Believe it or not, I am a bowling champion. Okay, more like a high school bowling champion but I have a trophy so that shit counts. Anyway, if I ever find myself traveling through Oklahoma on Highway 169 on my way to Tulsa (which is highly unlikely but you never know?) I will have to make sure to stop at Chris and Amy’s Bowling Ball Yard Art. Known as ‘The Bowling Ball Man’, Chris Barbee transformed old bowling balls into assorted sculptures and placed them all over his property. There is an American flag, a fence, a shed, a cross, an alphabet, a peace sign and various insects like a spider and ladybugs. This is ’The Dude’s’ dream come true. If you’re wondering, “Why bowling balls?”, well, there is a reason. After his wife’s death in 1997, Chris wanted to keep her memory alive so he decided to make something with the bowling balls she liked. Friends, family members, and strangers have donated bowling balls, bowling pins, old trophies, and funds to keep his project alive. He’s always looking for contributions, especially from other U.S. states. 20 of the 50 states are currently represented in his work as well as ‘collectible’ bowling balls, like Star Wars, Mickey Mouse, Scooby Doo, and NASCAR. So before throwing out that old bowling ball in the dumpster, maybe consider sending it to Chris. He could use it!
Chris and Amy’s Bowling Ball Yard Art, Oklahoma
