Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Party With the Past and the Lady Banks Rose

The gorgeous yellow flower that graces the iron rail of the open arm stair case inviting visitors in the 1920s to the Swan House is the Lady Banks Rose.


Lady Banks Rose, Atlanta History Center's Swan House
Lady Banks Rose, Atlanta History Center's Swan House
Well, I'm not certain when the Lady Banks Rose was planted at the Swan House, at the Atlanta History Center, but it's gorgeous today and I can totally imagine it welcoming guests to the 1920s home back in the Roaring Twenties.

This flower's most famous legacy, originally of China, can be found in Tombstone, Arizona, where the world's largest rose bush today grows at more than 8,000 square feet.

But, speaking of the Roaring Twenties, the Atlanta History Center's "Party With the Past" event in May is taking place at the Swan House...which promises to be quite the party! 

wanderlust ATLANTA will be there and I hope to meet many of you there. These parties—Party With the Past—have been incredibly popular (great job Atlanta History Center!), so you have to RSVP early. If you've not signed up for notices (bottom of page), I highly recommend doing so. Even better, become a member!

Of note, 1920s costumes are encouraged at this Party With the Past event...if you show up in costume, I'm very, very, very likely to ask for a photo to post in a post-event post!

See you there!

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Poppies (and Gardens) at the Atlanta History Center

I've been to the Atlanta History Center a number of times recently. For a Curtis Stone lecture and book signing, a catered special event, and I renewed my membership. On one of those visits, a touring companion noted how beautiful the poppies were that are blooming in front of the Kenan Research Center.

Poppies at the Atlanta History Center
Poppies at the Atlanta History Center
Well, you know me and my affinity for flower photography (although, I like a rather many photographic subjects), so I went to snapping on a subsequent visit. They truly are beautiful!

Poppies at the Atlanta History Center
Poppies at the Atlanta History Center

Interestingly enough, these are part of the landscaping, not one of the many gorgeous gardens on the expansive 33-acre complex. For your viewing pleasure, here's a list of the gardens visitors get to explore when touring the Center:

So, you see, there are a lot of gardens to discover at the Atlanta History Center, but I recommend keeping an eye out for splendid specimens such as these poppies even when exploring other parts of the Center.

Poppies at the Atlanta History Center
Poppies at the Atlanta History Center

Friday, April 26, 2013

Realm

Realm clearly demonstrates the realm of possibilities of condo living in Atlanta... amenities galore!

From time to time I write about various buildings in Atlanta, usually the taller buildings because those are the ones that tourists see first. When I'm a tourist in a city that I'm unfamiliar with, I'm always wondering, "What's that building...and that one...and that one over there?"

Realm, Buckhead Atlanta
Realm, Buckhead Atlanta
I guess I should have known that Realm is a residential building, based on the 30 stories of balconies alone, but I guess I saw an architectural feature, not the obvious 'where to hang out with a martini after a long day at the office' kind of feature. My bad.

If you're thinking of moving to Atlanta, check out the "views" album on Realm's website...that feature alone could totally sway my decision of where I would live. I love a skyline view!

Buckhead, Downtown, Midtown and numerous other neighborhoods in Atlanta and around the City have fantastic skyline views, so if that's your thing, shop around until you find one that "feels like home."

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Preview: Delta Heritage Museum

The Delta Heritage Museum, another of Atlanta's best kept secrets, is an aviation enthusiast's playground unlike any other in the Atlanta area...especially when you venture over to Hangar 2.

Delta DC-3 Ship 41, The Delta Heritage Museum
Delta DC-3 Ship 41, The Delta Heritage Museum
When you lay eyes on the gargantuan 767 that is The Sprit of Delta, the airline's first 767 later purchased by employees, retirees, and friends and donated back to the company, back in 1982, you know you've arrived.

I'm planning to visit the Museum next week and will share more about it then. Check out their website in the meantime!

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Atlanta Dogwood Festival 2013

For me, visiting the Atlanta Dogwood Festival this year was kinda weird...in that I'd planned on going Friday afternoon, which was totally rained out, thus not getting to go until Sunday afternoon because of work commitments.

As it turned out, that was the best thing that could have happened. I got to see some old Festival friends, tons of Atlantans I know, and some new Festival features!

