Thursday, August 29, 2013

Imaginary Worlds Revisited

It's been a while since I've posted anything about the "Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life" exhibition at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. It's not been for lack of anything to say...that they're all living plants, they change every week—sometimes every day! 

"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden
"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden
Even with all the rain, visitation at the Garden is up considerably from last year. And they've already started installing "Garden Lights, Holiday Nights", which last winter brought in record numbers. There's sooooo much going on at the Garden!

"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden
"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden
The Garden is brilliant at creating opportunities for "everyone" to be able to see its exhibitions, from children's tours that are aligned with public school curriculum to the "Lucky Dog Deal" that gives everyone the opportunity, via Social Media, to see Imaginary Worlds for only $10 during "Cocktails in the Garden" on Thursdays in August. Very generous!

"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden
"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden
And have you seen the Imaginary Worlds competition? There are some brilliant entries! This isn't one of the entries...just one of the photos I made recently. She's amazing, isn't she? She's 25 feet tall!!!

"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden
"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden
And then there are the cute little bunnies! There are quite a few of them. Some of the 19 sculptures in Imaginary Worlds are in groupings...two fish, three berries, and a whole bunch of bunnies!


"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden
"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden
The trio of berries are in the Edible Garden, of course, which present a wonderful educational opportunity for visiting kids, as does the entirety of the Edible Garden.

I'm very impressed with all the programming the Garden has for children. The Children's Garden alone is two acres. It has a bee hive, a tree fort, Wednesday morning storytelling, and so much more!


"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden
"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden
The two butterflies, just outside the Visitor Center, are the introduction of Imaginary Worlds to unsuspecting visitors. And they're pretty amazing. The first time I saw a real butterfly on the butterflies, I was ecstatic.

And I've had other visitors tell me that they've seen hummingbirds on them!


"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden
"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden
At the most recent Cocktails in the Garden, which is summer Thursday nights, the Atlanta Ballet gave seven performances in three different areas of the Garden. Sexy, sleek, stunning...the Atlanta Ballet is obviously LOVED by Atlantans based on the number of visitors who came out last Thursday just to see them! And Imaginary Worlds, of course.


"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden
"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden
This was not the first time that the Atlanta Ballet has performed at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, but it was just as amazing every other time they've performed here...this time I particularly enjoy, actually. When you have the opportunity to see the Atlanta Ballet live, don't hold back...go see them!


"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden
"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden
So, surely people are wondering what's the most photographed sculpture in Imaginary Worlds, right? I don't know that answer, but I can offer an educated guess. Earth Goddess is photograph-able from lots of vistas, so my guess is that she's most-photographed.

BUT, I'm guessing that the most photographs with one of the sculptures is either the Cobras—which may be difficult given their 18-feet height—or it could be the Ogre, which is much easier to pose beside...and he's pretty cool, even if not in the best of moods.


"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden
"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life", Atlanta Botanical Garden
And did you know that during Cocktails in the Garden, the sculptures are dramatically lit? That's right. Even if you're there at 9:59 p.m., you'll get to see the sculptures...in all their majesty.

And, if you're interested in the "how" Imaginary Worlds came into being—as many visitors are—there's a display in the Orchid Center gallery that gives a behind-the-scenes look into the making of the exhibition, as well as a time-lapse video of the installation of Earth Goddess.

"Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life" is here only through October. Make sure you see it!

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Road to Tara Unveils the Civil War

I recently received an hospitable invitation back to the Road to Tara Museum for a preview of their newest exhibits, which open to the public this weekend.

The two exhibits, which share the same space, are "The Battle of Atlanta" and "The Battle of Jonesboro", highly appropriate given that Road to Tara Museum is in historic downtown Jonesboro.


Civil War Exhibits, Road to Tara Museum
Civil War Exhibits, Road to Tara Museum
As you probably know, the Road to Tara Museum's primary focus is on the Gone With the Wind book and film, which makes the new exhibits perfect companions—given Gone With the Wind is set in the US Civil War.


Civil War Exhibits, Road to Tara Museum
Civil War Exhibits, Road to Tara Museum
The exhibit features photographs, drawings, paintings, maps, uniforms, books, models, and other artifacts that range from a sword to a wooden canteen, and a whole lot more!


Civil War Exhibits, Road to Tara Museum
Civil War Exhibits, Road to Tara Museum
I had the pleasure of talking with Danielle Conroy, Director of Marketing and Management for the Clayton County Convention and Visitors Bureau, about the importance of the new exhibits to Gone With the Wind and Jonesboro.


