The statue itself is an unremarkable bronze bust. What is strange is that, for one, it is mounted on top of a ten-foot tall post! Most puzzling. The bust is often obscured by the branches (and leaves) of the tree directly behind (and over) the statue/bust. Secondly, it is in a very odd location, in the outdoor patio area of a library in a fairly run-down part of town teeming with transients and homeless people. I did not feel safe standing in the courtyard, and left quickly. The statue was created and paid for by the people of Vilnius, Lithuania, which is also quite odd considering that Frank was not Lithuanian in ancestry, but Italian. Considering that he was born in Baltimore, I am surprised that the city itself never erected any kind of memorial to him. I suppose all of the odd circumstances of this statue somehow fit when you consider the odd nature of Zappa's music and films. I just think an iconic artist of such influence should deserve better in the town of his birth.

Frank Zappa, whose music has been variously described as experimental, avant-garde, and improvisational, was born in Baltimore 81 years ago. Unfortunately he died relatively young in 1992 as explained on the plaque at the base of the column holding his bust/Statue. He has been memorialized with statues and busts in Vilnius, Lithuania, Bad Doberan, Germany and fittingly since 2008 in the courtyard of the city library branch in Highlandtown, Baltimore. In fact, August 9 as Baltimore's official Frank Zappa Day in recognition not only of his birthplace, but also his defense of First Amendment rights. As an advocate for self-education, Zappa is well placed next to a library where people can access educational resources on their own. The entrance area is well maintained, but the trees there have grown talker than the statue's column, somewhat hiding it unless one knows what to look for. This is one on several interesting art related things to do in Highlandtown.