Chris Barbee's Bowling Ball Yard Art

E021 Rd, Nowata, Oklahoma USA

Independent

Permanently Closed

This location is permanently closed.

“folk art made with bowling balls”

Carol Barbee liked roses. Wanting to decorate her rose bed, Chris brought Carol some gazing balls. But these gazing balls were quite durable and could withstand an Oklahoma storm, because they were actually old bowling balls. After Carol's death in 1997, Chris wanted to keep her memory alive and decided to make something with the bowling balls that she liked. This started Chris' first project; the bowling ball fence along the road. Then came the alphabet. The whole thing took on a life of its own; Chris became known as the 'Bowling Ball Man.' Chris has a friend, Amy, that helps collect the materials and come up with ideas for projects. Many others have donated bowling balls, bowling pins, old trophys and funds to purchase material to build some of the creations Chris has made. Any donation of items or ideas for new projects are appreciated. Material can be dropped off in the yard. ("Just kick 'em out- I'll find 'em!) Chris also has set aside bowling balls collected from other states or 'special' bowling balls. He currently has Star Wars, Scooby Doo, Minnie Mouse, Cartoon Network, Oklahoma State University, University of Oklahoma, and NASCAR bowling balls. Hand painted artwork by Joseph Phillips graces a bowling ball and pin from Coffeyville, KS. 12 states are also currently represented. If you'd like your state represented, bring a ball on your visit-be sure to paint your name and state on it- and it will join the 'specials.' You are also welcome to dedicate a ball in memory of someone. Paint their name and information on the ball, and it will be displayed for all to see.

Reviewed by
MrsCop

1 Review
1 Helpful

April 15, 2017

Rated 4.0

Still there April 2017. Still pretty sweet!

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
debratraugerlein

14 Reviews
9 Helpful

September 21, 2020

Rated 5.0

Still there in 2020. Worth the stop. So cool.

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Reviewed by
FromSea2ShiningSea

395 Reviews
33 Helpful

October 23, 2018

Rated 4.0

You can tell the creator (Chris Barbee) has such passion and has put a lot of time and thought into this artwork. I appreciate that he makes it open for all to see. They do take donations if any are visiting and have bowling balls they want to get rid of. Some of my favorites were the pool table, helicopter, ABC's, Christian fish, American flag, pink ribbon for breast cancer, and the traffic light. There's a map where you can put a pin cushion in as have others that have visited all over the country. It's worth a stop if in the area.

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Reviewed by
deboraclary

1 Review
0 Helpful

May 07, 2018

Visited today and LOVED it! Chris Barbee came out to greet us and was so welcoming. Our 2 year old got to run around and enjoyed just as much or more than I did! ❤️. Signed the guest book and was very excited to know that I was the first person from Puerto Rico to visit!!!

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Reviewed by
MeeshaRene

12 Reviews
2 Helpful

July 09, 2017

Rated 5.0

This is not at the right address but when you turn around, you will see signs that point you to the yard art and you can see it from the incorrect address! It's really a must see! Way more interesting to see in person. It's free, You can drive through it and I'm pretty sure no one was home but they leave the gate open and welcome people to view the art. It was awesome to see all the creative things you can do with a bowling ball! I told my husband I HAVE to have one of those flowers in the yard. It was a bowling ball in the middle and bowling pins made the petals. Really cool!

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Reviewed by
apersinger

2 Reviews
0 Helpful

October 28, 2016

Rated 5.0

This was such a cool stop!!! We got to visit with Chris and he was very welcoming and informative. We got pictures with him and he even took some family pictures for us. Some of our favorites was the pool table, breast cancer ribbon, croquet and the flag! It's only a mile off pavement and well worth the trip!!! I am now the cool mom to my family for finding this adventure!!!

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