the power of art

I guess I should first wish everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day. These images show the extent of our weekend holiday activities – Avery sporting his full shamrock ensemble when asked to put on his pajamas and soon afterward, treating myself to a Guiness in a festive Macado's glass I've had since college. It's the most hideous glass in our cabinet, but I can't bare to throw away Jerry Garcia disguised as a leprechaun.

Sure, our town offered a huge array of St. Patty's festivities, most notably the rowdy Ocean View Parade, but we decided to avoid the drunks and headed towards the Chrysler Museum of Art in hopes of soaking in a little art and culture. We first stopped by our favorite store in Ghent – Kitsch.

They offered a photobooth the night before and still had a few of their props lying on a table in the store, which Ave felt obliged to model. He's so serious.

Feeling famished, we stopped for some pizza and gelato. 

After finally making it to the Chrysler, we enjoyed the short window of viewing pleasure we have with Avery before he starts pulling and raising his voice. Thank goodness the admission is now free.

The newly opened exhibition 30 Americans: Masterpieces of Contemporary African American Art was  compelling and beautiful, and I long for the time when I can return and view at my own pace. There was a Kara Walker installation, a couple Basquiats, and a few of Nick Cave's Soundsuits which stopped us in our tracks. Ave's eyes widened, his face burst into a smile and he excitedly pointed at the Soundsuit, recognizing it from our coffee table book. My heart swelled with pride and I had a hard time fighting back the tears.

Have I created a strange child who gets more excited over an esoteric artist creation than Buzz Lightyear (he refuses to watch Toy Story) ? But is that a bad thing? If he weren't so obsessed with Wipeout, I'd have my worries, but I'll blame it on the power of art.