The future is now

About six months ago, I wrote a cover story about the state of the arts in Chico, in particular public art. Much of what makes this town beautiful, after all, lies in the murals that adorn building façades, the colorful art benches that line our streets and the whimsical statues sprinkled throughout our parks. What I found, however, is a long list of much-needed repairs and very little money with which to address them.

Enter Daniel Cahill, who earlier this week posted on Facebook about his creative solution to finding a missing finger on the statue of a man on a bench on Vallombrosa Avenue (in front of the CARD Community Center). “I used my camera and 3-D scanned the whole statue and took measurements, went home and digitally reconstructed a finger, 3-D printed it, and reattached,” he wrote.

I reached out to Cahill, who sadly noted that his replacement finger had already been stolen just days after being attached. Not to fear, though, he said he had multiple others at the ready. What’s extra cool: He says he’s reached out to Chico State to see about creating a permanent replacement finger. The process is not all that complicated, he said, and thanks to technology it’s much easier and cheaper than it would have been a decade ago.

“Now, with this 3-D scanning method,” he told me, “it can be taken one step further. This 3-D model can also be thrown into a VR experience … people can view and interact with the model online/digitally. It’s also a great way to physically show people what repairs are needed.”

Damn, technology is cool. Cahill works at Transpose 3D Scanning in Chico, which scans and prints super-detailed items for use in games, movies and even archaeological preservation. Check them out on Facebook to find out more. I’ll post updates on the finger as they become available.

Sip ‘n’ shop Downtown’s Starbucks Coffee is sponsoring a fun, month-long event at cool clothing boutique Anika Burke (211 Main St.). Pop on over on Tuesdays from 10:30-11:30 a.m. for a free cup of coffee, pastry and some sweet shopping deals.

More on Tuesdays If you know me, you probably don’t picture me doing yoga. That’s because I don’t, though it sounds like it’d probably be fun (and good for me) in the right environment. So, mix it with beer and I might just give it a shot. For those of you like me, here’s our chance: The Chico Tap Room (2201 Pillsbury Road, Ste. 114) is offering Bends & Beers on Tuesdays through January. Hosted by local yogi Amy Yurus, the class (6:15-7:30 p.m.) in the game room costs $20 and includes an ice-cold brew. Check the Tap Room’s Facebook page for info and send a direct message to reserve your spot.

Shake your groove thing For those who have the itch to get out on the dance floor but lack the confidence to do so, head on over to Downtown Dance at 7 p.m. on the second Saturday of the month for a free beginner’s lesson in West Coast swing—and stick around for the dance at 8. No partner necessary!