Next stop my choice! I decided to visit the Minnesota Institute of Art (MIA) because I was required to do so previously and was unable to attend. I wanted to make sure I had the opportunity to write about my experience.

I found out this semester the hardest thing about Art in City is being able to juggle a work schedule and a museum schedule. Most may think it would not be that difficult but without having a set schedule I was introduced to challenges. The two museums I was unable to visit and blog about happen to be the two museums I wanted to visit most, MIA and the Walker Art Museum. With the hours each of these museums were open I wasn’t able to attend due to other obligations. As most of you would say forget it I decided to attend just on my own time when it was convenience.

If you have not visited the MIA before I strongly encourage everyone to do so. This museum will open your eyes to much art that has been forgotten, un-noticed, never recognized or art that was introduced to you at different dates. The experience and wonders that one will be forced to see will open your eyes to whole new art world.

I have visited this museum many times before and I believe every time I attend I see new works of art that I had not noticed before or I pay more attention to art that was unrecognized to me. With as much art that is there and your introduced to I would say it is impossible to fully give your attention to all of the art in one viewing. I would recommend going to this museum often with some knowledge of the different galleries to get a full experience as well as taking the amount of time to really view each piece.

One cannot give justice to this museum in one visit!

The MIA is a unique museum that happens to be the largest in museum in Minnesota. This museum hold art from the entire well known artist as well as artist many have not heard of. When visit you may come across items one would not even expect to be art!
I find the MIA to be relaxing, soothing, over whelming and yet an adventure. With all of the components I have not yet been disappointed by my outcome. My favorite spot to attend at the museum happens to be a very well known piece of work!

Rembrandt, Dutch 1606-1669, Lucretia 1666, oil on canvas. This painting happens to be one of my most favorite paintings of all time. My love for this painting started two years ago in an art history course I was taking. After learning about this particular painting I needed to see it up close. I drove two hours to view this painting and sat in the room looking at it for about forty five minutes. Even to this day I spend about twenty five to forty minutes still viewing this painting in each visit.

This particular painting comes with a unique explanation. You see this painting is a painting of a wife who happens to be married to a nobleman known for his loyalty. The wife was raped by a village man whom was sexes and un- loyal. After her husband and son found out about the rapping she decided to take her own life due to respect and loyalty her son found her the next day.

Lucretia is painted with dark shades except for her white night gown that is covered in blood. With the distress of sadness in her eyes there is no way a viewer is capable of walking away from this painting without feeling anything!

What makes this painting unique to the MIA is that there is a double of this painting in a museum located in New York City. The significance and difference between this painting and the other is that in this particular one Rembrandt painted her after she killed herself. New York’s museum has the same painting only it shows her before taking her own life.
I feel everyone should view this painting and actually look into her eyes and listen to feeling it will give you.

With many other works of art that come from great painters I strongly encourage you to view. One can view the Tea House in the Japan gallery, Bamboo Rocks, 1760 ink on paper in the China Gallery, El Greco’s Spanish art, Vincent Van Gogh’s, one out of 15 Olive Tree paintings, the Veiled Lady sculpture by Raffaelo Monti, Pablo Picasso’s Baboon and Young, Frank Stella’s work, Georgia O’Keeffe and much more. I guarantee you that there is something at the MIA for everyone and that it will entertain you. One may become over whelmed but please take your time and make multiple trips so your capable to view each work of art with the respect it deserves.

The museum is FREE to the public but will except donations!

1. What you make is important
2. Design is an integral part of business
3. Products must be honest
4. You decide what you will make
5. Market for a good design
Herman Miller

This week’s gallery was located at Goldstein Museum found in the University of Minnesota. I found the designs very unique and creative as well as inviting. As for the environment of the gallery itself I found it very uncomfortable, stuffy, hot, crowded and suffocating. There was a lot to look at and a lot going on in this gallery! I wouldn’t recommend it unless one is capable of adjusting to such an environment, however; I do recommend researching and viewing the designs of Herman Miller INC.

Herman Miller is a company located in Michigan that creates and manufactures creative designer furniture. The company is made up of three different designers Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson and Isamu Noguchi. Each designers work represents the nations defining social movement, global expansion, the West coast coming of age and the economies making of goods.

“Everybody deserves a good chair,” Herman Miller.

Herman Miller was Dj De Pree’s father in law. Herman was brought to Zeeland to rescue the colonial manufacturing company. Within time Herman raised wages and cut the work hour weeks from 59 to 40. It was looked at as a well respected designer and was often described as “ordinary or extraordinary.”

“Why do I work for Herman Miller? Because they trust me,” George Nelson.

Charles was born in St. Louis Missouri and studied architecture until 1938 soon after he moved to Michigan for Art.

Ray Kaiser studied abstract painting. The two designers met in 1940 while preparing an entry for the Museum of Modern Art. The entry was a set up of organic designs of home furniture and consisted of drawn to scale model and photos of five different chairs, two sofas, two tables and case goods.

“Priority number one is the people who are going to live with your product,” Dj De Pree.

Charles and Ray Eames had four different designs shown at this exhibit. Out of the four I found the “Screen indoor, outdoor, Reclining chair and Ottoman, 1958.” Aluminum, woven saran and plastic. The most inviting and fascinating.

I have seen this design before and I have also had the opportunity to sit in one and enjoy the comfort. The chair was very inviting and would mostly be used for a piece of patio furniture. If one could afford this chair or design I would highly recommend it. The furniture that was shown was definitely something we have all seen before whether it was an original or an offset of the design itself.

As I continued to explore the gallery I came upon the area of all different designs. With the many different designs I was attracted to three in particular.

1. Love Seat or “Marshmallow” sofa, 1956. George Nelson, designer.
Foam circular cushions with upholstery on steel frame.
This sofa was the first to be produced.

I found the chair very inviting with a vibrant blue color. At the first glance one may think the sofa wouldn’t be as comfortable but with much examination I believe the sofa would be one of the most comfortable sofas out there. As I continued to look at the design the more and more I wish I had one. This sofa wasn’t an ordinary sofa but an extraordinary. Reminding me of what the employees said about the company and owner on the previous board. “He is either ordinary of extraordinary.”

2. Ottoman, 1966-1967
Alexander Girard, Designer
“Jacob’s coat” upholstery, chrome plated legs.
Designed for lobby of Braniff Airlines office in New York.

