Da Vinci Days

In Corvallis, an hour and a half southwest of Portland, there is a “right brain, meets left brain, random, quirky festival” called daVinci Days. According to their website, “inspired by the genius of Leonardo, daVinci Days sparks creativity, celebrates innovation, and fosters the understanding and integration of art, science, and technology.” I knew that this was something I had to go check out.

The highlight of the festival was the Kinetic Sculptures Race. Kinetic sculptures are moving works of art, pedaled by human power over a rigorous, all-terrain course by teams of fun-loving racers. These engineering marvels move in all kinds of ingenious ways, sculpted into all sorts of fantastic shapes. I chose my vantage point to be on the banks of the Willamette River to watch these vehicles float down stream. It was such a beautiful breezy day.

A Whale of a Tale

Hippypotamus

OctoBus Garden

Something Fishy

El Pollo Diablo

Gossamer Slug

Big Friendly Giraffe

Then I strolled down to Oregon State University campus, coming first upon sidewalk chalk art, and then live music and several booths about art and astronomy and technology.

I love exploring new areas of Oregon. Corvallis is a really cool little college town. I think these festivals are what summer’s all about.