Civil War Exhibits, Road to Tara Museum
Civil War Exhibits, Road to Tara Museum
Noting that some of the global success of Gone With the Wind has been attributed to author Margaret Mitchell's being told stories of the Civil War by veterans of that war, I asked Danielle why is it important for museums like Road to Tara Museum to retell local history through exhibits like the "The Battle of Jonesboro" and the "The Battle of Atlanta"? 

Danielle said, "Gone With The Wind would have been a different story if Margaret Mitchell hadn't grown up hearing her family's stories. It's important to document and display what happened locally to the people involved and the town so the history of the smaller battles and personal accounts aren't lost."


Civil War Exhibits, Road to Tara Museum
Civil War Exhibits, Road to Tara Museum
I wholeheartedly agree with Danielle that the stories have to be retold so that they're not lost. History is riddled with lost knowledge and it breaks my heart every time I head one of those stories. So, with that, the Museum gains my admiration for adding these exhibits—that they're done well is a bonus!


Civil War Exhibits, Road to Tara Museum
Civil War Exhibits, Road to Tara Museum
There's a lot going on in conjunction with the launch of the new exhibits. I asked Danielle what's "the one can't-miss event," to which she shared, "We are hosting a year of events to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Gone With The Wind and commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. The event you don't want to miss is our kickoff event, 'Rhett and Scarlett Reunited…For the Evening.' Tickets are $25 and advance tickets are required. You can get tickets by calling (800) 662-7829. Ticket holders will enjoy a VIP Reception, commemorative gifts and a photo opportunity with Rhett and Scarlett."


Civil War Exhibits, Road to Tara Museum
Civil War Exhibits, Road to Tara Museum
I'd be remiss if I didn't interject how wonderful the Museum staff are. I've been there twice just in the last month and was treated with the greatest hospitality and courteousness. Road to Tara has afforded me a greater appreciation for Gone With the Wind, the Civil War, and Jonesboro itself. 

Danielle was also the one who told me about "Reflections of Hollywood's Golden Era—Movies Connecting the Past and Future" exhibition at Arts Clayton Gallery, which is just a block from Road to Tara.


Civil War Exhibits, Road to Tara Museum
Civil War Exhibits, Road to Tara Museum
I had to ask the question, "What's the greatest 'surprise' visitors can expect to see in the new exhibits at Road to Tara?" Danielle decidedly noted, "The Battle of Jonesboro, even though small compared to others, was a decisive battle. With Jonesboro's supply rail lines being cut, it eventually led to the fall of Atlanta."


Civil War Exhibits, Road to Tara Museum
Civil War Exhibits, Road to Tara Museum
The Battle of Jonesboro was a two-day battle and Confederate losses were great. The Battle of Jonesboro exhibit notes a number of nearby places that have important ties to the US Civil War, including a Confederate cemetery.


Civil War Exhibits, Road to Tara Museum
Civil War Exhibits, Road to Tara Museum
While there, I ran into a couple of localswho had just come from the Southern Belles & Whistles Tourwhich starts and finishes at Road to Tara—who commented that they recognized lots of the places noted in the exhibit.

Without hesitation, I highly recommend a visit to Road to Tara Museum, and  be sure you catch the new Civil War exhibits...you're going to enjoy it all!

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Arts Clayton Movie Posters

Danielle over at the Road to Tara Museum told me about the "Reflections of Hollywood's Golden Era—Movies Connecting the Past and Future" exhibition at Arts Clayton Gallery. Sounds interesting, right? 


Reflections of Hollywood's Golden Era, Arts Clayton Gallery, Joan Crawford
Reflections of Hollywood's Golden Era, Arts Clayton Gallery
The exhibition is brilliant! It's a private collection of hand-painted movie posters, from the 1920s through the 1940s, that were painted and displayed at the Loew's Grand Theatre, where Gone With the Wind premiered on December 15, 1939.

The above poster features Joan Crawford, Hollywood legend who made more than 70 films. The first film I saw featuring Joan was Mildred Pierce (1945)—it was showing at a series titled "Great Female Screen Legends" in the late 80s at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library—for which she won an Oscar.


Reflections of Hollywood's Golden Era, Arts Clayton Gallery, Douglas and Oberon
Reflections of Hollywood's Golden Era, Arts Clayton Gallery
The Loew's Grand has a long and distinguished history, from its originally being an opera house to its bricks after demolition being used to build Houston's Restaurant on Peachtree Street in Buckhead.