This design was very colorful with a creative pattern. I found the ottoman very fun and creative. This ottoman looked like any other ottoman but a lot larger and in the shape of a circle. I believe I was attracted this piece of work because of the colors and fabrics. I could see this piece being placed in a longing area and a very warm and inviting space.

3. Bentwood or “Pretzel” side chair 1958-1960
George Nelson, Designer
Bent birch wood with original upholstery by Alexander Girad

I found this design unique because of the fabric that covered the chair. Once again the material grasped my eye. As for the design of the chair itself, I thought it seemed like any other chair but made with wood instead of metal or steel.

All of the designs that were shown where very unique and creative some of the designs are like others that one has may seen but I found a lot of different designs one may not have seen. I do recommended viewing designs or researching the work.

As for the last designer I would like to point out to you is George Nelson. Mr. Nelson was born in 1908 in Hartford. He studied architecture at Yale University and became the designer director for Herman for over twenty five years where he worked side by side with Dj De Pree. George was a much respected man and designed many different office spaces and office furniture.

“The answers are found in the people not the hardware,” George Nelson.

Next stop… This girl is on her way to Christensen Art Gallery and The Gage Family Art Gallery, woot woot!!

Warm, opening, soothing music and a real unique set up for Lucia Hwang’s art exhibit, I strongly recommend everyone to see this. Her art game me a unique meaning. Before I explain what I depicted out of her art I am going to introduce some Lucia.

Lucia was born in Korea and has a BA in fine arts. “What’s Up?” is describe as “The moment we open our eyes in the morning, we begin the process of acceptance and rejection of the world that surrounds us. We accept the things familiar, soothing, comforting and valuable in our lives. We also reject both in physical and in psychologies, those that do not comfort our souls. The dichotomy of love and hate, pride and humility in everyday life is the basis of this work. The conflict occurs when we are unable to either accept or reject the reality that surrounds us. This work represents the inner conflict that material world challenge to our innermost emotional well-being. We are all vulnerable and fragile individual easily manipulated and solicited. Yet deep in our heart, we know the outer shell does not even begin to represent the pulsating and ever-growing inner individuality.”

As I looked at the mix media art I noticed three main pieces Project I, Louise Chicken 9’ x 5’ x 1’, Project II, Trash Can 7’ x 5’ x 2’ and Project III, Thinking about you, 8’ x 8’ x 2’.

Project I, Louise Chicken, was of a chicken that was hip hopped out. Holding a bag with the initials “CL” stamped on it. In comparison the egg cartoons also had the same stamp referencing each other. The initials hold the same design as Louie Phonton.

Judging by the name of the piece I understood the mix media representing change and challenges. As we wake up and look around we notice things but we may fail to act on them. Rejecting ourselves from taking on the challenge of change because of the outcome we may discover.

What I really enjoyed about the works of art is a person can and could come up with their own personal meaning to the piece of art.

Project II, Trash Can, was very unique. The piece of art was of a trash can lying sideways and open on the ground, attached to the can is a chain that is locked and keyed to a post. Lying next to the can is a sign that reads “Private Property Keep Out.” Once again the initials “CL” are stamped on the can.

As I continued to look at this work of art I gathered this piece could represent wealth and fame. The trash can is open for the public to view what is in side and no matter how much you make a point to say my life is my life it is still open for the world to view. By chaining the can your showing owner ship and requesting others to keep out, however that doesn’t always happen and I believe that is what the work of art is representing and presenting.

Project III, Thinking about you, is of 365 rolls of toilet paper scattered around a toilet! Stamped onto the rolls of toilet paper are the same initials as the other pieces. All works of art correspond and represent one piece due to the stamping of the initials

As I viewed this work I decided it represented the fast paced world and how people do not have time to think of others or relax. Judging by the name of the work of art it gave me the thought the art shows the only time someone will have time to think or relax is while in the bathroom. I believe this happens to many individuals with the economy.

I really enjoyed this exhibit and would definitely say it was one of my favorites. I strongly feel there is a lot of philosophy and politics represented in these pieces. I encourage all to view and come up with your own ideas for what the artist is trying to show!

Next exhibit brought me to “Pixel and Pen,” digital artist with hand rendering and computer drawing. This exhibit held 12 different digital art artists.

I am not much for digital art and I don’t have much of an opinion on it, however, I did find two pictures I found very interesting!

Q. Cssetti, portrait of Kitty, 2008, digital art. I really liked this piece because it didn’t look like digital art but rather of a painting. This piece was very defined and simple. The artist used very simple colors with limited shades. She did a really good job with the form of the picture and clarity. I found myself seeing this picture out of all the others. It popped and was easy to focus on.

The next picture was Roman Versotko, Madame Curie, 2006, ink on paper. This work of art was very soft and un-noticeable. It was very difficult to make out the picture and reminded me on Japanese art with ink on paper. The color looks like color pencil detail and holds Japanese letters/ words on the bottom. I believe this picture allows the viewer to day dream and use their imagination. If it is anything like Japanese art I would assume the picture and wording is of a poem or letter.

I wasn’t as impressed with the digital art as I was with the mix media. The room and atmosphere of each room was different as well. I believe it could have been due to the location and lighting. Pixel was located in the main entrance of the school and was surrounded by windows with many students walking around. The other exhibit is in walking distance of an entrance but wasn’t as occupied.

The Precious Object

For each person the word precious can have many different meanings but to some art students “The Precious Object” means so much more. Two weeks ago my art expedition sent me to the Minneapolis Library, MN. The libraries architecture was phenomenal to the extent you wouldn’t even think about the building being a library if it wasn’t for the large stone sign that reads “Minneapolis Library.”

The building is constructed from a large amount of glass that holds many different levels. As you walk in you’re greeted with a large opening that shows the variety of the different levels. I was seriously in “AWE” as I walked through the building. I remember repeating on many different occasions “I am in a library?” I promise you if you have not been to the library or don’t even like the library this library you have to see!!! This building is constructed for all viewers and offers
many different things; although, I was only truly interested in the art exhibit.

The exhibit is located on the second floor. It’s a small room with a bit of a worm atmosphere the tiles of the floor give the room a bit of a color but the art that is in the room brightens it to no other. I could not remember the last time I had seen some really interesting art that made me stare for minuets. The details of the art that was there were incredible.

