Art Bandit's Work Appears Mysteriously on Old Columbia Road

Have you seen the bandit's art?

If you’ve driven on Old Columbia Road over the past month you may have seen the art bandit’s work posted on lamp posts and trees. There has been a replica deer’s head placed high on a tree, a kid's shovel shaped like a fish, voodoo signs, a tiki doll attached to a tree and a couple of grotesque wood-carved faces, according to the front desk workers at the Preston Country Club for Pets, located at 7363 Old Columbia Rd., in the center of the art bandit’s posting zone.  On Monday afternoon, only two wood-carved faces remained. One was posted just across the driveway of Preston's, the other was located on a speed limit sign near the intersection of Old Columbia Road and Johns Hopkins Road. The police have been taking down the bandit’s work, …

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LOOK: Public Art Popping Up Around Town

Have you seen this new art?

Patrons of local libraries and public places around Columbia may find the scenery a little more aesthetically pleasing these days. Structures approved by the Howard County Arts Council have been installed in several locations across Columbia and Howard County. The installations are part of ARTsites, a year-long public art project celebrating 30 years of the Howard County Arts Council. HCAC anticipates putting the following 12 sculptures around the county:

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The Howard County Bucket List

WATCH: Ellicott City's Bubble Man Returns

Have you seen this leather-capped air artist?

For more than two decades, Barry Gibson has showered the spring and summer days on Main Street in Ellicott City with thousands of fleeting masterpieces. Gibson has been known by folks in Ellicott City as "the bubble guy" ever since he began showing off his bubble blowing talents in front of the Forget Me Not Factory, the magic-themed shop where he works. "It's very soothing. You don't think about anything when you do bubbles," Gibson told Patch. In addition to attracting patrons to the fantastical gift shop, Gibson occasionally uses his hobby to help entertain autistic children with what he calls "bubble therapy." He says watching the bubbles is soothing for people, much like watching the ocean or night sky. "I just tell them, 'Play with …

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Patch Picks: Student Artwork on Display at Columbia Mall

Check out some of the best student artwork on display at Columbia Mall

In case you haven't seen it, there's some great work by local artists on display at the Columbia Mall this month. This is the 40th year the Columbia Mall is hosting art displays from schools throughout the county. There are currently over 3,000 pieces of student artwork on display throughout the mall from 73 elementary, middle and high schools in Howard County, according to a spokesperson for the mall. The project is organized by the Office of Fine Arts at the Howard County Public School System. On Monday, Patch navigated the mall and picked 36 pieces that stood out. Editor's Note: You may find some distortions in the images caused by the camera's lens. Which piece is your favorite? Tell us in the comments.

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Pink Rabbit Unveiled in Elkridge (PHOTOS)

The county executive and other officials attended kickoff for county's new art project.

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Greatest Person: A Disabled Artist Strives to Help Others Like Himself

Paul Weller’s severe disabilities have not stopped him from becoming an artist or helping others like himself.

An artist views things a little differently--and Paul Weller certainly has a unique perspective on the world around him. Born with severe physical impairments, Weller has seen his share of challenges in life. Yet, the 29-year-old who loves art and music is striving to help others like himself. His non-profit organization, Glass Expressions by Paul, will donate 10 percent of its profits to help other disabled people find ways to express themselves creatively. In light of his mission, Weller was recently honored by the Howard County Commission on Disabilities with the Individual Leadership Award for his efforts to give back to the community. Weller was humble when speaking about receiving the award and said simply, “Thanks for noticing me.” …

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