. Six and a half miles, though, was the most impressive of all. Keep on truckin’!

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger May 21, 2023 / 6:57 am

      Hi. I’d seen Red Bull delivery trucks before. But this was the first time I saw this type of Red Bull vehicle. It’s an eye-catcher, for sure.

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  4. J P May 21, 2023 / 8:59 am

    All I see on the Vision Furniture truck is what the furniture inside must look like as the truck traverses the rough streets of center city Philly. šŸ™‚

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  5. ckennedy May 21, 2023 / 8:27 pm

    Mini Melts on Wheels is my favorite! I love everything about it. So fun.

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger May 21, 2023 / 10:32 pm

      Iā€™m going to have to try one or more of Miniā€™s ice cream products one of these days. Iā€™ve never had any.

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  7. Jeff the Chef May 23, 2023 / 9:50 am

    I love Honest, Uniformed, Nice, Knowledgable Service. I have to admit though, that I kept reading it as “uninformed,” which I quite liked, but couldn’t reconcile with “knowledgable.” Love the truck, and love the idea. You Art on Wheels posts are some of my favorites.

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  8. Joe May 23, 2023 / 12:23 pm

    I agree with your top two favorites, Neil. I give the edge to Allspec. The way they incorporate their tools into the Philly skyline is brilliant.

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  10. alisendopf May 25, 2023 / 2:16 pm

    Too bad you didn’t snag of picture of said H.U.N.K.S. … for a different kind of artwork admiration šŸ™‚ Oh well.

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger May 30, 2023 / 7:25 pm

      Thanks Pam. I’m looking forward to doing the next installment, which I guess will appear about 6 months from now.

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  14. Emma June 3, 2023 / 5:58 am

    Ouch! Those cramps… great round-up of decorated vehicles!

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  15. Ana Daksina June 4, 2023 / 2:38 pm

    An accupressure cure for cramping muscles: Using your thumb and forefinger, pinch the center of your face just above the upper lip for two minutes (and not a second less). I was able to get rid of a foot cramp and finish a museum tour in too-tight spike heels using this technique. Never known it to fail.

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  17. markbierman June 25, 2023 / 7:24 am

    There are some really creative folks out there. Thanks for the photo tour!

    Liked by 1 person

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  18. Silver Screenings July 30, 2023 / 7:02 pm

    My fave is the Vision Furniture van, too. Those chairs make me think of surrealistic films from the early silent era. They all seem so joyful.

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