The title of the exhibit that was appearing in the library was called “The Precious Object,” the exhibits held the theme of bring groups of objects to one location to find out how they would interact with another across many different disciplines. The objects are to bring an early impulse from the contemporary age and to help viewers understand the world in rational orders. From the start of Europe to the home of Minnesotans and across the world “The Precious Object,” continues to spread.

Out of all the different creative forms of art I found four pieces to draw my attention the most those four pieces were Bellicose Biotype, Blinded by words, Mimicry and It could have happened yesterday; it could have happen today.

Bellicose Biotope by Liz Miller, mixed media, 2009 was a very interesting piece that hung from the ceiling of the exhibit. It was created through different materials with the main material being felt. Ms. Miller is involved in the relationships between the environment and the man made environment. Her piece that was showing at this exhibit was of multiple floras that were both beautiful and dangerous. She is trying to capture the beauty of organic and organic growth.
I found her piece very interesting and yet also expiring.

The next piece was blinded by Words by Beth Barron, hand stitched cotton thread on cotton cloth with dog hair, 2009. Ms. Barron has a love for words, poetry and letters. This was very much recognized through her work of art.

What I found very interesting and eye catching in her piece is that the viewer was not capable of seeing any words until he or she was to use the megaphine glass that was offered to them. Once the viewer was to use this tool it was very clear she had stitched small words into the fabric. The stitching is the same color as the clothed material and dog hair.

I really enjoyed this piece and I thought it was very clever of her to use white and white throughout the whole piece but for a small detail of red that was stitched in but in small portions.
Mimicry by Alison Hittner, mixed media: wax, clay and artificial flowers, 2009. This piece I thought was very creative and unique. I had never seen anything like this but reminded me of some kind of poisons flower that one would see on a movie.

Ms. Hittner was trying to express endless possibilities and continuous evolutions. Where she could express the question “what if mundane objects were suddenly infused with life?” she expressed her art with exploration of one’s potential path in an alternate natural history. By doing this she creative small shaped flowers assorted with many different colors to show a human and environment theme.

The next piece that seemed to catch my eye for a long while was it could have happened yesterday or could have happened today by Andy Ducett, mixed media, 2009. His piece used many different common house hold objects to create one master piece.

Mr. Ducett’s main priority in this project was exploring the identity of groups and relationships of objects. He wanted to express selective memory and personal significant of different objects one would collect over time. He used these objects as a mind map recalling his childhood memories in Minnesota’s pop culture.

I really enjoyed looking at this piece and the different Medias, I found he used lights, towels, fan, quit tips, elephant, cups, record player, posters and much more. It was really neat how he incorporated each item into a whole project. The meaning of each piece was recognized or the viewer could create their own memory from it. I spend most of my time in front of this piece with many other observers. From every angle you stood there was something new to focus on!

The history of modern art is also the history of the progressive loss of art's audience. Art has increasingly become the concern of the artist and the bafflement of the public. Paul Gauguin

Up Town Story by Paul Gossel, is what I would consider an 80’s back flash. As I walked into the exhibit I was greeted with a large empty room. White walls and a yellow floor with an abundance of light; placed all the walls were oil painted canvases that reflected a story that only the viewer could create.

I found Gossel’s art to be very creative and yet constructed. He reminded me not only of the 80’s because of the neon colors and comic apparel but also as a mimic of Andy Warhol.

Parallel to the entrance of the exhibit Gossel had a very large painting that was created from individual canvases that were laid out to create one very large painting. The smaller canvases had paintings of two famous individuals that created history. The two individuals that were painted and repeated through the room were of Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston.
As I sat there viewing the other paintings that where laid out around the room in an orderly fashion I noticed many different characteristics. All of his paintings had something in common. Each painting had a little bit of another painting within the picture.

Yet this may seem very difficult for one to understand without viewing I will try to explain a little more in depth. Paul Gossel had approximately eight paintings that were viewed as a comic. A comic you may find in Bazooka bubble gum wrapper!

Each picture told a story, however; the story was not completed. He placed large bubbles above the male and female head’s with words in them, although; not the entire picture allowed you to be able to read what was wrote in the bubble.

Each picture was significant to one another as well as holding another painting within it. For example in one painting there is a woman (who is in every painting) who looks terrified with a man standing behind her. Above the man there is a bubble that has words however the viewer is not capable of reading what is wrote within the bubble.

I became of aware that Gossel also put small clips of Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston’s body parts in the picture. So you may have seen Whitney’s nose in one painting and or Michael’s nose in another. This continued throughout all eight paintings.

I found the longer you sat there the more of the story you could create. It seems as if the artist wanted to draw your attention in for a long period of time. The layout on the wall and the placements of each object in the photo worked together to keep a viewer intrigued.

I feel that Gossel changed many of the pictures with small details that only one who exams the picture for a period of time may have noticed. What I mean by this is in each picture he would change the color of something. For example in comparison to two of his works of art, the female he was painting looked the exact same but had different color lips. I found this to be something he did throughout each painting. I give Gossel props on being able to move a viewer’s eyes around the room without losing their attention or depleting it for that matter.

As I viewed the room I found one picture in particular I enjoyed looking at the most and more frequently than the others this picture was “Dial Tone,” marked media on canvas 2009.
Dial Tone drew me in because of the large word printed behind the female and of the eyes of the female who was in the painting. The painting was of a female who was calling someone. She looked very distressed and anxious. The word DRUG was printed very large behind her as she continued to dial someone’s phone number trying to reach them.

I found myself looking at her facial expression wondering who she would be calling and continuously wondering if it had relation to an overdose or an addiction to drugs.
Once again I was reminded by Andy Warhol’s paintings and his story while viewing “Dial Tone.” I believe this was why I so intrigued with this one work of art.

I strongly recommend each person to view Gossels work “Up Town Story.” I cannot see anyone being dissatisfied and for anyone to be able to get a full description of his work of arts you must view yourself and create your own story!

The next exhibit was “I Have A Map,” by Amy Rice.

Rice’s work of art was very entertaining. I did not find her art to be as creative or as unique as Gossel’s nor did I like her art any more than his. With that said I would like to mention her art mind boggled me and got me wondering how one could have the patients to create the tides’ works of art that she had.