This poster features Merle Oberon and Melvyn Douglas in That Uncertain Feeling, 1941. I really like this particular poster for its being obvious that it's a painting...see the unfinished parts?


Reflections of Hollywood's Golden Era, Arts Clayton Gallery
Reflections of Hollywood's Golden Era, Arts Clayton Gallery
Greeting visitors entering the exhibition is this "single seat" from the Loew's Grand Theatre. This seat was unique in that it could slide from the bottom so that the seat occupant could make room for latecomers without having to get up.

In the background is Barbara Stanwyck movie poster.


Reflections of Hollywood's Golden Era, Arts Clayton Gallery, Barbara Stanwyck
Reflections of Hollywood's Golden Era, Arts Clayton Gallery
Barbara Stanwyck had a prolific acting career, which included the film Lady of Burlesque, the subject of this movie poster. I remember watching her on television in The Big Valley when I was a kid. She had quite the presence.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer was a Loew's-owned studio, thus many MGM films had their Atlanta premiere at the Loew's Grand Theatre.


Reflections of Hollywood's Golden Era, Arts Clayton Gallery, Renée Adorée
Reflections of Hollywood's Golden Era, Arts Clayton Gallery
This poster of Renée Adorée, star of The Big Parade (1925), is a prime example of the rarity of this collection. Very little is known of Adoree's early life—very little.

And during this era of movie-going, films were changed out weekly and rarely re-ran. Can you imagine a world of no reruns? 


Reflections of Hollywood's Golden Era, Arts Clayton Gallery, No Leave No Love
Reflections of Hollywood's Golden Era, Arts Clayton Gallery
During the period of time that this poster collection comes from, the Loew's Grand Theatre employed two artists who painted the frequently changed movie posters. Sid Smith and Charles Reese Collier were those painters and when you see these posters live, you'll know how incredible their work truly was...you can see the brushstrokes, the colors come alive...they beg you to buy a ticket to see the film on the big screen!


Reflections of Hollywood's Golden Era, Arts Clayton Gallery
Reflections of Hollywood's Golden Era, Arts Clayton Gallery
Many of the posters feature not only a two-dimensional painting of the film's actors, some of them include three-dimensional elements, as well. 


Reflections of Hollywood's Golden Era, Arts Clayton Gallery
Reflections of Hollywood's Golden Era, Arts Clayton Gallery
This poster features Robert Montgomery and Rosalind Russell. Having seen Auntie Mame—the Rosalind Russell version—many times, I absolutely adore her!


Reflections of Hollywood's Golden Era, Arts Clayton Gallery
Reflections of Hollywood's Golden Era, Arts Clayton Gallery
This 1943 film's poster features Bataan starring Robert Taylor. Now, imagine seeing this film in the 1940s AND owning the original hand-painted poster today. 

That's just the case. Noted movie memorabilia collector Herb Bridges as a teenager worked as an usher at the Loew's Grand Theatre. How cool is that?! You'll have the opportunity to meet Mr. Bridges at the Gallery on Saturday, September 7.


Reflections of Hollywood's Golden Era, Arts Clayton Gallery
Reflections of Hollywood's Golden Era, Arts Clayton Gallery
Back to the rarity of this collection...

I doubt many of us can say we saw the first run of Clark Gable in the 1941 Honky Tonk, let alone be able to remember the hand-painted movie poster. 

Remember I told you that back in this time, movies changed out weekly? Well, so did the posters. And the artists would often discard the previous week's poster or re-purpose it for a new one. So, calling the collection "rare" is beyond accurate.

Head over to the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page for a few more photos and then get yourself to Arts Clayton Gallery and see these marvelous posters in person!

Monday, August 26, 2013

Veterans Park at the Atlanta History Center

Having served in the United States Navy, I was excited to see the expansion of Veterans Park at the Atlanta History Center, which was completed and opened to the public earlier this year, on Memorial Day Weekend.


Veterans Park at the Atlanta History Center
Veterans Park at the Atlanta History Center
Veterans Park features a collection of seals of the United States and the five major branches of the American military, including Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.


Veterans Park at the Atlanta History Center
Veterans Park at the Atlanta History Center
From the Atlanta History Center's website:
"The newly expanded Veterans Park at the Atlanta History Center is dedicated to all of the men and women who have served—and continue to serve—the United States of America. The Park was designed not as a traditional veterans’ memorial, but as a unique gathering place encouraging reflection, personal connections to veterans, and a celebration of the lives of those who have sacrificed to secure our freedom."

