Scrapbook - Airstream Ranch

U.S. Inspect inspectors work in some of the most amazing American cities all over the country. And when we're lucky enough, some of those inspectors send us pictures of the beautiful (or downright strange) places near where they live and work to share in what we like to call our U.S. Inspect Scrapbook.

Paul Tavares, one of our inspectors in the Tampa Area, drove past this very interesting site the other day. (His snap shot below). Above is a professional picture of the--ahem--art sculpture? It's called Airstream Ranch.

In the neighborhood where these inverted Airstream trailers reside, however, the matter of whether this is art or an eyesore is under much debate (In the court system actually). When I researched the site (figuring this had to be a stunt of some local note), I discovered that it is the work of Frank Bates, who created what he says is a tribute to roadside architecture. A RoadsideAmerica.com article goes on to say that while Bates says he considers it art, "his critics claim it is his most audacious advertising stunt yet." See, Frank buried the eight Airstream travel trailers nose-down, in a strip of land along the eastbound lanes of Interstate 4 in Dover, Florida and claims it is "in no way a promotion for his RV dealership, which happens to be next door."

As far as whether it's art or an eyesore (advertisement factors aside), here's what some nearby homeowners had to say:

According to an article in the St. Petersburg Times (A Tampa Bay Paper), "The neighbors say it's definitely not art. Instead, they say, it's a nuisance that increased traffic on their narrow roads, attracted a graffiti artist and made them feel less comfortable about letting their children play in their front yards."

So, you be the judge? What do you think? Is it art, or an advertising stunt? And more importantly, what would you think about living or selling a home with a view of this? Oh, did I mention that today, January 31st also happens to be "Inspire your heart with art day?" Feeling inspired?