Rice’s works of art were painted onto small pieces of wood somewhat appearing like balsa wood. The paintings were placed in a small room about the size of an average bathroom. Each picture had some sort of symbol representing nature within the painting.

What I found more interesting about her work is that it was created by spray paint, color pencils and acrylics. She used pale soft tones to create her pictures and gave a feeling of peace and prosperity.

As I looked at her works of art I found my favorite to be “Future Café,” spray painted, acrylic and colored pencil 2009.

This picture resembled a 70’s looking camper with a goose on top and a sign that read “The Future Café.” Looking outside for business was a young girl who seemed to be Native American.
This picture intrigued me because of the quote that was printed onto the piece. “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower,” Camus.

I felt the quote accented the picture very well and could make the viewer wonder as well as getting their attention.

Next door to the exhibit was another very fascinating exhibit that I strong recommend everyone to view. This exhibit was a pop culture exhibit. The murals on the side of the building were extravagant and eye catching!

The outdoor viewing of the building gave the public a culture related atmosphere. I felt the vibe of the artistic culture as well as the passion of each individual painter.

I strong feel that a good painter and creative artists are only reflected on how much they love what they do. If one can express themselves in many artistic forms they I believe he or she was made to express themselves and their feelings through art. I strongly encourage anyone and everyone to visit the SOOVAC! I do not feel that anyone would have regrets after words and would only be intrigued with the spray painted art!

The murals on the building were very creative, lively, artistic, unique and colorful. Each one was painted by a different individual and the majority had come from other locations! I noticed that the paints were of women and independence.

I felt a vibe of each woman in her painting and I felt that the paintings resembled women and their rights as well as how strong women can be! In one painting I noticed a quote that said “Well behaved woman seldom make history.” I feel that this quote is very true.

All women who have made history and have fought for our rights have been known for things they were not encouraged to do or were outlawed. Without the fight of those tough women who knows where women would be today!

We have come a long way and we need to continue to move forward so we can become more!
In comparison of these murals and the exhibit I found the environment to be more fun and relaxing as well as more natural. I enjoyed viewing “Mama said knocks you out” and hope more people will visit and enjoy art as much as I do!

In the dead of the season only one thing can cheer you up, COLOR! Color is exactly what I saw when I went to visit the Como Park and Conservatory! With the beautiful architecture and landscape gave me a spurs of spring while I warmed my hands with my mittens.

The Como Park Conservatory opened its doors in 1915 to a beautiful Victorian style Green-House. With political conflicts of the park being a decorative floral or a natural park stroked the St. Paul area. The decision was left up to the superintendent Robert Moss. Robert decided that he would create a park that was flattering to everyone’s taste; a park of beauty with both wooded walk ways as well as a floral look.

In the past parks served as a work of art. Plants were planted in an elaborate design to create an artistic look. I strongly feel Como was an immaculate example of this era. The timeless conflict of struggles still remains today. On the outside of the park the landscape is filled with trees, ponds, sculptures, picnic areas and walking paths.

As you look at the landscape you will see a large green-house that is surrounded by windows and a water flow that wraps around the building. The view of the plants from the inside gave me a warm sensation as I stood on the outside. I remember telling myself as I stood there gazing at the architecture “That everything surrounding me on the outside was dying as everything on the inside was blooming.” I really appreciated seeing such beauty in the dead of fall.

As I walked into the green house I was welcomed by Ferns and the relatives of Ferns. It was as if I walked into a rain forest. The atmosphere was muggy, thick with a lot of moisture the room was warm and green with a lack of color.

When walking into this room I highly recommend looking at the plants in detail. You will see many different plants with unique textures for example the “Lacy Tree Fern, from Australia.” This plant was covered with a unique texture that reminded me of noodles. Defiantly something I will Google and give you further updated information on!

The room was very quiet and peaceful. Every room had a pond some ponds had fish others where tinted black but accented the room perfectly. The next room that one would walk into is beautiful.

This room felt warm and gave me a romantic and sensual feeling. The sounds of birds echoed throughout this room as the light of the dome drew your attention in, the light gave the space a relaxed and comfortable feeling. On the left hand side of the room as you walk around the path gives minimal color, however; as you continue to walk around the path you will be introduced to many different plants that had just bloomed filling the room with variety of colors.

Each plant seemed to have a personal connection with each other. The choices of plants that were to be put into this room were very unique and will grasp your attention and bring out the true beauty of the seasons as well as the park. In the middle of this room was a pond, a pond with a sculpture.

This sculpture reminded me of the Renaissance period and Rome. The sculpture was of naked woman reaching up to the sky of Heavens, “Crest of the Wave 1925, by Harriet W. Prishmuth American. Crest of the Wave was dedicated to Como to give a feeling of happiness and to lift people’s spirits.

The next room was gorgeous and reminded me of young love as people were posing for engagement photos. This room is called “Sunken Garden Flower Design.” This room is a long rectangle room that has light fixtures of stars dangling over a long pond filled with hungry fish!

As I walked into this room the smell of daisy filled the air. The colors and assortments of flowers put a smile on my face and reminded me of romance. The flowers were neatly organized and well thought out to give artistic apparel. This room was filled with an assortment of Chrysanthemums, Greek for golden flower.

The flowers come in variety of colors and many forms. Chrysanthemums are often grouped in an assortment of their petals and can give a daisy appearance. These flowers come from Ancient China and Japan and are considered royal throne.

At the end of this garden of Chrysanthemums was another sculpture. This sculpture was amazing! “Play Days 1925, by Harriet W. Frishmuth American,” is made of stucco and brick and is highly respected. Play Days is a sculpture of a naked woman who seems to be putting her toe into the water as she also is dancing around. I found myself very intrigued with this sculpture, although; this could have been because of the arrangement of the room and placement of the sculpture.

After leaving this room I felt very relaxed and willing to see more! I continued to walk around to the next room; this room is known as the Spice Room. A room filled with plants for known causes. In the past spices fueled global trade in the 1600’s and 1700’s this Japanese Garden represented those spices.

The feeling I received in this room seemed to be strong and more pressed. I felt very warm and almost suffocated from the moisture that filled the air. The room reminded me of a Japanese garden and its culture. The plants that filled the room were mostly plants I had never seen in person but may have learned in a biology class.

