The Artist Arts: Museum Ho!
I was in Cleveland last week, visiting family, and took advantage of some cultural experiences which aren't afforded me in North Carolina. I hit up a few museums and ate as much ethnic food as I could get my hands on. When I was a kid growing up outside of Chicago, I would get really antsy whenever we would visit The Art Institute. I could hardly last 30 minutes before I was dreadfully bored and, most likely, obnoxiously vocal about the fact. I really enjoy experiencing cities more and more as I grow older and I regret not taking advantage of everything Chicago had to offer. That being said, I had a great time in Cleveland and was really impressed by how affordable it was to do stuff there. Both of the art museums I went to were free to the public and had very enjoyable collections.
The Cleveland Museum of Art has been under renovation for years, but the few galleries that were open were well arranged and thoroughly engaging. I spent about an hour there, and learned a good deal about colonial American art. One of the galleries was dominated by a set of huge paintings depicting Apollo and some of the Muses. They're by Charles Meynier and are really stunning. I'm posting some pictures, but they don't really do the works justice.
The other museum I went to was the Allen Memorial Art Museum at Oberlin College. It's kind of in the middle of farm country, but definitely worth the trip. Added Bonus: You're only going to pay for gas 'cause this museum is free too. It has to be one of the best college museums in the country (not that there are really very many). They have works from almost every period, but their modern collection is a real gem. A set which really drew my attention was of modern Chinese propaganda posters. They're from the 70's, but they are obviously drawing on the American WWII look. I have to wonder why this style of patriotic advertising is so popular. It must be effective. Here's one American propaganda poster alongside the two Chinese ones. They're crappy pictures because I didn't have very good light, but you get the point.
I know Cleveland has a bad reputation, you know, rivers burning and the like, but it really is a place to check out. Lots of art. Lots of cultural experiences (Little Italy is always fun). And Big Fun, an amazing toy store.