Travis S. Taylor with Greg Stones, Atlanta Dogwood Festival
Travis S. Taylor with Greg Stones,
Atlanta Dogwood Festival
The one person I definitely wanted to see was watercolor artist Greg Stones, who recently granted me an interview for wanderlust ATLANTA. Sure enough, he was there—although I'm now convinced that they never put any artist in the same place twice! 

Greg was not only there, he had won "Best in Show" for watercolors! That means that he's automatically guaranteed a spot at the Festival next year, so count on seeing him again.

I got a copy of Goodbye, Penguins, Greg's first book, personalized by Greg, and learned that his book, Zombies Hate Stuff is not in what I thought was its second printing...it's in its sixth printing! Way to go, Greg!


Elaine Rader Jewelery
Elaine Rader Jewelery
Before finding Greg, I ran across Georgia artist Elaine Rader, a jewelry artist I wrote about a couple of years ago. I was so enthralled with her gorgeous jewelry  but more by her incredibly charming personality.

Elaine splits her time between Blue Ridge, Georgia, and Mississippi. I was at the Festival with Barry who lived in Mississippi for a few years and he and Elaine's friend got to talking and turns out they know a lot of the same people. Gotta love small world stories!

I was incredibly flattered to learn that Elaine has been using a photograph I made of her a couple of years ago for some of her marketing material. And she's just such a totally awesome, cool, and charming person...I think you'll love her the moment you meet her.


Bill Tyndale Turned Wood
Bill Tyndale Turned Wood
Barry is a huge fan of turned wood, and has an impressive collection of it. I too like it and more so after hearing from Barry the complexity involved in creating these pieces. This bowl is by artist Bill Tyndale of Woodstock, Georgia.


Mary-Louise Coil, Atlanta Dogwood Festival
Mary-Louise Coil, Atlanta Dogwood Festival
Maria-Louise Coil is another returning artist who has a unique perspective on Atlanta...love her work!

I didn't take nearly as many photos this year as I usually do, but that's in part by the artists who post signs that read, "Absolutely no photography!", which I think is a total miss. First of all, how do you enforce such a policy? Secondly, do you want sneaky smartphone photos posted online to represent your work? 

Why not boldly accept that there are bloggers like me who want to promote your amazing work? If your 'no photography' policy is because you're afraid someone will copy your work and take market share away from you, then it's time to step up your game and dare someone to reproduce something as amazing as what you're doing. Enough soap box on that topic.


David Lasker, Atlanta Dogwood Festival
David Lasker, Atlanta Dogwood Festival
I'm always blown away by art that is incredibly subtle and incredibly remarkable at the same time. It's so much easier to be profound via simplicity, which David Lasker totally gets...although, I mist say that simplicity in art is not all that simple. That takes talent.


Atlanta Dogwood Festival
Atlanta Dogwood Festival
Scale can make or break and some of the Festival's artists tip the scales to the side of large format...and brilliantly so!


Atlanta Dogwood Festival
Atlanta Dogwood Festival
The Atlanta Dogwood Festival has grown its programming so much that there's definitely something for everyone...and people like me, who are on a tight schedule, have to pick and choose what they can see on a particular day—not a bad problem to have. Actually, I'd like very much to say "Thank you!" to the Festival organizers/programmers for giving us so much to choose from...you guys rock!


Atlanta Dogwood Festival
Atlanta Dogwood Festival
I feel that I would be remiss in my reporting if I didn't note that this was, what seemed, one of the rare occasions when dogwoods were in bloom at the same time as the Atlanta Dogwood Festival...gorgeousness everywhere!

Dog Disc Show, Atlanta Dogwood Festival
Dog Disc Show, Atlanta Dogwood Festival
I love animals, but I'm not a pet person...I'm just too busy, so it wouldn't be fair to any animal companion of mine to be left alone so much of the time. BUT...I totally enjoyed the Dog Disc Show. These dogs are amazing and so much fun to watch. I think they secretly enjoy all the attention, too.

Atlanta Dogwood Festival
Atlanta Dogwood Festival
While non-competing canines are not permitted at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Service Dogs of course are. This little fella is a Service Dog, although I would have never guessed it...must be in the service of cheering up people!

Atlanta Dogwood Festival rides
Atlanta Dogwood Festival rides
I said the Festival has something for everyone...have a look at this thing and you'll know what I mean! 

