a day at the museum



As I mentioned on Friday, a couple of my girlfriends and I drove up to Richmond to the Virginia Museum of Fine Art to check out the Picasso exhibit, which is apparently a big deal since it's the only stop on the East Coast for its seven city tour. Richmond and not New York or DC...can you believe it?



We woke up early on Saturday so we could arrive at the museum when the doors opened. Apparently, we weren't the only ones with this idea, as a steady crowd filled the lobby, many of them carrying easter baskets. When purchasing the tickets, we were given a time slot to view the Picasso exhibit, which allows the museum to manage the crowds to some extent. We perused the permanent collections, which alone is reason enough to visit, and popped our heads into the Family Fun Day area (hence the easter baskets) while waiting for our time slot to open.



This is embarrassing to admit, but I hadn't visited the museum since my sixth grade field trip. The architecture is breathtaking, complete with little glass overhangs for interesting views.

The 21st century collection is small, but very strong. Loved loved loved the painting below, but like the terrible reporter I am, forgot to write down the name. The photo below makes Rachel look like she shoots lasers from her eyes.

Actually, I can't credit any of the pieces except the colorful sculpture above by Sol Lewitt, the Sailfishe by James Prosek, and the enormous head by Ravinder Reddy. So, that's reason enough for you guys to see them in person.



So, how was the Picasso exhibit, you ask? Crowded. Full of people holding up listening devices and museum guards encouraging you to "keep moving." Seeing Picasso's work in chronological order was helpful in understanding his artistic progression and some of his most famous pieces were featured, but it lacked the intimacy I desire when viewing art.



There was an awesome Dan Zanes-style kids band (I'll update once I find out the name) singing songs about Picasso, and an Easter bunny who could seriously get down. I was really wishing Avery could have seen them. He would have freaked!

**UPDATE** The band was Hope Harris & the Cousins Jamboree. And I just found out they're going to open for Dan Zanes in September. We're so going!! With or without Avery.

Speaking of Ave, after he feeds treats to our cat Mila, he'll always smile and say "she's happy." Such a simple way to evaluate a situation and exactly the same way I felt all day.

Art, good friendship, thai food, and museum gift shops = Cassie happy.