Thursday, April 24, 2014

A day at the art museum

As part of my birthday gift,

my friend Sally took me to

the art museum,

locally known as WAM.

There were two exhibits I wanted to see, and one I wanted Sally to see. 

But she wanted to eat at the Museum Cafe.  Her image was captured in the reflection of the glass in this photo, as she waited for me to take a few quick photos of the Pre-Colombian exhibit, one of WAM's permanent collections, while waiting for the elevator to the second floor.






A few quick shots later, It was now time to catch the elevator and head to the cafe.

Sally waited while I took a few random shots

before we entered 


the Museum Cafe.

After we ordered, I used the wait time to shoot a few random shots in the cafe, too.

I've never eaten in the Museum Cafe before, but I have visited the Gift Shop, which is next door.

I haven't given it much thought before, but most museums, at least the ones I've been to, have their gift shops close to the entrance, so you can pop in and buy a gift or souvenir if you don't have time to take in the museum, or don't want to pay the admission price.  But WAM is not like those other museums.  You must pay the price, or not eat or shop there.

Sally and I both had the same lunch: egg white omelet, potato patty, toast, salmon, and a sprig of grapes.  The food was "OK," but even though I'm a sauce junkie, I don't like everything (including the grapes) swimming in the same sauce.  Highly disappointing.  As was my toast, which was dry, but just the way Sally likes hers.

Right outside the cafe and gift shop areas is the large area where the Chihuly chandelier is on permanent display.   Chihuly's glass blowing skills and his art are known worldwide.

I made a conscious effort to keep out of the glass reflections, which were everywhere.  Luckily, I'm smaller than the width of that column, so I was able to capture both sides of the glass.  It may seem like a very busy shot to you, but it was actually one of my favorites I took that day.

Chihuly also created this blown glass sculpture which can be seen from the entrance of the museum (entrance shown partially in the photo above). 

The bridge is on the second floor and showcases the top of the sculpture.  It's truly magnificent.

I failed to get a photo of the name of this exhibit in the Murdock Gallery that had been put together by the museum from their permanent collection.  However, I'll let you peruse it at your preferred pace.











Did you find a few pieces that impressed you?  I know I did.

It's time to put this post to bed, so to speak.  Here's another view of the outside of WAM from the second floor.

Since I took so many photos, and still didn't see one of the galleries I was hoping to visit, I'll come back tomorrow with a surprise, then again on Sunday with a silent (or perhaps nearly silent) entry.

13 thoughtful remarks:

Dianne said...

Oh my dear E, I ADORED this post! big fan of Chihuly...was surprised to see that there was a 'bridge.' In Columbus Ohio there is an installation in one of the ceilings at the Conservatory (plants), and you see the glass from below, in addition to quite a few other sculptures that are displayed among the plantings. It's magnificent! Your photos reveal sparkling glass everywhere, and you did quite well avoiding reflections that would obscure the contents of the displays--as well as any image of yourself! lol! The Columbian pieces are beautiful, and the paintings truly outstanding. The corn stalks attracted me, though I have no idea who the painter is, but I guess it is a midwest theme that I associate with 'home' and summer...so glad you posted this. too bad lunch was less than stellar, but looks like you had a beautiful day otherwise. thanks for sharing...

Jo Murray said...

What a wonderful museum! Loved my vicarious trip through the displays...and the restaurant. Thank you. Sorry the food was mediocre...guess that's the luck of the draw.

Halle said...

What a beautiful place! Too bad the food wasn't as good as the art.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful space. They spent lots on the furnishings (our thing) All of them are the modern classics by Mies Van De Rohe and Corbusier....but they look great. I had a few of those modern pieces that were quite wow and the pottery exhibit, so nice. Also that big sculpture outside- Henry Moore? Museum cafes always look gorgeous and the food is always mediocre - funny. It looks good but not always tasty. Still all in all, a lovely place.

Helen said...

Loved looking at the exhibits here, Elizabeth! I discovered Chihuly when he did an exhibition at my much loved Kew Gardens (grin) a few years ago, his work is amazing. Shame the food didn't match up to the art!

Unknown said...

Everything was just gorgeous. Even the food looked gorgeous, least you have a beautiful pic of lunch even though it tasted not as pretty as it looked. I love all the exhibits. Thank you so much for sharing. My favorite was the sunflower painting. The artist truly captured Kansas in the perfect way even with the low lying clouds. I am always homesick for Kansas in the Spring. I live vicariously through your posts. Be careful this weekend with the upcoming storms.

TwinkleToes2day said...

How wonderful to have such a magnificent museum to visit, shop & eat in. (I'm with you on the soggy sauce thing)
What grabs me, is the spaciousnbess of it. No squishing around and between people to look at something or the risk of knocking over something precious behind you with a bag cos everything's too close together. Yikes! I hope to see more of this place, through your clever lens. Thank you for sharing :o)

Vicki Miller said...

I would love to have been there with you. Visiting a museum is a huge day out for me, so I tend to do my viewing at museums online!

~*~Patty S said...

Wonderful tour you took us on Elizabeth! Your photos are super and full of wonder!!!
We are big Chihuly fans ... you are lucky to have some permanent pieces there.
The blooming Redbud trees are very pretty too.
oxo

Craftymoose Crafts said...

Looks like it was a beautiful day both inside and out! I saw my first Chihuly in Las Vegas in the Bellagio Hotel and was totally blown away!

The meal looked so good, but I hear you about the sauce!

Darla said...

Thanks for the tour. Lots to look at. I really stopped to examine your photo's of the Pre-Colombian art.

Darla

voodoo vixen said...

Really enjoyed your tour around the museum and yes, I saw lots of stuff I liked and was surprised at how alike some of the Columbian art is to African art... hmmm, there must be a reason for that.

Karla B said...

Wonderful post Elizabeth!I love the pictures you take. They take me to another world.