You know that I am a docent at the most fabulous art museum in San Antonio, right? "My" museum is the McNay Art Museum, and every Thursday during the school year, I take school kids (K-12) on tours through the museum. (Can you believe that this is where I "work" on Thursdays? It's the most beautiful place!!)
Right now we have an exhibit from "The Nightmare Before Christmas", the Tim Burton movie about the king of Halloween who takes over Christmas. The kids love it - and get to see set pieces from the making of the movie.
We also have a temporary exhibition called "The Orient Expressed" which details the impact of the opening of Japan in the 1850's by Commodore Perry on Western Art. It's amazing to see the extent and speed with which Japanese art and aesthetic was assimilated into all forms of Western art, including decorative and applied arts.
Yesterday, I got a phone call from the gentleman (Paul) who is in charge of the evening tours on Thursdays. Since I am such a newbie at this touring thing, and was a SCIENCE MAJOR in college, I declared that I would work with students only - no adults - until I'm more comfortable with my repetoire in the museum and my general knowledge of Art History. Paul asked me if I'd do a tour with adults in a couple of weeks - and I was specifically being sought out - because I'm a stitcher and the tour is for the Hand Weaver's Guild!!!
So, do I ever have my study time worked out for me!! My Day Chairperson gave me a lot of great ideas yesterday, but in the next two weeks, I need to learn about hand weaving, basket weaving (since we have a very nice collection of Native Indian baskets), clothing of aristocracy in the 1400s as reflected in our collection of religious art, and also take a look at the costuming in The Orient Expressed.
Who would have thought my love for needlepoint could get me in such trouble?
Still have family here and will go to Memphis a couple of days after they leave. This tour is 3 days after I get back. Crazy, but fun times.
Happy Stitching!!
Jane
Recent Comments