In Beholder’s Eye, Junkyard or Art?

WILDWOOD ─ “I can’t believe it,” said Barbara Blute as the Herald met with her and husband Tim Oct. 30. Blute said she had no intention of offending anyone in her response to a Spout-Off comment regarding their property.
The Blutes opened their doors to the Herald and shared their vision and desire to help “beautify” their block and the city they love so well.
“We live and breathe Wildwood,” said Tim, a city employee in the Inspections Office. 
Retired from New York where he worked in heating, ventilation and air conditioning, Blute says he enjoys his job making the city a better, cleaner place to live and visit.
The property at the corner of Park Boulevard and Leaming Avenue has undergone a transformation since the Blutes purchased the adjacent lot.
Once the home of a local physician, the abandoned property caused concerns due to rat infestation, stench, and mold – a result from Superstorm Sandy (October 2012) and Winter Storm Jonas (2016). Blute said he petitioned the city to “do something” about the abandoned property.
When the structure was demolished, Blute purchased the lot and began the process of “beautifying” the area. A collector, Blute displayed artwork, vintage signs, and other objects in the yard. According to Blute, over 40 tons of rock has been laid.
Barbara paints seascapes on many objects, repurposing them as artwork.
The couple moved to Wildwood permanently in 2012. Tim reflected on how friends in New York would advise him to move south “where the lights flash, and the people are friendly.”
Barbara concurred, commenting on the spirit of the community after living and working in the corporate world.
Barbara is celebrating five years of being cancer-free. Support during treatment came from all sides, including John Lynch, Mayor Ernie Troiano, and Wildwood Crest Commissioner Joyce Gould.
“We want to bring a breath of fresh air to Wildwood,” said Tim. “It’s simple: we love Wildwood.”
Blute said that neighbors, friends, and even strangers had donated various pieces for their yard. According to Blute, friends, and strangers stop to admire the display and even pose for pictures beside the hot-dog statue.
“How can you call it junk?” said Barbara. “I feel bad.”
Since the Spout-Off comment, Barbara replied with a letter to the editor that defended the couple’s vision. Barbara told the Herald the experience had evoked emotion.
Tim and Barbara gladly call Wildwood home and anticipate further progress made by city leaders and residents.
When asked their opinion for Pacific Avenue, Tim replied the area should be “reinvented.”
Online shopping, according to Blute, has changed retail and how people interact with one another.
“We (Wildwood) have issues here – every town does,” said Barbara. Tim compares Wildwood to the “end slice of bread:” everyone takes surrounding slices. However, the Blutes are optimistic about further progress and development.
“Wildwood is on the upswing,” said Barbara.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.