All photos by Evan Mather, except where noted.

One of my favorite artists – Alexander Calder – died 39 years ago today. While visiting Chicago this weekend for the ASLA Annual Meeting and EXPO, I took the opportunity to visit one of my favorite Calder works – Flamingo.

Flamingo as viewed from the Willis Tower skyjack. Creative Commons photo: Jeremy Atherton

There are many reasons why I love this piece – not the least how the vermillion (aka Calder Red) stands out within the surrounding monochromatic cityscape. But possibly more so the tactile nature of the piece – being able to walk right up to it and touch it – the surface, the rivets, Calder’s signature.