Once again this room had a pond with hungry fish. I say hungry fish because when you stand at the edge and look at the water you will see that all the fish will soon be in front of you begging to be fed! Over the pond was yet another sculpture this sculpture reminded me of religion. It was of an Asian man wearing a robe, while holding his hands out to offer something! I am sorry to report but I was unable to locate the name of founder of the sculpture or any details of this sculpture.

Now that you have a full description of the conservatory I highly recommend you to visit. The inspiration of Europe with the artistic patterns and representations will engage you as a viewer. If you are a male looking for an incredible date location, I once again encourage you to attend! I do not feel you will be disappointed with the beauty. If the plants and flowers do not engage you I promise the architecture will.

With that said, so long for now until the next read! I am sorry if some of the galleries and postings are out of order or delayed. The internet at my house isn’t working but will be up and running again later this week! With that said it will allow me to continue to post these blogs quicker and more efficient!

This week’s adventures lead me to the Russian Art Museum in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The museum is located on Stevens Avenue near I35. The Russian Art Museum is the only museum in North America that is dedicated only to Russian art. The museum is even showing for the first time 18 different paints that have never been in the United States before.

I found this museum really interesting and educational. The structure of the building and design is set up as a church. The outside of the building is gorgeous and very detailed. Once you walk into the museum you are greeted by a very nice elderly Russian lady.

If you tell the lady at the desk it is your first time visiting she will explain the museum to you and give you a little information at the end. Once you have completed your visit there is a survey. I recommend filling out this survey. If you decide to fill the survey out the lady will give you a “Photographer to the TSAR,” broacher. This broacher will have all the photos that are from the TSAR gallery downstairs in it with information about them. It might not sound like much but trust me, it is cool!

As for the museum, once you walk into the museum you are viewing a room that is dark. The colors that were chosen for all the galleries gave the rooms more of a relaxed feeling as well as drawing all the attention to the paintings and photos. Out of all the gallery’s I have posted previously, this was the gallery I feel was well thought out on getting the viewers attention and engagement into the work of arts. I found it very hard to continue to look around at all the other works while looking at one specific works of art.

I mention this because sometimes when viewing one work of art another one will grasp your attention and you are no longer being engaged into the piece you were previously looking at. This is a problem I encounter when walking into a bright room that has a bunch of different works of art located in the room. I sometimes find it very difficult to look at only one work of art and getting the full feeling the piece is trying to give me; although, I did not encounter this problem at the Russian Art Museum.

I noticed while looking at all the paintings the majority of the paintings were of people and workers. The photography as well as the paintings revolved around the Russian culture and different struggles the people had to overcome.

That’s enough about the building and atmosphere if I tell you too much you may decide on not attending.

The first gallery I encountered was Russkiy Salon. The Russkiy Salon is where all the paintings were located. This gallery has a main floor as well as an upstairs contains many different paintings with a verity of landscapes and Russian people.

I found myself engaged in three different paintings the most. These three paintings were “The Seer, 1900’s, Iron Workers, 1930 and Unmade Bed, 1986.” All paints were done with oil and canvas except for The Sheer, this painting was oil and paper.

The Sheer created by Fillipp Andreevich Malyavin caught my eye because of the peasant’s facial reaction and eyes. Fillipp embraced philosophy into his paintings and he often painted pictures of peasant’s capturing both human and economic values. The detail and colors that went into this painting gave me a feeling of satisfaction; however, I do not feel the peasant was satisfied. He almost looked sadden and disturbed. The eyes were a little on even but yet it was as if he was looking straight into your eyes with a look of emptiness. The colors that were used to create this picture had a lot of impact on me when I was looking at this painting.

The second painting I found myself most engaged in caught my attention because of the background colors. This painting used a lot of red and orange to create different colors and affects. As I looked at this painting I was able to depict what the painting was about before reading the side clip next to it. I was very amazed that I knew what was going on before reading what the artist was trying to create.

The painting I am talking about in the previous paragraph is called The Iron Workers by Olga Dmitrieva Yanovskaya. Olga emphasizes the workers forceful and movement to perform urgent tasks. Olga lived in Moscow and took art classes to become a member in the Revolutionary Russia.

I found this painting very strong and powerful. The picture is of 5 workers that are just a black bold image mining iron for heated furnace behind them. The colors used in this painting are eye catching. The bright reds and oranges will draw anyone’s attention in and engage a viewer.
The third painting I am going to mention happened to be my favorite and is located on the second level. This painting grasped my attention from the lower main level and brought my eyes right up stairs. I would have to say this painting will never be forgotten by me. I will add this painting into my book of favorites.

The title of this painting is Unmade Bed painted by Mai Volfovich Dantsig. Dantisig’s talent was first noticed by his father and teacher. He started to develop his paintings when he and his fellow students romanticized the harsh realities of life.

Unmade Bed is a beautiful painting that draws the viewer into the bedroom. When standing in front of this painting you really are looking at the room as if you are in the room. The angles of the objects are painted correctly as well as the images. The colors the painter used are very vibrant and bold. With that said the color is what I feel depicts the image.

After viewing the Unmade Bed I’d adventured my way down stairs where I was now entered the TSAR Hall or also known as the photography hall. This room was incredible the set up of the room was extraordinary. The room had dark blue walls with pictures randomly placed on the walls that lit up. Once again as a viewer you are drawn into the photos. In fact the only lighting within the room is created from the photos.

The photos that are being displayed are of Russia’s culture, people and landscape. When entering this room I recommend taking one of the Photographers to the TSAR broachers. This book will explain the photos and the meaning behind them. Without the broacher you may find it difficult to understand and learn about Russian photography.

I found the number 7 to be one out of three of my favorite photos being displayed in this gallery. Number 7 “Gates to the Tomb,” 16 knockers of brass and silver decorate the brightly green and red doors. Behind these doors are gardens sacred tombs and medical springs.

Number 13, “Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar,” this building was built in the 12th century on the Silk Road of Oasis City. This building is believed to be the largest city in the world. This building holds a very interesting belief that is associated with love.

The third photo I really enjoyed was number 26 “Baiga,” this picture is of the dessert with many people on camels and horses. I am not sure of the history behind this photo. The caption gave me the perspective of some kind of event occurring however it is unknown.

Before leaving the museum you will have to see one more room, this room is right before the steps to the exit and has six different photos hanging on the wall. The photos are done in an old print and will give you an illusion of the 50’s photography.