Atlanta Dogwood Festival rides
Atlanta Dogwood Festival rides
This year's Atlanta Dogwood Festival was in this blogger's eyes a complete and total success. Head over to the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page where you'll find a few more photos from this year's Dogwood Festival.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Lake Clara Meer

What was originally a pond was expanded in the early 1890s to create Lake Clara Meer for the Cotton States and International Exposition in 1895. From its modest beginning, it grew to an honorable 11.5 acre lake. 

Lake Clara Meer, Piedmont Park
Lake Clara Meer, Piedmont Park
Lake Clara Meer was once a much enjoyed swimming place, but due to health concerns in the 1970s, swimming in the Lake was prohibited and a separate swimming pool—on the Lake—was constructed, and remains quite popular today.

This photo I shot during the recent Atlanta Dogwood Festival. The capture of the Mallard Duck is quite the testament to right time, right place...at least I like this photo a lot.

Today, the Piedmont Park Conservancy maintains Lake Clara Meer—great for photography—and they must be doing quite a great job, because the wildlife seems to really enjoy it.

Cameras at the ready!

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Georgia Aquarium Silhouettes

The world's largest Aquarium—Georgia Aquarium—is a fantastic backdrop for silhouette photography. Here are a few I've made over the years...


Silhouette, Georgia Aquarium
Silhouette, Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium


Silhouette, Georgia Aquarium
Silhouette, Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium


Silhouette, Georgia Aquarium
Silhouette, Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium


Silhouette, Georgia Aquarium
Silhouette, Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium


Silhouette, Georgia Aquarium
Silhouette, Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium


Silhouette, Georgia Aquarium
Silhouette, Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium


Silhouette, Georgia Aquarium
Silhouette, Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium


Silhouette, Georgia Aquarium
Silhouette, Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium


Silhouette, Georgia Aquarium
Silhouette, Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium


Silhouette, Georgia Aquarium
Silhouette, Georgia Aquarium
As I often do, I encourage you to get creative with your cameras...you just might be surprised at the amazing vacation photos you go home with!

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Booth Sculpture Court

Among the many sculptures throughout the Booth Western Art Museum, the second largest museum in Georgia, are numerous pieces depicting Native Americans encountered by Lewis & Clark...and they're quite remarkable.

Sculpture Court at the Booth Western Art Museum
Sculpture Court at the Booth Western Art Museum
The sculptures in the Museum range in size from this comparatively smaller one to larger-than-life, they range from this classic style to very contemporary...and just wait until you see the range of mediums used! 


Booth Western Art Museum
Booth Western Art Museum
The Booth is a unique experience in Georgia, and I would venture to say one of the most unique in the western art world.

Learn a little more about the Sculpture Court in this exquisitely done, brief video.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Dahlonega Gold Museum

On the way home from a recent vacation to the North Carolina mountains, we stopped in Dahlonega, Georgia, to visit the historic town—and quite a charming town it is—also home of the Dahlonega Gold Museum


Dahlonega Gold Museum, former Lumpkin County Courthouse
Dahlonega Gold Museum, former Lumpkin County Courthouse
Most Atlantans know Dahlonega as the city where the gold comes from to guild the dome of the Georgia State Capitol Building. But there's so much more to their story. In this post, I'm going to write about the Dahlonega Gold Museum, and touch on a few historic milestones, as well. Enjoy the photos from the Museum intertwined in my reverie.


Lumpkin County safe used 1886 to 1965
Lumpkin County safe used 1886 to 1965
First, the building that houses the Museum is actually Georgia's oldest existing courthouse. That's impressive enough, but the courthouse was built in 1836, more than 175 years ago! Of a Federal design with Greek Revival influences, the building nearly met with destruction to put in a parking lot—that was 1965. 


Hand-sewn Masonic Apron
Hand-sewn Masonic Apron
Instead, due to the remarkable efforts of concerned citizens, Lumpkin County sold the building and property to the State of Georgia for $10, which invested $100,000 to  revitalize the structure after which it became the Gold Museum. It's also on the National Historic Register.


Gold and other minerals and precious metals on are display
Gold and other minerals and precious metals on are display
The word Dahlonega come from the Cherokee word "dalanigei," which means "yellow money" or in another word, gold. 

In 1830, when Georgia assumed ownership of the Cherokee Nation, the land was named Cherokee County, which was later divided into 10 smaller counties, one of them being Lumpkin County.

