Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Hollar for the Road Show - Herbie Hollar, that is

Wed 9.3.08: Are You Roadie for Art?!

First day of New Audience Road Show (NARS, or Road show, or just Roadies). The free food each time we meet was a surprise, but for the post-college pre-prostate check guys, it is just one of the fabulous reasons to be in the Road Show.

So we Tuesday night met at the Columbia Museum of Art, the first time all Roadies together, munched on food from Wild Wing (I think), then learned about glass. No kidding. But this is glass you've never seen before. (Neither had I.)

Although we did not get to meet the awesome glass artist Dale Chihuly, the super smart art peeps at the Columbia Museum of Art took us around the galleries, beginning with Chihuly's.

Sea forms.

Think of giant clams crossed with jelly fish crossed with brilliant coral, in cool clear dark tropical water lit from the sun above.

Although we ogled and dared not touch these fabulous glass sculptures, we learned more about the design and preparations for art exhibits, from the color on the wall to the type and intensity of lighting. Everything depends on the art.

We also discussed how art etiquette, especially, how close is too close? About a foot is enough before the security guards throw you out the cargo bay doors. Pointing is iffy, best to keep those greasy fingers away from the art. And be cognizant of what you might back into or lean against. No need to topple over a sculpture and watch it smash to pieces in slow motion, horror struck across the faces of everyone who heard the merciless crash...

Anyway, We roadied pretty quickly through other galleries and saw this hideous glass chandelier, As Ed Maddon put it, big fat drag queen on stage ready for the spot light. The Museum had assembled this--thing--based on their own research since the donor had no photos of it. It is cool for its historical value. But that's about it.

And then the vault. Think of a data center, but it's art, not servers in the climate controlled racks. Or a library for books no one sees, except once and a while. This is where donated art goes to die.

Not really.

Most of the museum's inventory is in the vault, but they cycle the pieces on display once and a while. Although, some work in the vault will never make it onto the floor upstairs. (sniffle)

So, coming up this Thursday, day 2 of this roadness, is the CMA's opening celebration for the Dale Chihuly exhibit. Free food, and free beer and wine.

Oh, another great thing about being a Roading -- yeah, the free beer and wine at art events!

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