The six different photos all represent something different but yet very meaningful. The photos are: Water Carrier, Darvishes, Details of Ulugh-Bek Madrassah, Dances of a Baccha, Start School, and Barber in the Registan. Each photo represents the Russian culture and takes place outside.

When entering this room on the left hand side will be a guide, please take this guide and read along while viewing the photos. This book will explain what each photo is about and represents as well as the clothing and environment that is taking place.

As I have said before, you must visit this museum. History and art always coincide with each other and by viewing the art and learning the history one will be able to have a better understanding of the past.

This week was an adventure, after coming home from the “Northern Clay Center” I ran into some car problems. I had come across a long wooden board on the interstate and ended up with two punctures in my tires, which resulted into two flat tires. After taking a moment, I was capable of gathering my thoughts and opinions on the “Northern Clay Center!”

The Northern Clay Center is an art gallery and store. The building is full of different types of art that are created from clay. The exhibits that were being viewed this week were Ron Meyere and Patti Warashina. Two different artists that had deep creativity; I was not familiar with these two artist until I adventured my way to “Northern Clay Center.”

As I walked into the building I was greeted by two receptionists and pointed to the correct location. Before one is capable of viewing the exhibit he or she must walk through a room that is a bit cluttered. The room is full of different types of pottery and sculptures that had been made by different artist in the location.

After I had reached the exhibit I was a little over whelmed and maybe a bit frightened. This art I was viewing was not like any other art I have seen. I was over whelmed by the different animals that Ron had painted/glazed onto his work and the three dimensional art Patti had created.

Let me just say as I walked in; I remember telling myself “I have just entered a scary movie scene.”

After standing there in aw, I decided to begin looking at all the different forms of art in this small space.

Ron and Patti’s art were very similar to all the other pieces they had created. Ron had different types of pottery made from clay that had paintings of animals on them. The animals were not soft, cuddly or even comforting but rather scary and intimidating. Not sure if you have ever seen Donny Darko but if you have Ron painted a rabbit on a lot of his works that to me reminded me of the rabbit in Donny Darko. He also used a lot of earthy tones with his works to give more of a realistic look.

My favorite work of art that he created was “10 Drawings in Charcoal,” this was 10 different drawings that he created that had been done in charcoal. The drawings were all different and represented all different things, however; they all had some type of animal painted on them to represent a similarity with each other.
My favorite picture was the last one, which had six or five different fish charcoaled onto a canvas. The fish all had different facial expressions. Ron used line and different colors to get the intensity of the picture. The intensity and lighting of the color gave each fish a different perspective. The form of the art was well balanced and referred to the space and balances each other out very well.

As for one of my least favorites of Ron’s art I would have to pick his “Oval Base,” wooden fired, earth ware, 2009. This was an oval looking bowl that had more of a water pitcher look to it. It was rough and solid, painted on the “Oval Base” was the scary rabbit. This rabbit wasn’t just any kind of rabbit. The rabbit had a mean look to his face as if he was really hungry and was very plain but yet intimidating.

With that said, if you are into freaky looking art that can give you nightmares; I strongly recommend taking a long hard look at this rabbit!

As you continue to walk you are greeted with many three dimensional sculptures done by Patty. Now Patty has had a creative background that I can to some extent relate to. She was born in a small town in Washington. This town did not have much related to art or music. More of a town of imagination, if one is to have limited imagination then he or she will result in major boredom.
In comparison I am from a small farm town of 250 people! This town has no culture and would be described as “A culture dessert,” Patty. With limited entertainment one is to create his or her own, this is where my love for art came into play!

Now back to describing Patty’s art.

Patty’s sculptures’ were very interesting! There had been approximately eight or nine different sculptures in a small area. I believe because all of these sculptures where put into a small room and so closely together it gave the room more of intimidating atmosphere.
All of her sculptures were three dimensional forms, where all the same imagine with a verity of facial expressions, seemed cold and creepy, all related with line and cubism and shared similar traits. I noticed out of all the sculptures they had shared the same colors, black, blue, white and different tones of red. With that said they also all had something going on. The space was used acutely objects were brought into the play to give the sculptures a purpose and to create more of the form. Each sculpture had something to interconnect them whether it was a ball, bird, dog, eggs and or net each piece shared something in common with the other.
I found two of Patty’s pieces to be my favorite, one being a three dimensional piece and the other being a painting.

“Not you again,” three dimensional sculpture, white ware, under glazed 2009. This work of art was a lady who is looking up at a bird that is sitting calm oh her hand. The lady has a content look in her eyes but yet seems a little agitated with her body posture. She is sitting down with one leg on top of the other with one arm down and the other up. The form of this object is extraordinary. The colors that were used were different tones of pink, black and white. The black was used as a base and the other colors were used in a cubic form.

Patty used lines to create the cube look and shape to enclose the space. The colors were used for intensity and texture. This piece was very creative and hard not to look at, gave me a since of emptiness and calmness at the same time.

After viewing her sculptures I was lead into her paintings. I found that her paintings also shared the same character that her sculptures did. Looking at the paintings for an amount of time I was finding myself constantly viewing “Eye of the Storm,” dypoint with stencils, 2007. This piece was a painting that used two colors red and black.

Black was an outline that created the ships that seem to be in a sea battling each other. The red was used for destruction such as fire. What I found very unique with the art was in front of the ships was an outlined girl! This girl was printed in red, had no detail and no texture to it but resulted into a very bold image.

I would define this type of gallery being creepy! If you are looking for something out of the ordinary and unique I highly encourage you to view this gallery not to mention it also contained the “College Bowl.”

The College Bowl is an exhibit that contains different clay images that were created from students in the Minnesota colleges. The work of art that some people come up with and the creativity one persons mind can have will sometime mind boggle an individual.

This galley had some incredible art that was very defined and detailed. I found many pieces here to be very unique but since I do not have all day to go over them I am only going to share two with you! If you would like to view these pieces on your own, please do! The exhibit is free as well as free parking it will only take a few minutes of your day depending how much time you want to spend looking at a piece.

Matthew Bright, MSU Mankato, 2009 Blue Sculpture with Orange, upright made from earth ware. I believe I may have liked this work of art more so because it was from Mankato, MN. I transferred here to St.Paul, MN from MSU, Mankato! I found it very cool to see someone’s art that traveled from where I once was to where I am now!

