Artsy Fartsy

As promised here are some shots from my trip to the art museum this weekend. I have left a few of the pictures in their original large file size in case anyone wants to click them to see some of the impressive details in the work.

First, the front of the museum. I love the architectural details on the column and the soffits. The blue sky didn't hurt either since we haven't seen a lot of that lately.

One of the galleries was given over to an exhibition of local high school students' artwork. Some of it was really very good. i thought this one called Career Day was quite clever and well done. This is one I've left in a large size if you are interested. Unfortunately, I forgot any writing implements so I forget who the artist was since I couldn't write it down.

The next gallery was given over to recent gifts. There was quite a lot of art glass from Steuben and Tiffany. My photo doesn't capture the iridescence of this piece very well but I chuckled as I was shooting it because I could see my reflection in the bowl of the glass.

Another piece of art glass fashioned to look like a growing onion. Again, I don't quite capture the true beauty but you can at least get the idea.

Next was an exhibit of a local potter who uses local clays and fires his wares with local materials like wood ash and corn husks added to the glazes. He uses some sort of very slow firing process in his kiln. The combinations of the various materials and slow firing give the unique gradations of color. I found the patterns on this large platter kind of mesmerizing. Sorry I don't recall the artist's name.

I loved this chair for a lot of reasons. It was made from found materials such as an old wagon wheel and leather strapping. It had very comfortable and elegantly sturdy look to it. I'm giving you the closeup shot because I like the shadow it cast on the wall.

I'm a big fan of portraits. Here is Capri Girl by John Singer Sargent. I left this file size large too so you could check the frame which intrigues me as much as the painting.

There was also a small gallery devoted to Asian sculpture. This is a depiction of the Shiva which came from a panel on a chariot. Again, I left this a large file in case anyone wants to study the details of the carving.

Here's Ganesh, just for Susie since I know she has a fondness for this character.

This is La Petite Pensee. I can't remember who the sculptor was but this piece just enchanted me. Her skin looks so soft and the delicate carving of details like the flower petals, the lace edging her kerchief, and even the folds in the fabric. I can't imagine the skill and time needed to produce something so amazing.

This is called Rising Day. It just embodied a sense of hope don't you think?

Finally there was a small showcase with antique Greek textiles. This is a detail of a beautiful wool and silk velvet woman's vest. The shot I took of the full garment was not very good.

This is another one of the Greek embroideries. The colors don't show up as well as I'd like since there was a greater contrast in the 2 shades of red used but I still like the geometry of the pattern.

Hope you enjoyed the little tour. Which piece was your favorite?