Solomon's Castle

While we were visiting with Oma we went to Ona, FL and took a tour of Solomon's Castle.  Oma had taken the campers (Elizabeth, Morgan, Jaqi, Katelyn, Kyle and Andrew) there during Oma's camp several years ago so now it was Hannah's turn to experience Solomon's Castle.

I was especially intrigued because the castle is made out of printing plates that Howard Solomon recycled from the local newspaper.  It was pretty amazing and he is definitely blessed with a gift.  His art is so diverse and he uses such a wide variety of mediums.  There are thousands of creations and he is still creating. The tour of the museum included touring his home where many of his works are displayed or used in the architecture of his home.

We found a few good spots for our own photo shoot.  We were just having fun.  We had the place mostly to ourselves. Oma shared a botany lesson or two with us. It's amazing what she knows. It was an wonderful day.  We were so far out in the boondocks that we were technology free for hours.  It was actually rather nice.

 Hannah made friends with one very mangy, but sweet cat.

 Hannah and I looked a little wilted thanks to the heat and humidity, but somehow Oma looked amazing all day long.

Here are some examples of his artwork.

Here are just a few of the more than 80 interpretive stained glass windows.

Just a sampling of his "found objects" sculptures.

 We even met the man himself.  His self portrait done in wood is quiet a good likeness.

We had lunch on "The Boat in the Moat" which Howard Solomon also built. It is a replica of a 16th century Spanish galleon.