Veterans Park at the Atlanta History Center
Veterans Park at the Atlanta History Center
The Atlanta History Center has been collecting veterans' oral histories and stories—in a partnership with the Library of Congress—for the Veterans History Project for more than 10 years.

Some of those stories are available to Park visitors on pylons and via QR Codes. Imagine the profound experience listening to these stories must be. 


Veterans Park at the Atlanta History Center
Veterans Park at the Atlanta History Center
If you have time when visiting Atlanta, and especially when visiting the Atlanta History Center, I invite and encourage you to walk a few extra steps to Veterans Park for a few moments of reflection on the sacrifice made by so many Americans to protect the freedoms we enjoy each and every day.

Sunday, August 25, 2013

MODA Field Trip: Gaming at Joystick

Given the XYZ: Alternative Voices in Game Design exhibition is primarily video game design from the female perspective, I thought going on the MODA Field Trip to Joystick Gamebar with my best female friend rather befitting. MaryJo and I have been dearest of friends since 1988, so we've seen a lot together, but it was the first time at Joystick for both of us—and was it fun!


MODA at Joystick
MODA at Joystick
Gaming on behalf of the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) were Jennifer and Clare, who earned high-score as hosts. Certainly a unique MODA Field Trip, Joystick gave us 2.5 hours of free gaming and a food discount...and they took very good care of us.


MODA at Joystick
MODA at Joystick
And speaking of food, turns out that the on-premise food partner Illegal Food was voted among the top five "Best Burgers in Atlanta" by Thrillist, and for good reason. They're amazing! The fries also are among the best I've had.

Truth be told, I didn't have a burger on this particular visit, but did only two nights later. Their burger "The Hank" is the one that won 'Best Burger'—number three on the list—and I had a taste of my friend's Hank burger—delish! But I ate every last bite of my burger. Its name I forget, but it had blue cheese, so I that choice was a no-brainer for me.


MODA at Joystick
MODA at Joystick
There are two distinct spaces at Joystick...the classic arcade games section, which is where the bar is, and a more relaxed board game room, which features classic Atari games on a television set right out of your grandmother's living room! My favorite Atari game back in the day was Asteroids—so much fun!—which is one of the many games on this set.


MODA at Joystick
MODA at Joystick
I've noted on numerous occasions that community is key to success for today's museums and tourist attractions, something that MODA does quite well. It appears to me that Joystick is doing the same thing. There were groups of friends there and others who made friends while there.


MODA at Joystick
MODA at Joystick
That evening I had the honor of meeting Beth, author of the blog The City Dweller. When Beth told me "Curiosity is my compass," I knew I'd be a longtime reader of her blog. And she's written a book, too! Check out The City Dweller...I think you'll like what you see.


MODA at Joystick
MODA at Joystick
MaryJo taught me how to play Donkey Kong, a game that I never did get around to playing as a kid. We also played the pinball machines...both great fun. I didn't make the 'high score' board on any of the games that night, but totally had a fun-filled evening.


MODA at Joystick
MODA at Joystick
Joystick opened just last year and it's already a neighborhood gem. And I'd like to offer a great big wanderlust ATLANTA "Thank you!" to the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) for continuing its brilliant Field Trip programming and to Joystick Gamebar for hosting us.


MODA at Joystick
MODA at Joystick

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Jiki to Hanga: Japanese Porcelain and Prints

There are so many wondrous and wonderful things about Oglethorpe University Museum of Art's current exhibition "Jiki to Hanga: Japanese Porcelain and Prints", and one not so great thing. Let me start with the one thing. Unfortunately, the exhibition finishes a week from today, which means I'm not going to have time to see it again, but...that also means YOU have a  whole week to get there!


Jiki Hanga: Japanese Porcelain and Prints,  Oglethorpe University Museum of Art
Jiki to Hanga: Japanese Porcelain and Prints,
Oglethorpe University Museum of Art
As much as you've heard me warn against procrastination in seeing exhibitions—because we all know what happens when we wait too long—I almost missed this one. And yes, I knew about it from the beginning—shame on me. The great news is that it's phenomenal!


Jiki Hanga: Japanese Porcelain and Prints,  Oglethorpe University Museum of Art
Jiki to Hanga: Japanese Porcelain and Prints,
Oglethorpe University Museum of Art
In keeping with the Museum's historical caliber of exhibitions, "Jiki to Hanga: Japanese Porcelain and Prints" is exceptional. On display are porcelain and prints ranging from the Museum's permanent collection to numerous pieces from the personal collection of Dr. and Mrs. Terry Taylor...no relation, by the way.

