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.