Art On Wheels, Part Twelve (Thanks, Philadelphia)

Yeah, Another Blogger

It had been half a year since I’d hauled my scrawny ass around the streets of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, searching for handsomely decorated trucks, vans, buses and other wheeled objects. I was itching to track down another bunch of those bad boys, photograph them, and then compose and publish a new installment of Art On Wheels, a series I’ve grown quite fond of. And so, amidst favorable weather conditions, I hopped aboard a train in my suburban burg three Monday mornings ago. One hour later I arrived in downtown Philly. The game was set to begin.

However . . . I didn’t slip into game mode as effortlessly as I’d expected, because, from the start, some of Philadelphia’s many charms began to distract and seduce me more than slightly. For instance, 19th century townhouses as stately as anyone might wish for. Rittenhouse Square, a perfectly designed neighborhood park. Skyscrapers whose glass facades, in daylight, flaunt fabulous reflections.

It almost got to the point where I considered putting Art On Wheels on hold and writing a piece about the magnificence of The City Of Brotherly Love instead. But that wouldn’t do! Hell, I was on a mission, and I needed to see it through. And so, refocusing, I doggedly looked here, there and everywhere for noteworthy vehicles. Even though I didn’t spot quite as many as I’d have liked during the two hours I spent pounding the pavement, I found enough of them to quench my thirst quite thoroughly. In all, I took portraits of 17 specimens. The six that rang my bell more artistically than the others illustrate this article.

Yes, things worked out well in the end, as they always have in Philadelphia. Being a natural-born worrier, though, I had my doubts at times that day, since each Art On Wheels expedition is in fact a bit of a crapshoot. The odds, of course, were in my favor. You’d think that past experience would have proven to me emphatically that more than a few enterprises making deliveries or providing services in Philly want their vehicles to stand out. That’s just good business sense, right? In fact, it’s surprising, when you think about it, that the exteriors of a high percentage of commercial trucks, vans, etc. are pure vanilla. Flair isn’t in their vocabulary, but it sure wouldn’t hurt if it were.

Do you have favorites among the six vehicles pictured in this story? My top three are the ones promoting Junk In The Trunk, Orbit Water, and Budweiser beer (the slogan “official beer of the shift change” is meant to honor hard workers, such as Shayna Raichilson-Zadok, the chef who is proudly pictured).

Choosing among those three isn’t easy. However, I’m going to go with the candidate that makes me the happiest. Namely, Orbit Water. The truck’s artwork is oh so refreshing. And the smiling guy in the design is the epitome of good cheer. He would make an ideal salesperson for almost any product or service. Excepting cemetery plots and colonoscopies, needless to say, and a handful of others. Orbit Water, you are A-OK in my book.

Let me conclude this opus with a sidenote: For several years I’ve been issuing, without fail, a story every other Tuesday (Tuesday in my time zone, that is). However, seeing that Chanukah has begun and will continue for a few more nights, and that Kwanzaa, Christmas and New Year’s Day soon will arrive, this is a good time for me to step back for a short while. Thus, I won’t be publishing on what would have been the next scheduled date (December 26). But, assuming I remain above ground, I’ll return with fresh material on January 9, 2024. Happy New Year, everyone!

155 thoughts on “Art On Wheels, Part Twelve (Thanks, Philadelphia)”

  1. Linda Pearce Griffin's avatar Linda Pearce Griffin December 18, 2023 / 12:19 pm

    I got a kick out of the pics but my favorite was the red bus. Who couldn’t love a happy red hop on hop off bus to welcome you to Philadelphia??
    I’ve been taking a break from blogging as well so I understand your need to do the same. But I will be looking forward to hearing from you in the New Year. Stay well and warm. Happy Holidays!
    Love,
    Linda

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger December 18, 2023 / 2:04 pm

      That bus’s looks are growing on me. I’d picked Orbit Water as my top choice, but now I’m not so sure. Anyway, take care, Linda. All the best to you and your family.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. indianeskitchen's avatar indianeskitchen December 18, 2023 / 11:57 pm

    Definitely the first three are my favorite. Enjoy your time off blogging until next year.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger December 19, 2023 / 9:25 am

      Thanks for voting. I think that those three are the top three among those who commented. Happy Holidays!

      Like

  3. J P's avatar J P December 19, 2023 / 4:33 am

    I like Junk In The Truck. It’s better than Junk In My House.

    Happy Holidays and see you after!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger December 19, 2023 / 9:27 am

      Your comments brought to mind a guy I knew a little bit, years ago. His apartment was totally filled with stuff, including piles and piles of newspapers and magazines. He was a junk collector.

      Liked by 2 people

  4. Jeff the Chef's avatar Jeff the Chef December 20, 2023 / 12:04 pm

    Happy New Year to you, too! I’m sure you’ll put your off time to all sorts of interesting use.

    Like

    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger December 20, 2023 / 2:37 pm

      Howdy, Jeff. One thing I hope to do is to see the New Year’s Eve fireworks show at Philadelphia’s Delaware River waterfront park.

