Hirshhorn Simone Leigh Exhibit

We haven’t been to the Hirshhorn Art Museum for quite some time. So last week we took a ride in to town for a morning walk, parked at the Tidal Basin, and walked towards the Smithsonian Castle. After walking through the gardens that still have Christmas decorations in place, we noticed that the sculpture garden across the street was totally dug up and is being restored. Several of the outdoor sculptures have been moved to the Museum grounds. While inside we walked through the three levels to see what was new. And there was the Simone Leigh exhibit. It was actually quite interesting. What I liked most about it was the simplicity of the work and the way each piece was displayed - starting with the grass skirted item at the entrance. The lighting was really nice and the exhibit rooms were stark. It seemed like we were the only people there - and that made it even better. Some of the wall art was less liked - the bananas didn’t do much for me. But each room had a unique feel and style. We like being able to stop in whenever we like and have an opportunity to see the artwork. Another exhibit is being prepared so it will be fun to come back whenever it opens. When the sun comes out and spring is on the way there is never a better feeling. This was one of those days. 

Garden Sculptures in the Neighborhood

Now that the summer season is officially coming to a close with the Labor Day weekend, it seems fitting to do a retrospective review of the garden sculptures and ornaments that grabbed my attention on our daily walks over the past many weeks. In the heat of the summer in this concrete jungle, we take to the neighborhood sidewalks covered by the shade of tall buildings and large trees rather than the national mall that is totally exposed to the full sun of the day. Walking along these paths presents a very different view of the surroundings compared to the Smithsonian buildings and Capitol complex. The tastes in the gardens are personal, whimsical, and everything otherwise. The front yards are generally tiny patches of space that range from well manicured to completely unkempt. But the most thoughtful homeowners distinguish their garden from all the rest by introducing a permanent element of sorts that must represent something that is pleasing to their eyes. So as another season passes, the flowers and the plants are preparing for the fall ahead. More often than not, many of these eye catching pieces will remain in place next year. Hopefully, we'll have an opportunity to see them all again. 

James Garfield

Fifty years old is quite young, especially when I passed that mark twelve years ago. We were watching an American Experience the other day - saw one about the coal mines, and Bonnie & Clyde, and this recent one about James Garfield. I wanted to major in history before selecting nursing, so I find these programs interesting. And living in DC makes it very easy to stumble upon peculiar and real facts about all the people who walked the streets we now reside on. James Garfield was just fifty when he was assassinated. A very large memorial statue is situated right in front of the Capitol building near the US Botanic garden. We passed by him millions of times on our walks towards the national mall. But after watching the show, and learning more about this figure from Ohio, I couldn't help but take a closer look. To think someone can do so much in such a short period of time is impressive, regardless of your views on life. I wonder if any of his descendants come this way? In any event, it makes me wonder how every day counts, especially when I'm surrounded by such accomplishments. 

A Hirshhorn Art Museum Detour

We often times pass by the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden whenever we take a walk on the Mall. You can't help but see the sculpture pieces outside, but we rarely go in to the art museum. So today as we passed by we decided we would drop in and see what was new. To be honest, we never spend a whole lot of time gazing at and reading about whatever is on display. It's more of a quick walk through. My interest is to capture anything that seems remotely interesting so I can write about it and give a general impression. I actually find the architecture and the textures of the building more interesting then the art. The view overlooking the mall from the second floor is also more intriguing to me. So we walked around three floors and absorbed the surroundings. There were a few people milling about at this early Sunday time. This is probably the third time we have been to the museum since we moved to DC from the Midwest. I'll have to keep my eyes open for the next exciting exhibit. Until then, we will enjoy the exterior art, and what my husband calls the "people museum."