CLOSE UP by Brian Rudnick

Adirondack chairs melt vacationers

Scott Blunk and his wife, Tyler Art School assistant professor Lisa Kay, redesigned a pair of Adirondack chairs depicting the remains of a fictional vacationing couple who became so relaxed sitting in the chairs that they melted into them leaving only their clothes behind. The chairs, now outside the couple’s East Highland Avenue home in Chestnut Hill will likely move to the Morris Arboretum this summer where they will be displayed on the grounds with other artistic entries in “Adirondack Chairs, Revisited” an outdoor exhibition co-sponsored with the Woodmere Art Museum.

Casting Spells at Chestnut Hill's Harry Potter weekend

Megan Amsterdam, right, casts a spell on Katie Blumberh. They were joined by friend Danielle Knauer and had just attended Quidditch tournaments at Chestnut Hill College during the Harry Potter weekend in Chestnut Hill. They are Philadelphia University students and big Harry Potter fans. Watch video here.

Bocce Club's July 4th at the Water Tower

 

At the Philadelphia Water Tower Recreation Center in Chestnut Hill, a magician named John brought Anna and "Jimmy the Paleontologist" up on the stage as audience volunteers. July 4th Independence Day celebration produced by the Bocce Club.

Pink flamingos a wedding tradition for Flemings

Robert Fleming and his wife returned from vacation 15 years ago to find a flock of pink flamingos planted in their front yard by, as it turned out, good friends who had been watering plants in their absence. The flamingos have become a tradition at their daughters' weddings. In the winter, they migrate south to Hialeah Park, Fleming jokes. In the background, Amanda Shoulson paints an adirondack chair in preparation for an engagement party for the Flemings' third daughter Annie; the flamingos will fly in for wedding next January. Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia. Watch video here.