Happy Galentine's Day! We hope you're having a wonderful day filled with love and happiness, no matter what your plans are. Kristen Rabell and Rebecca Johnson, the Brokers/Owners of Rabell Realty Group, talked about all things Valentine’s on this week’s Facebook Live stream! They dished on their favorite local restaurants in Gainesville, as well as where you can find those iconic LOVE Sculptures around the country.
So join us, won't you, as we dive into the world of love, food, and friendship! And remember, love is never corny, but our puns definitely will be!
Kristen and Rebecca’s Favorite Local Date Spots
In case you missed it, here are Kristen and Rebecca’s favorite local date spots in the Greater Gainesville area. These places are perfect for a Valentine’s Day, Galentine's Day, or any date night!
Kristen’s Top 5 Favorites
- Sushi Matsuri: The best sushi in town.
- Mojo Hogtown BBQ: Old Fashion’s at the bar.
- Sparks at Embers: Amazing appetizers and drinks.
- One Love Cafe: Live music and drinks.
- Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille: Sunday brunch.
Rebecca’s Top 5 Favorites
- Bragging Rights Amusements: All you can play retro gaming.
- First Magnitudes Brewing Company: Bird watching, nightcaps, and trivia.
- Lebowski’s Pup Pub: Sunshine, cold beers and puppies.
- That 80s Bar: Karaoke nights!
- Prime and Pearl: Old Fashion’s at the bar.
A Brief History of LOVE: How One Sculpture Stole the Hearts of the Art World
Recognizable by the large stacked letters spelling out the word “LOVE,” these love-ly sculptures can be found in many different parts of the world, including the United States, Europe, Canada and South America. The original print and design for the sculptures was created by Robert Indiana, an American artist known for his association with the Pop Art movement.
The iconic image was originally created in 1964 when the Museum of Modern Art in New York City commissionedIndiana to make a Christmas card, and was later transformed into the first Love sculpture in 1970.
Where to Find Love Sculptures
Indianapolis, Indiana Love Sculpture
The first LOVE sculpture was created in 1970 by Robert Indiana and is located at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. This statue was executed in North Haven, Connecticut and after its move to Indianapolis, the sculpture was installed on the main plaza at the museum. LOVE has undergone a few location changes since its original placement in 1975, but the sculpture now sits inside the museum for all to see!
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Love Park, also known as John F. Kennedy Plaza, is a public park located in Center City, Philadelphia. The park was nicknamed Love Park because of the LOVE sculpture that overlooks the plaza, which is a reproduction of the original sculpture created by Robert Indiana. The LOVE sculpture was placed in the plaza in 1976 as part of the United States Bicentennial celebration, but was removed once the celebration ended in 1978. By popular demand, the LOVE scuplture came out of retirement when the Philadelphia Arts Commission purchased it and permanently placed in the plaza.
Scottsdale Arizona
Purchased through the Scottsdale Public Art Program, the LOVE sculpture was the first in a series of five purchases of the red/blue color scheme. It was dedicated on October 13, 2002, during a ceremony attended by the artist, Robert Indiana. Through the years, Scottsdale’s LOVE sculpture has been a popular background for photos by both tourists and community members alike.
Aventura, Florida
The mall is typically not one of the first tourist attractions when visiting a new city, but that is not the case in Miami! The Aventura Mall’s contemporary arts program challenges that of museums, and the Iconic LOVE sculpture that was introduced in 1998 helps make this belief a reality. This sculpture is displayed on the upper level of the Aventura Mall’s new wing’s outdoor area, adjacent to Tap 42 Craft Kitchen & Bar, so go check it out the next time you are in Miami and share your photos on social media!