Matthew’s art was an oddly shaped sculpture. Painted with orange and blue, the blue was the under painting and covered the whole sculpture with orange painted marks that repeated itself throughout the sculpture. On the right hand side it seemed to have an orange light switched painted onto it. I had never witnessed anything like this and I found it kind of cool!

The second piece of art that fell madly in love with was Gary Erickson’s piece. Negative Space Gingko in Red, white earth ware 2009. This was a glazed print that reminded me of stain glass. It was a flower. In the center was a sold yellow flower that seemed to be shaped through leaf like images. In the center of this flower was a black middle that was surrounded by smaller flowers to create the texture and to take up space. Around the whole flower it was smaller yellow and red flowers. This piece was beautiful!

As I have said before you need to visit this place. I am sure everyone has free time on their hands! Art is a way to get involved with different cultures and your own mind. It will help you become more understanding to cultures and more open minded to other people’s different views and ideas!

“We’re not just starving artists- we’re freezing too,” Promotional Poster 1996.

Destination “The Soap Factory;” the factory began as a ware house for the railroad and during World War II it became a Soap Factory. In 1995 is became known for a gallery of art, a studio space and a creative area to brainstorm new ideas. This place is something everyone needs to experience especially if you’re interested in creative art.

After a long day of trying to find this place, I arrived. Shocked at the outer building and affects it had. The Factory seemed very creepy and cold, however; the broken down, cold dirty factory became very warm, soft and comfortable in a matter of minutes after walking in.
I walked up to the reception desk and took the little black book. Please, I advice all of you to take this book! This book will guide you through the meaning of the art and why the artist created what they did.

To my right were four circles “Memory Eternal,” placed in the middle of the floor and made from porcelain and light. The design was created by Lauren Herzak-Bauman in 2009, it represent emotion and feeling. I cannot explain to you how this art made me feel or how awesome it really was to see it. You really have to visit the gallery to get the full experience and affect. I can say this though it was a beautiful piece and very touching and it gave me butterflies.

After visiting that gallery, I wondered my way to the next. Stepping over the “Barricade,” to the next gallery room; this piece was my favorite piece of art I have ever seen. “Umbrella Cloud,” by Adam Parker Smith, 2009; this work of art was extravagant. It was art made from umbrellas representing the universe. Smith wrote on his page that I felt best described this art “To understand the universe through a bizarre confluence of real events, daydreams, and pre-existing fables.” Smith’s art went through the whole building and brought a very soft and relax feeling to the atmosphere.

I am sorry that I do not have much to write about this gallery but I can only classify it as a good thing. I am speechless over this art. I found this place amazing and I really strong encourage everyone to see this building to experience your own feelings of emotions when walking through! This is not your ordinary gallery this is one you will enjoy to the very last second you are there and will continue to repeat to yourself, “I will return!”

This week I was instructed to visit Minnesota Center for Book Art (MCBA). Before arriving I did not have much excitement nor did I think the Minnesota Center for Book Art was a museum for art.
Once I walked in I was greeted with the smell of coffee and quite conversation. The walls were covered with beautiful black and white photography by Laura Crosby and many different colors. On one side of the wall were different types of print arts and on the other side of the wall was painted pictures.

Laura Crosby is a photographer who lives in Minneapolis and documents everyday living. Crosby is most known for homeless, physical challenges, youth prostitution, refugee camps and Alzheimer’s. The photos that were being presented where reflected around Alzheimer’s.

I have not had anyone in my family personally with Alzheimer’s but I could imagine how powerful Crosby’s photos could impact a family or person who have been affected and influenced by Alzheimer’s.

The environment of the Minnesota Center for Book Art was warm, relaxing and very unique. I would defiantly say the Minnesota Center for Book Art is a very exceptional place. The gallery is a multi-purpose building that has an exhibit, studio shop, reference library, coffee shop and office space.

The MCBA takes book art to a whole new level from the traditional craft making, letterpress and book binding converting the book into experimental art with self publishing techniques.

The MCBA offers diversity, education and interpretive experiences. I found myself very engaged in the art that was for viewing purposes. As I viewed the art I found Richard Australia Meade, USA the most interesting. Meade art was taken away by a theme that was printed with first letters. For example the art that was being shown was \

O- Open 1987
Q-Quote 1987
R-Rubberstamp 1988
S-Stamp 1988

I found his piece “Art Saves Lives” very interesting. This work of art was a fuchsia color piece of paper that had “Art Saves Lives” printed on it with a rubberstamp underneath his quote was a Trojan condom stapled to the paper. I felt this simple piece of art was very powerful and speaks out to everyone. I also really liked his “I don’t know anything about art but I know what I like.”

As I continued to go through the exhibit I was able to see the different types of presses relief and lithography. I was able to see art that was completed through the burning press. I found this art really neat the way it viewed on paper and the different colors used. I especially liked the way the dye appeared on the paper.

The art that was completed on the burning press was evolved around Genocide and Colonialism, organized by Hans Braumuller, Chile 1991-1992. Hans was involved in dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet and strived to rescue the origins and indentifies of Indigenous cultures. Words cannot explain what these prints look like.

I highly encourage everyone to go and visit the Minnesota Center for Book Art. I feel very confident that one will like it and enjoy their visit. This is a great place to study, converse, and relax.

