Sharing the Passion for Great Art
I have a lifelong passion for good art, by both the masters or current local artists. With a degree in studio art and as a teacher of art and art history for students of all ages, I love to instill that passion in my students – including you, my blog viewers. My goal is to help develop cultural literacy. My desire is for one to “see” and appreciate art in the world around them. This may be identifying the Ionic Greek columns on a state building or recognizing an iconic painting or sculpture in an advertisement, cartoon, or parody.
For me, life is a a grand ADVENTURE IN ART. Art that is experienced through museum masterpieces. Art that is experienced through travel around the world and my home town absorbing great architecture, sculpture and culture.
Art for the Pandemic
Art can serve as a distraction–or release–and is a way to help us survive difficulties in life.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world by storm in mid-March, 2020, I looked to art as a distraction–and release–and first posted my findings on Facebook. It helped me to not focus on all the bad news and negative and depressing postings that engulfed the postings–and encourage others to do the same. They are posted here as a blog, with additional depth about the artists, the works of art and the museums where these artworks reside. I share how they relate to what is going on in the world at that time. I hope that you will be inspired to see them in person someday as the world opens up again for you to explore the world through travel!
- Start here for the ADVENTURE IN ART of A Year in Art for the Pandemic
Art Museums: Experiencing Art Close Up
My passion for art museums was firmly established during my time living in New York City as a young woman. My path was set when I discovered Rick Steves’ book “Mona Winks. Self-Guided Tours of Europe’s Top (Art) Museums.” From England to France to Italy to Germany to the Netherlands, I have visited them all. Only The Prado, Madrid, Spain, remains on the list. I’ve added top museums in Egypt and the USA to my own list. My goal is to share them on this blog, with tips for your success to enjoy them on your own!
My love story with Adventures in Art began…
I fell in love with Art History in an unlikely setting. In a small town Midwest high school, a one semester art class was offered. Most of students took the class rather than another study hall. I recall a cramped classroom of 30+ students, most of whom simply occupied seats, provided back-ground chatter, and did lots of coloring book pages. However – 3 of us intended to study art and absorb what the class had to offer. Our eccentric art teacher, Mrs. Werner, poured every ounce of her artistic self and passion into the 3 of us. We perched ourselves in the front row, in front of her, in rapt attention, soaking in every word she spoke and picture she displayed. We not only learned the basic techniques of drawing, painting, and sculpture – we developed a passion and zeal for Art History and the artists that created it.. No projectors flashed slides on the wall. No class field trips to an art museum were scheduled or suggested.
But this passionate, dedicated teacher instilled in me a love of good art and the intense desire to one day see this art in person – and also share it with another generation. And I have done both!
Art: Close Up
I love Michelangelo and have had the opportunity to see much of his work in Italy. The Sistine Chapel ceiling is one of the most significant – but the roof is SO FAR AWAY! Seizing the opportunity for a different vantage point when it presents itself is see here. This blog shares a close up look at this ADVENTURE IN ART close up with a Masterpiece for the Ages!
- See the blog for much, much more when an exhibit came to our city: Michelangelo Alert!
Art & The Bible
With my masters degree in theology, and lifelong study of history, I enjoy incorporating these elements in my studies. Placing the biblical characters of Abraham, Daniel, Esther and the Israelites into the art and architecture of the Ancient Near East and Egypt makes everything and everyone come alive: the era, the people and the Bible.
- See more ADVENTURES IN ART and the Bible at this blog site: Exploring The St. John’s Bible at Collegeville, Minnesota, USA
Art in the Outdoors
Appreciating art in open air settings such as Sculpture Gardens is a passion of mine. I like to share it as often as I can! See more on ADVENTURES IN ART in the Outdoors at these blog sites:
- Exploring the Minneapolis (MN, USA) Sculpture Gardens and Robert Indiana “LOVE” sculpture.
- Minneapolis Institute of Art, Art in Ice in ice sculpture sculptures created around Minneapolis during the pandemic.
Art on the Street
I enjoy discovering fun art in fun places such as this Peanuts sculpture found around town in St. Paul. See more Adventures with Art on the Street at these blog sites:
Art in Public Places
I love sculpture and this one reminds me of classical Greek and Roman marble sculptures of Europe! Art in Public Places can include the magnificent Carousels around the world and at home! See more Adventures in Art in Public Places at the following blogs:
- This one in particular also holds interest for me and my family of origin; see more in this blog: Exploring Minneapolis (MN, USA) City Hall and the “Father of the Water” sculpture
- Carousels in Paris brought the Adventure of Art in Public Places up close as I explored Paris, France atop magnificent Carousels!
Art in Architecture
Art through the medium of Architecture is unique in that, unless demolished completely, will always remain in ONE SPOT! It I go to Paris, I can expect the Eiffel Tower to be in Paris – NOT on tour to New York!
Adventures at Art Museums visited for my Blog
- Minneapolis Institute of Art, Highlights – Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Minneapolis Institute of Art, Botticelli Exhibition
- Minneapolis Institute of Art, Art in Ice around Minneapolis,
- Minneapolis Institute of Art, Japanese Textiles
- Minneapolis Institute of Art – Art in Bloom 2022
- Museum of Russian Art, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Weisman Art Museum, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Charamana Consulting 