# Eclectic Religious Art ‘Bathtub Madonnas' Stand Perpetually Cleansed in Suburbia By Amelia Roblin | Published 2010-09-05 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bathtub-madonnas References: [apartmenttherapy](http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/boston/look/bathtub-madonna-126212) & [flickr](http://www.flickr.com/photos/joshmichtom/sets/374600/) Photographer Josh Michtom has immortalized a selection of ‘Bathtub Madonnas’ he’s found in the Somerville, Massachusetts area. Displayed most commonly by families of Italian descent, these [shrines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luce) may, for some, be unexpected arrangements on suburban front lawns. For many wishing to display Our Lady out of doors, the use of a [bathtub](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bathtrope) has proven to be a popular solution to shelter her [votive statue](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thrilljoy-pix). The makeshift grottos can be found in endless colours and models giving neighboring ‘Bathtub’ Madonnas distinctive character. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.9/10 - Popularity: 26% | Activity: 22% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Life](https://www.trendhunter.com/life) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Religious Lawn Shrines:** There is an opportunity for businesses to disrupt the religious artifact market by creating new and unique lawn shrines for people to display their devotion. - **Outdoor Religious Decor:** As more people put religious decor outside, companies can push innovation further by creating sustainable, weather-resistant materials for long-term outdoor use. - **Eclectic Yard Displays:** Businesses can disrupt the home decor industry by catering to homeowners' increased desire for unique outdoor displays that reflect their personality and values. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Religious Artifacts:** The religious artifact market has an opportunity to create new and innovative pieces for people to display outdoors, including sustainable materials and unique designs. - **Home Decor:** As more people choose to display eclectic yard art, the home decor industry can target this niche and create unique, personalized decor options for outdoor use. - **Photography:** As photographers capture more unique yard displays like the 'Bathtub Madonnas', they can offer their services to homeowners wishing to document their own unique outdoor decor. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Public Art Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-anthony-smith.md) - [Contemporary Public Bathhouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/round-about-baths.md) - [Egyptian-Informed Bathroom Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/latoxlato.md) - [Suburban-Inspired Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/suburbaninspired-art-exhibition.md) - [Miniaturized Product Art Photographs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/small-muji.md) - [Sophisticated High-Design Bath Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soaking-tub.md) - [Personal Nostalgic Photo Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holy-ohio.md) - [Rounded Hydromassage Tubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aretusa-tub-by-claudio-papa.md) - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md)