Bookman and I had a fun time at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts today. They had a history of the chair exhibit that contained classic chairs like this one from Fontainebleau:
And this one made of stuffed toys that is sure to be a classic one day:
We also stumbled upon an exhibit of book bindings. My favorite was this one called “Scream at the Librarian”
Then we decided to make an exhibition of ourselves:
We looked at lots of beautiful art (and some not so beautiful) from all around the world both ancient and modern. We avoided the busloads of school children there on a field trip. And we dodged the students from the art academy next door, carrying their sketchpads and camp stools and being lectured to by their instructors. Afterwards we made a dash to the car through wind and rain that sometimes looked suspiciously snow-like. ‘Tis the season.
At home this afternoon, snug and warm, we wallowed in reading. I continued reading The Enormous Room but find that good as it is, it is not reading for longer than half an hour to an hour. So I also read a big chunk in the Edith Wharton biography I’ve been making my way through since *incoherent mumble.* Time to get back to it. And I will be back to work tomorrow. Sigh.
How cute are you two?? I’d take that green chair for my art room, please…
Absolutely for both – Love the green chair (green’s my favourite colour) and you two are gorgeous. Sounds like a lovely day. There’s something really special about visiting a nice museum isn’t there? I once interviewed a person for a front of house job at the archive where I worked, and we asked a question something along the lines of why are museums/archives/galleries/libraries important. He answered – and this was about 1996 so I’ve remembered it for a long time – “they make the differece between a workaday life and a life that’s worth living”! Wo! Way to go, eh? Need I say that he got the job! We believe it was said from the heart, and it proved to be so.
Oh my goodness that stuffed toy chair – I don’t even know what to say! haha… Love the book of course. You guys are too cute!
Congratulations on your anniversary Stefanie! What an exciting way to celebrate … a visit to an art museum. Those are interesting exhibits indeed, especially the last two
Thanks for sharing a part of your day with us. This is the first time I see you and Bookman in pictures, you two are a wonderful pair, lovely works of art!
What a great post. Those chairs are awesome, but, of course, my favorite exhibits were the (2) of you
What a fun way to spend your anniversary–that sounds like my kind of day. I think my cats would like that stuffed toy chair since it looks very cozy! And the “live” exhibit is the best part–you both look like you’re having so much fun–lovely photo!
The Scream at the Librarian is too funny and so appropriate. Sounds like a great day with great exhibits, including the two of you!
Those two exhibits of Stefanie and the Bookman are just delightful – perhaps they could come on tour to the Tate Modern? Much better than a roomful of asthma-inducing porcelain beads (which hit the headlines for all kinds of reasons earlier in the month). What a lovely way to spend an anniversary!
Daphne, isn’t the green chair lovely? The carving on the arms is amazing.
Whisperinggums, green is my favorite color too. Having good museums and libraries is a must. I would have given that guy the job too. Best answer ever!
Iliana, isn’t the stuffed toy chair great? I think it would be too lumpy to be comfortable for me but I am certain my cats would find it heavenly.
Arti, thanks on all fronts! It’s a really wonderful museum and even better it is free.
Bibliophile, aw thanks! The chair exhibit was nifty.
Danielle, thanks. That live exhibit was pretty questionable. My cats would love the stuffed toy chair, soft and cozy and great camouflage.
Jenclair, I know, forget the gorgeous embossed and inlayed bindings, the librarian one was a hoot. We were really disappointed no one asked us to be part of a continuing exhibit.
Litlove, we’d be glad to come tour the Tate Modern! A roomful of porcelain beads? unless they are attached to something in some sort of design I can’t imagine it would have been a very interesting exhibit. As far as I know Bookman and I don’t cause asthma and we are interactive and friendly
Ooooh, how much fun would it be to read in the stuffed animal chair! How is the Wharton biography? It has been on my to-read list forever–does she do much quoting from Wharton’s papers? Thanks!
I have a thing for stuffed toys so I cannot stop staring at that chair and thinking that I want one!
Happy anniversary! It looks like you had a good day
It’s strange, but nice, to put a face on the two of you. Hard to believe it was a 19th anniversary; surely, you must have added the “1″ by mistake..
This post makes me smile. Here’s to having lots more fun at lots more museums!
Great photographs! I have been reading The Enormous Room too, almost finished. I have been rather engrossed in it when I am reading it, but I don’t go and pick it back up as often as I should, I think it is all the lines in French that are a bit deterring – as I don’t speak French – but otherwise, it is an interesting read.
Joelle, isn’t the stuffed aninmal chair great? Wharton’s bio is fantastic. Lee pulls a lot from her letters and papers .
Iris, if you are a DIY kind of gal you could probably make your own chair.
Em, thank you! No mistake on the “1″ I got married when I was 10
Polaris, what a sweet thing to say! Thank you.
Fiona, thanks! What a coincidence that you are reading the Enormous Room as well. I don’t speak French either so also find the French lines difficult. Sometimes I can puzzle them out other times I just zip by them and don’t worry about it. It is indeed an interesting read though.
Happy belated anniversary! Loved the funny pictures!
Smithereens, thanks!
Love the plush animal chair! And you & the Bookman are super cute.
Happy anniversary!
Sylvia, thanks! Isn’t the animal chair great? I can honestly say I have never seen another chair quite like it.