Of all the prints in the exhibition, "Misty Day in Nikko", Hiroshi Yoshida, (1937) pictured above, is my personal favorite. It reminded me of a day exploring Muir Woods with one of my dearest friends.


Jiki Hanga: Japanese Porcelain and Prints,  Oglethorpe University Museum of Art
Jiki to Hanga: Japanese Porcelain and Prints,
Oglethorpe University Museum of Art
This trio I especially liked because of the cherry blossoms, which reminded me of the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C.—a festival that celebrates the gift from Tokyo of 3,000 cherry trees to the District of Columbia. I attended that Festival for each of the nine years I lived there. The cherry tree-lined Tidal Basin is a spectacle that's offers indelible memories.


Jiki Hanga: Japanese Porcelain and Prints,  Oglethorpe University Museum of Art
Jiki to Hanga: Japanese Porcelain and Prints,
Oglethorpe University Museum of Art
This one, "Fuji from Satta Pass, Honcho Meisho" (Famous Places of Our Country Series) by Utagawa Hiroshige (c. 1930) is another favorite. I'm not sure which it reminds me of more, viewing the Golden Gate Bridge from a hillside or soaking in the Grand Tetons from Lake Fremont, near where I graduated high school. 

The power to transport the imagination, evidently inherent in this exhibition, is remarkable. I've long been fascinated with Japanese art—as are many Westerners. The more I learn about Western fascination with Japanese art (there's a section in the exhibit catalog about just that) and Japanese fascination with Western culture, the more the whole thing fascinates me!


Jiki Hanga: Japanese Porcelain and Prints,  Oglethorpe University Museum of Art
Jiki to Hanga: Japanese Porcelain and Prints,
Oglethorpe University Museum of Art
The above piece, "Triptych: Kinmokubiro (The Old Golden Hair Nail-Tailed Wicked Tamamo-no-Mae [fox])" (1859), by Utagawa Kunihisa, more than some of the others, is all about storytelling...I would love to know the story behind it!

The exhibition "features 49 color woodcuts and more than 30 porcelain and earthenware objects. Twenty-eight of the woodcuts are by shin-hanga style master printmaker Hiroshi Yoshida (1876-1950)."

Jiki Hanga: Japanese Porcelain and Prints,  Oglethorpe University Museum of Art
Jiki to Hanga: Japanese Porcelain and Prints,
Oglethorpe University Museum of Art
From among the porcelains, this 19th Century five-lobed bowl is my favorite. All of the porcelains are stunning and/or remarkable, but I was totally drawn to this Kozan piece. I've always had a preference for an 'elegant, yet simple' aesthetic and I think this is approaching that. 

Jiki Hanga: Japanese Porcelain and Prints,  Oglethorpe University Museum of Art
Jiki to Hanga: Japanese Porcelain and Prints,
Oglethorpe University Museum of Art
When you go, be sure you examine the detail in the various pieces, especially this 18th Century blue and white Kutani plate. The molded mon rim was a great little surprise, as were many of the details discovered throughout the exhibition.

Jiki Hanga: Japanese Porcelain and Prints,  Oglethorpe University Museum of Art
Jiki to Hanga: Japanese Porcelain and Prints,
Oglethorpe University Museum of Art
Where the prints took me to other times and places, the porcelains took me directly to the artists' workshops...fully wondering what they must have been thinking, remembering, wanting to convey as they created. 

Jiki Hanga: Japanese Porcelain and Prints,  Oglethorpe University Museum of Art
Jiki to Hanga: Japanese Porcelain and Prints,
Oglethorpe University Museum of Art
This detail of this Brocade Imari charger, from the Meiji period, is absolutely stunning. You're going to want to plan time to truly explore...in this relatively modest size museum, there's a LOT to see.

Jiki Hanga: Japanese Porcelain and Prints,  Oglethorpe University Museum of Art
Jiki to Hanga: Japanese Porcelain and Prints,
Oglethorpe University Museum of Art
The crown jewel in the "Jiki to Hanga: Japanese Porcelain and Prints" exhibit is this late 17th Century Kakiemon type Arita plate with a spray of peony, which is also on the cover of the exhibition catalog. It's a beautiful piece and you certainly wouldn't want to miss it.

So, like I said, you have only a week left to see this amazing exhibition. Make your way to the Oglethorpe University Museum of Art and also ask about their upcoming exhibitions. From what I'm told, you'll definitely want to see them!