In 1838, federal troop rounded up the remaining Cherokee Indians and forced them to march to Oklahoma, the deadly "Trail of Tears"...4,000 of the relocated 15,000 Cherokees of that forced exile died.


Gold Belts of Georgia
Gold Belts of Georgia
In 1835, Congress approved Dahlonega to be one of three new U.S. Branch Mints, which went into operation in 1838 and continued minting until the outbreak of the U.S. Civil War.


William Windom, Representative & Senator
William Windom, Representative & Senator
Those who know me well will understand my excitement when I discovered a connection between the Dahlonega Gold Rush and Star Trek...yes, Star Trek!

Turns out, the president of the Lumkin-Chestatee Mining Company, William Windom, who also served as a U.S. Representative and a U.S. Senator, is the great-grandfather of the recently deceased actor William Windom, Commodore Decker on Star Trek: The Original Series. Interestingly enough, the Decker character wore a "gold" tunic on the show. Windom had quite the illustrious acting career!


Gold-processing Tools, Dahlonega Gold Museum
Gold-processing Tools, Dahlonega Gold Museum
Some of the many, many, many gold mining artifacts.


Pick Axe used for mining gold in the 1800s
Pick Axe used for mining gold in the 1800s
The Museum has countless artifacts on display and the Museum experience begins with a film that chronicles the history of America's first major gold rush...I highly recommend making time for the video. It's extremely well done.


Five-stamp Mill, Dahlonega Gold Museum
Five-stamp Mill
One of the many artifacts in the Museum is a five-stamp mill that's taller than me and the stamps, used to crush ore to test for gold, were 150 pounds, yet the contraption was moved from mine to mine.


Bornite, Dahlonega Gold Museum
Bornite, Dahlonega Gold Museum
One thing that the Museum is famous for is its rare, complete collection of of U.S. Branch Mint gold coins. While the coins are on public display, photography of them is prohibited. Visitors may make photos anywhere else in the Museum.

There's a LOT more to this Museum, but instead of tell you everything—which would require writing a novel—I'll just encourage you to go visit yourself. It's not that far and it's a lovely drive. 

Head over to the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page where you'll find even more photos from this visit. Enjoy!

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Greek & Roman Busts of the Carlos Museum

On a recent visit to the Michael C. Carlos Museum, I snapped several photos of busts in the Greek & Roman gallery, my favorite gallery in this remarkable museum.

Having lived in Greece for more than two years, these are quite special to me. I wish I could describe the feeling of standing at the Acropolis or the Ancient Agora or the 1896 Olympic Stadium, even. It's every bit being in another time.

Enjoy these busts and be sure to visit the Carlos Museum...it truly is an Atlanta treasure!

Tiberius, Michael C. Carlos Museum
Tiberius, Michael C. Carlos Museum
Tiberius was the second Roman Emperor. 

"Portrait of a Bearded Man", Carlos Museum
"Portrait of a Bearded Man", Carlos Museum
"Portrait of a Bearded Man", late 2nd Century A.D. I love this piece...everything about it is beyond masterful. It's unfair to compare this kind of art to today's art, but it's still difficult not to. Granted, not every Mediterranean home had one of these in their living room, but...

Michael C. Carlos Museum
Michael C. Carlos Museum
I've seen some of these so many times that I forget who they are...and truthfully, the Museum has so many artifacts, it'd be impossible to know all of them, without a catalog!

Michael C. Carlos Museum
Michael C. Carlos Museum
Michael C. Carlos Museum

"Head of the Diadoumenos", Carlos Museum
"Head of the Diadoumenos", Carlos Museum
During the time of the carving of this bust/statue, a ribbon around the head was indicative of having won games. 

A Priestess, Michael C. Carlos Museum
A Priestess, Michael C. Carlos Museum
This bust of a priestess is absolutely exquisite! 

"Portrait of a Woman", Carlos Museum
"Portrait of a Woman", Carlos Museum
This piece is Roman, second half of the 1st Century.

"Head of Nike", Carlos Museum
"Head of Nike", Carlos Museum
Another exquisite bust, this one of Nike. This piece is Roman, but a copy of a Greek statue.

