Chihuly Reeds, Art, and Dancing at the Art Museum(Thursday Doors 30June2022)

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We went to the local art museum (VMFA) last night.

I mentioned in yesterday’s post (here) how visiting Civil War battlefields in our area leads to different moods (depending on many factors). I also feel this way about art museums. Each visit leads to a different mood depending on personal factors and what is going on at the museum.
Last night they had a jazz band and there was such a relaxed and sweet feeling in the air.

The museum recently did a major cleaning of the the Chihuly Reeds and water area — so this permanent glass art has a totally different mood (less foliage) than during previous summers.

Check out the layers in this photo, The clouds seem to be in sync with the trees, the horizontal lines in the foreground work with the patio to the right and our “Chloe” to the left adds a touch of light to work with the other light elements on right.

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I took these next photos to share for Thursday Doors

1) Wyeth’s (1974) portrait of George Erickson. Note the open door, the reflection,  and then the gaze of our sitter. Also,  I guess the artist noted that the kettle was always kept very polished – and he sure painted those stove items very well. I was surprised this painting was done in the early 1970s because the setting interior felt like a much earlier decor (even tho that stylish, casual shirt looks like it could have been from a mall today).
2)  Twachtman’s “Gloucester Fisherman’s Houses” (c. 1900-1902). Thr next painting has stairs and a faint door from the fishing town of Gloucester, Massachusetts. This town had so many artists painting there in 1900 that it annoyed the fishermen and other workers; many complained or felt insulted that their hard labor and life was viewed as so “picturesque” (but in a way it honored their work because now we have some beautiful preserved snapshots of various parts of their life – including the humble row houses).

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3) Drop-Front Secretary (c. 1780), from India – artist unknown.

This was owned by Anne Willing Bingham, a Philadelphia socialite, and this piece of furniture was the talk of many parties. Guests considered it a “curiosity”- The museum keeps this encased and cleverly leaves one door open so we can see inside.

When we see furniture from the past,  I think it is easy to compare it with today’s abundant options. So if I am the one giving a mini tour of some art pieces at the museum (funnny how this happens naturally over time – we first “take” the tours and then visit a lot and before we realize it – we start expounding on pieces and sharing tidbits gleaned). ☀️😊
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Anyhow, I usually make sure to remind folks about the different times and setting. For example, today almost anyone can have a desk, or secretary, with similar doors, drawers, and design-  but for many centuries – items like this were for the high-income folks with “grand” houses.

I also pointed out that while this bureau looks like something we could get at a local furniture store or easily order online, this one is unique because it has ivory, silver, brass, and panels filled with black lac.

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This little video snippet shows something very special about the museum last night – the community is gathering again! People were dancing to the music and tables were filled. And we knew one of the ladies dancing, it was our son’s friend’s momma, Bernice (in the tan dress) and three folks waved at me as I walked by.

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Thursday Doors -https://nofacilities.com/2022/06/30/i-love-a-parade/

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