Next stop the Minnesota’s State Capitol; the anticipation to visit the capitol had never been as strong as it was this time. The last time I had walked up the million steps and walked through the doors of the capitol was in 6th grade. All I could remember was running around and making jokes with my friends. Did I actually listen to the tour guide; did I actually learn anything about the capitol? NO, but this time was going to be different; I am now 23 years old and the appreciation for our state has grown tremendously. I was very excited to see the capitol and to learn about the history on a more personal level.
“Let us develop the resources of our land, call forth its powers, build up its institutions, promote all its great interests, and see whether we also, in our day and generation, may not perform something worth to be remembered,” Daniel Weber. This quote is subscribed inside the chambers of the Minnesota State Capitol and is something I felt reflected the history of capitol itself.
The capitol was designed by Cass Gilbert after beating out forty other contestants in a competition in 1895. The design contained three stories and would be made of stone. The building would include a dome and would resemble previous architecture of the ancient Greece, Rome and the Renaissance period of Italy and France.
Minnesota’s Capitol was an important structure that would resemble the state of Minnesota and announce to the country that Minnesota was no longer a wilderness outpost. Gilbert wanted people to experience the renaissance period through the architecture in the building because the renaissance resembled antiquity in art and architecture. Buildings were considered more elegant and remembered as being fancy during this period.
Gilbert wanted the building to reflect Greece and Rome because of the significance Greece and Rome had on the government. Greece was known for western culture and democracy and Rome was known for the republic. It was very important to Gilbert to have such a building that would show the rest of the world Minnesota was a civilized society and sophisticated to the modern world.
The exterior of the building is created from stone, iron and steel but contains marble, granite and sandstone in the interior. It took 3 years to design the capitol and 9 years to build it. Within the 9 years of building murals were created and expected to show civic architecture. Gilbert was very particular on who he wanted to paint the murals and what the murals would represent to the public. Gilbert picked many new artist to paint the murals and was criticized by the public for not hiring artist who were already famous for their work but because architecture and art was a public symbol people trusted Gilbert’s decision and allowed him to continue his work.
When walking into the state capitol you are welcomed by an extravagant rotunda. The Rotunda is an open space that has many representations of Minnesota’s culture. The floor of the rotunda has a star with 8 points. The star represents Minnesota’s state motto “The North Star,” because the star has 8 points it allows the star to have the letter “M” coded into the design. Above the star is an 8 foot chandler. If I remember right the tour guide had said the last time the chandler had been lowered was in the sixties.
The rotunda allows the viewer to view all levels of the building and the beautiful representations of Minnesota. When a viewer looks above he or she will be greeted with four murals that are painted on the walls of the capitol. These murals were painted by a man with the last name Simmons. Simmons murals represent Legislation, Justice, Government and Liberty aligning a pose of gestures and opposing a symbolic narrative that will grasp the viewer’s eyes around the room.
Throughout the building you will see symbols that are significant to Minnesota’s history and culture; the state flower the lady slipper, bald eagles, corn, wheat, gophers, oak leaves, acorns, and produce. Everything throughout the capitol is symmetrical and contains lots of detail.
You will also be exposed to many other murals that will represent Minnesota’s history and challenges it had to encounter when becoming a state.
The Minnesota state capitol holds many impacting works of art and Minnesotans’ should be very proud of our capitol and murals that are painted throughout the building.
If you have not viewed the Minnesota state capitol I highly recommend it and if possible please take the tour. The tour is free and will give you a new out look at the structure and history of our state. If the weather is nice you will be able to walk the 62 steps to the roof and view the gold coated Quadriga. The Quadriga is a gold coated sculpture that sits at the base of the dome. The sculpture is called “The Progress of our State,” which shows a man in a chariot, two women and four horses that are dashing into the future. The four horses represent Earth, Fire, Water and Air; the two women represent Industry and Agriculture, and the man in the chariot represents prosperity.
I promise you that the experience is worth your time and you will not walk away dissatisfied. No person will be able to tell all of the great things you view and the lesson you will learn. This is something that only yourself can encounter and make final decisions on your thoughts and opinions. I am only here to get your interest in attending and viewing. I have more respect for the state capitol now that I have viewed it and taken more appreciation in the art and each room that you will be able to view.

My first adventure was to view the Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum. The museum was created by Fredrick O. Gehry; it contains four floors the first two floors are parking, the third floor is the exhibits and the fourth floor is designated for office and viewing purposes. The museum uses natural lighting to enhance the viewing of the art and to give the viewer a more explicit experience.

The museum’s architecture is phenomenal it is created from stainless steel and uses it space by using different angels in the architecture. For one to really be able to view and picture the museum I highly recommend visiting the building. Depending on the weather and how high the sun is in the sky the colors and shadows the museum contains on the outside can vary.

I found the architecture and the view of the city from terrace the highlight of this experience. Even if one does not like to view art, I still would highly recommend a onetime visit. Words cannot explain the view of the city and architecture in words that will be able to justify the building itself.

Due to the museum only having one showing floor it will only hold five percent out of fifteen of their art at one time. In other words the museum will have two famous exhibits at once showing. The two exhibits I was fortunate enough to view were photographs taken by Abdi Roble of the Somalia-American culture and Robert Raushenburg’s currents.

Raushenburg’s art was created through news paper clippings and silk-screening them onto a board that showed many memorial moments of history. Many of the news paper topics were of issues that still remain issues today and have made an impact in today’s public disputes. I found this exhibit very interesting and I would best describe it as a history lesson. It seemed to me that Raushenburg used his techniques to remind the pubic of issues that are not always brought to ones attention but still exist.

I found a lot of his pictures were revolved around marijuana and war. I did not find a particular painting that stuck out in my mind that I was considering a favorite. I feel all of the pictures played an important role of helping out each other and creating one big master piece. I would say the one thing I walked away with was how memorized I was on the topics he was showing from the clippings of 1969 and how many of the topics are still be repeated today. “History does repeat itself” ran through my mind over and over as I viewed this gallery.

Robles photos were memorizing to me. The photography of the Somalia’s culture in the U.S. was remarkable. Roble used everyday living in her photos, she captured school days, children, adults, ultra sounds, different people coming to the U.S. with only their material goods on their back and she captured water supplies and homes of the Somalia’s culture. I feel the photos did an amazing job of capturing facial expression and space. The photos were created in black and white and gave a since of exhaustion in my perspective.

The one photo that stuck out the most to me was the water supply and how the Simians retrieve their water for their everyday living. The photo showed buckets being filled with water from a pipe that was stuck in the ground. The pipe was surrounded by mud and clay and many insects. This photo was very real to me and brought out a different perspective of the culture and how lucky we are in the U.S. to have running water from a facet and how little American’s think about the water and how lucky they are to be able to determine the temperature of the water.

I was only able to give a small glimpse of the museum and how the galleries being shown today are impacting to our everyday living styles. I would highly recommend viewing these exhibits’ as well as the museum itself. The museum is free to the public and is located on the U of M campus in Minneapolis, MN. Depending on how intrigued you are with the art shown will determine how much you will pay for parking. I ended up being at this museum for a total of two hours costing me $6.00 to park.

If you do decide to visit the museum please go to the top floor and walk out the terrace and see the sky scrapers and Mississippi River. I promise you that you will not be disappointed from your own viewing and perspectives.