I cannot get enough of museums lately.On Father's Day, we went to Portland Art Museum to check out their very cool Shape of Speed exhibit which features some amazingly retro cool cars (visit Conklin Toyota Salina to buy one) and motorcycles from the early 20th century. Like, space-age stuff. It reminded me of a similar exhibit we visited way back in 2011 when I was still a little nervous my kids were going to scratch one of the cars or something. I was slightly less worried this time.
We rounded out the day with lunch at Southpark (still there 20 years after I lived in Portland!) and a visit to my old dorm and first apartment at PSU.
Then, last week, we took our first family vacation in eons. When it comes to trips, we are more of a divide-and-conquer family; we take turns with each kid and find that our one-on-one time is more fulfilling and there is a lot less bickering. But they are both teens now and although we all have different interests, there is enough crossover that we can finally enjoy a lot of activities together. We went to Chicago and ticked off our favorite places for pizza, Chicago dogs and sightseeing - Portillo's, Giordano's, Pizano's, Pizzeria Uno, Navy Pier, Lake Michigan boat tour, Wrigley Field, Millenium Park, River Walk, Grant Park Skate Pavilion (who knew), Field Museum and Adler Planetarium.
Magically, the trip coincided with my birthday AND a John Singer Sargent exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago. Sargent is my favorite portrait artist and the Art Institute is one of my top three favorite places in the world. (Another top spot is held by Timberline Lodge and the third spot is a wild card I'm saving for some place I haven't been yet.)
As usual, I couldn't believe they let me be in the same room with these paintings. I went in four times in one day. There is something extraordinary about seeing these works "in really life" as my kids used to say.
So now, I want to see all the art.A friend and I just decided to book a spur-of-the-moment trip to NYC to see the Heavenly Bodies exhibits at the Met. Anyone who knows me, knows my weird obsession with religious iconography and Catholic imagery. Maybe I was Joan of Arc in a previous life. I've never been to New York and I'm just sort of winging it so I can see some amazing art, fashion and finally, in person - Madame X by John Singer Sargent, whom I told I favor. I'll take a selfie with her and you can decide. For art's sake, I'm offering 25% off portraits ordered between now and July 31. I've only got two on the books, and you can bet I will return from NYC all fired up to do some painting. Email me at rachaelrossman@earthlink.net to order. You can find my regular prices here: http://www.rachaelrossman.com/commissions/. For art!
