It seems like we are going and doing something every day. I'm in hog heaven. Even though the weather was really nice today, we try to stay off the hiking trails on the weekends, especially on Saturdays. This Saturday we were sorting through possible things to do, and we decided to take in the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Museum. Good choice. We were practically the only people there. Not surprising since the winter is long, and now is the time the native 'Springers' want to be outdoors.
Now, we all know I love museums, and I can generally find SOMETHING interesting to see in each one even if I have to look really hard. My expectation of 'fine art' in this relatively small town (500,000) was pretty low. As we entered, I immediately was transfixed by the introductory piece in the lobby, and I began to get the sense this museum was going to be quite special.
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| One of three Dale Chihuly glass chandeliers owned by the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Museum |
Doesn't this lovely glass chandelier make a great impression? Ought to; it's from the premier world glass artist, Dale Chihuly. The art museum is between 'downtown' and the southern edge of the Colorado College, founded in 1874. The college is full of lovely Victorian buildings and is a lovely campus. The art museum, while more modern, seems fresh and attractive.
One of the things I'd admired while looking at the museum's website was one building but three functions: Fine Art, School of Art, and Performing Arts Theater. In 2005, the museum brought in a major Chihuly glass exhibition which revitalized interest in the museum, sparking the 2007 expansion and remodel. The theater was especially upgraded, but the non-profit museum purchased some major glass pieces to enhance the new portions of the building. Here's the second chandelier purchased from Chihuly. It took two days to install.
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| There is actually a Chihuly 'room' in the museum |
One of the concepts which impressed me about this museum is their commitment to buying excellent art. There are no second rate 'old masters' here. Instead, there is a wonderful assembly of Hispanic and Western art as well as some excellent modern abstract art and a couple of magical realism paintings which took my breath away. Here's one.
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| This is called "David and Goliath" |
As we went from gallery to gallery, we were just marveling at what was being exhibited, and we started talking about our next visit to see the new exhibitions opening in a week. It dawned on us perhaps we should become members of the museum. So, before we left today, we bought a membership, and we will be attending the member's cocktail reception and preview next Friday night for the new major exhibitions of the summer.
I had such a good time today. I hope you enjoy my pictures of this great museum.
1 comment:
Very cool! You will be proud of your nephew- he went to a golf tournament recently where they had a silent auction and was able to score us a family membership to the Arizona Science Center for a steal! He knew he couldn't pass that up for us to take the boys to. He also brought back passes to a couple different museums so we have plenty to do!
Roberta
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