An Artist of Whimsy and Delight

The Bicker Booth "...is divided into two sections with a small window between. Two participants enter either side of the booth and come face to face. Each side has a Rolodex file with approximately 300 theatrical clichés inspired from soap operas and movies. For example, 'We'll never resolve this,' 'It's time you grow up' to 'I don't care anymore,' and I've had enough of your crap.' A dramatic sound track sets the theatrical tone to bicker." It was designed by Bob Gregson. The very same Bob Gregson who wrote The Outrageous Outdoor Games Book and The Incredible Indoor Games Book. And equally if not moreso the identically similar Gregson whose drawings grace the pages of the Junkyard Sports Website and whose artistically bickerable face appears in the Bicker Booth photo.

I met Bob in, what, 1975 maybe when I was teaching at Trinity College in Hartford. He was driving around in a truck full of play stuff, stopping in different neighborhoods to create instant play festivals. My kids introduced us. Naturally. He and I have remained friends and admirers and, in our unique ways, both dedicated to the art of fun.

He explains himself thus: "My roots can be traced to Conceptual Art, Happenings, Minimalism and the Fluxus movement. My work is a mixture of visual art, architecture, urban events and game design. The key is to invite a dialog and provide an intimate and safe experience ? no matter the size or scale of the project. My large-scale public projects connect communities in fresh ways by creating a framework for dynamic interchange. Because of the collaborative nature necessary to produce this work, I am also committed to making personal small-scale works to focus my point of view ? allowing me to appreciate the views of others. These personal efforts take the form of constructions, photography, artist's books, and conceptual models."

Bob has a great deal to give to all of us. His website is yet another gift.