      Like

  5. eden baylee's avatar eden baylee December 20, 2023 / 11:54 pm

    The beer truck is def my favourite. Black and white makes it subtle and I didn’t know what it was selling until I opened the pic. Hope you have a wonderful holiday season and a very happy new year. I’m still trying to get my blog back up, but that might not happen until 2024!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger December 21, 2023 / 6:54 am

      Hi Eden. A very Happy New Year to you and yours. And I hope your bog is up and running soon!

      Liked by 1 person

  6. equinoxio21's avatar equinoxio21 December 21, 2023 / 7:17 pm

    Moving street art?
    I think I like the Bud truck.
    Happy Holidays

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Indira's avatar Indira December 27, 2023 / 3:05 am

    ‘Moving billboards’ are very common in my place! They add colour to the drab traffic🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Alyson's avatar Alyson December 27, 2023 / 7:10 pm

    It’s got to be the very first one for me – Junk In The Truck – very clever.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. denisebushphoto's avatar denisebushphoto December 30, 2023 / 1:22 pm

    That’s a fun project and you found some beauties. It fits in with your observations about color, as you’ve pointed out before. Made me miss Philly!

    Liked by 1 person

  10. ckennedy's avatar ckennedy December 31, 2023 / 5:17 pm

    Junk in the Trunk is one of my favorites–Happy New Year!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger January 1, 2024 / 8:18 am

      Hi. That truck has gotten a lot of votes. Maybe more than any of the others. It has a lot of fans.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. AmericaOnCoffee's avatar Americaoncoffee December 31, 2023 / 9:03 pm

    A serendipity truck! A replacement of the old American horse and buggy junkman. Thanks Neil for your constant entertainment filled with laughter and curiosities.🤩😙 Have a wonderful prosperous year ahead.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Annika Perry's avatar Annika Perry January 2, 2024 / 6:32 am

    Neil, I think I am a bit biased here and my favourite has to be the London Red Bus! Lovely striking art work on this classic form of transport! Hope you’ve had a wonderful Christmas and wishing you a peaceful and joyful 2024! Annika

    Liked by 1 person

  13. rkrontheroad's avatar rkrontheroad January 2, 2024 / 6:18 pm

    The beer one, although not as colorful, appeals to me like an old time photo. But that red Hop On/Off bus does grab your attention! Happy New Year, my friend.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Velva-Evening With A sandwich's avatar Velva-Evening With A sandwich January 5, 2024 / 2:19 pm

    Hands down the red bus was my favorite! What a great art project. Is Philadelphia known for its colorful vans, trucks and busses or were you on the hunt for them?

    This is my first time to your blog. I hopped over from Jeff the Chef. Glad I came.
    Very cool blog.

    Velva

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger January 5, 2024 / 9:06 pm

      Hi Velva. There are loads of nondescript trucks, vans, etc. in Philadelphia. So, yes I was on the hunt for good-looking ones. I go out on an Art On Wheels expedition about twice each year. I appreciate your stopping by. Take care. Neil

      Like

  15. Crystal's avatar Crystal Byers January 8, 2024 / 3:55 pm

    I like the Budweiser truck and women doing cool, creative things like being a chef.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. tanjabrittonwriter's avatar tanjabrittonwriter January 8, 2024 / 4:23 pm

    Hi Neil,
    I like the last truck best, with the images of all the furniture. It makes me want to redecorate the house, at least in my mind.
    I hope you enjoyed the holidays.
    Tanja

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger January 8, 2024 / 6:05 pm

      Howdy. My house could use some redecorating too. But I’m always slow about getting around to that sort of thing. It’s a big project!

      Liked by 1 person

  17. AmericaOnCoffee's avatar Americaoncoffee January 14, 2024 / 4:46 am

    Awesome! I wonder if anyone has ever considered an art on wheels stationary spacious lot, where people can visit each mobile unit randomly. And several food trucks can be added into this venture. Neil you certainly inspire me. 🤔🧐

    Liked by 1 person

  18. olganm's avatar olganm January 15, 2024 / 5:31 pm

    Fabulous! Great findings and very inspiring!

    Liked by 1 person

  19. Silver Screenings's avatar Silver Screenings January 16, 2024 / 8:00 pm

    I love the Orbit Water truck, too. He has a winning smile, and he seems so darn excited about the water.

    I always enjoy the Art on Wheels exhibits.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger January 16, 2024 / 10:44 pm

      Hi Ruth. I’m looking forward to doing my next installment of Art On Wheels. That’ll be several months from now, I guess.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Silver Screenings's avatar Silver Screenings January 17, 2024 / 10:14 am

        The series would make a terrific coffee table book. Perhaps in conjuctipn withe the Philly tourism folks?

        Liked by 1 person

  20. AmericaOnCoffee's avatar Americaoncoffee January 20, 2024 / 10:36 am

    Oh Neil, you are so energetic. It’s time to inform the art-mobile owners what you are doing. And I am sure the City of Brotherly Love and the art-mobile owners would love for you to commercially exhibit them for the community. I loved all othe art mobiles. Each had a different and interesting flair.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger January 23, 2024 / 7:26 pm

      Evening. I was lucky to spot a nice big bunch of good-looking vehicles.

      Like

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