If you're visiting Atlanta for the first time, I highly recommend you visit the Michael C. Carlos Museum...although it receives a share of advertising, it's still an under-visited museum (from what  I've observed), which should not be the case. This place is phenomenal!

There's a lot more to see and do near Emory University, where The Carlos is located. Enjoy exploring that part of our fair City.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Interview: Greg Stones at the Dogwood Festival

What's the secret to making a 64-page book with only 68 individual words a complete and utter success? According to watercolor artist Greg Stones, you have someone else come up with four of those words and don't seriously consider penning a Pulitzer Prize acceptance speech.

"Zombies Hate Stuff" by Greg Stones
"Zombies Hate Stuff" by Greg Stones
That very clever author, Greg Stones, has become a favorite artist at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival. Why is a Rhode Island-based artist a favorite over a local. That's easy (not really that easy...I would love for Greg to be Atlanta-based)...Greg paints sharply dressed zombies, light saber wielding penguins, and spaceships whose occupants obviously have no idea what they're getting themselves into.

Watercolors by Greg Stones
Watercolors by Greg Stones
Seriously though, I've been a sci-fi fan since I was six years old and I've always loved humor. Greg marries to the two masterfully...and then some. From the first moment I discovered Greg's art, I was in love. His work is brilliant. I've blogged before that the laughter—inside and embarrassingly audible—spews forth uncontrollably when exploring his canvasses.

Watercolors by Greg Stones
Watercolors by Greg Stones
I met Greg in 2011 during my first Dogwood Festival after returning to Atlanta. This year will be our third in-person meeting, but we're engaged on Social Media throughout the year...mostly me "liking" the new work he posts, and the occasional "What's new?", "How's the wife?", "Are you coming back to Atlanta?" exchange. This is what all those pen pals in grade school was about, I suppose.

Watercolors by Greg Stones
Watercolors by Greg Stones
Greg recently granted wanderlust ATLANTA an interview, which is just the nice kind of guy he is. He totally delivers the Douglas Adams-esque humor I absolutely love and look forward to...here's what we talked about:


Watercolors by Greg Stones
wanderlust ATLANTA: Other than gorgeous spring weather and our obsessive zombie craze, what’s your favorite aspect of Atlanta?

Greg: "My favorite aspects of Atlanta ARE the gorgeous spring weather and the obsessive zombie craze. You stole all my potential answers."


Watercolors by Greg Stones
wanderlust ATLANTA: You have two books out, “Goodbye, Penguins” and “Zombies Hate Stuff”…plans for a third?

Greg: "My third book, Penguins Hate Stuff, will hit bookstores in July, and is currently available for pre-order on Amazon. A sequel to Zombies Hate Stuff is also in the works."


Watercolors by Greg Stones
wanderlust ATLANTA: I love the light saber wielding penguins! What’s the process for introducing a new “character” into your art?

Greg: "I work very hard to never paint the same painting twice, which necessitates the constant introduction of new elements. New for 2013: Chainsaws."



Watercolors by Greg Stones
wanderlust ATLANTA: If the characters in your art were to come to life, which three would you pal around with and why?

Greg: "Considering that most of the characters in my paintings display violent tendencies, if even one of them were to come to life I would lock all my doors, hide under my bed, and then eventually starve to death. My characters scare me."


Watercolors by Greg Stones
wanderlust ATLANTA: What advice would you offer aspiring artists…that is, for the ones who are not busy preparing for the zombie apocalypse?

Greg: "Aspiring artists should specifically avoid adding penguins and zombies to their art. Aspiring artists should also be very wary of established artists trying to sabotage them with terrible advice."



So, when you're at that Atlanta Dogwood Festival this weekend, keep an eye out for this guy, who happens to make this 6'2" blogger feel like someone who was undernourished as a kid...Greg is super tall!

Greg Stones of Watercolors by Greg Stones
Greg Stones
There are many, many other wonderful artists, vendors, music, food, rides, events, and so much more at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, so I'm sure you'll have a great time.

A couple of events of interest...the Disc Dog Show is a must-see and will take place every afternoon of the Festival. And the Lead Cultural Alliance Partner, the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA), is hosting a really fun-sounding "Chair Hack" event on Saturday at 1:00 to 4:00. Be sure to check out the Festival schedule for a full listing.

Happy festival-ing! And if you see a hungry zombie or a penguin with a chainsaw, run ask Greg what to do.