Have you ever driven or walked by a place that pulls you in, invites you to wonder what mystery lies behind its magical walls? The mansion/castle of the American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis, MN is such a place! Filled with history, culture, art, and fabulous special exhibits, it tells a different story of Swedish immigrants to Minnesota than that written in Swede Hollow. Enjoy this colorful blog!
Author Archives: Cher B
Swede Hollow: St. Paul, MN (Travel)
Itching to travel again, I am exploring the world in my backyard, exploring my roots, and engaging with friends I have missed during the pandemic! This journey took us to Swede Hollow Park and neighborhood, St. Paul, MN. We walked in a well-hidden, lush park. It awakened my awareness of my Swedish roots. My blog explores both!
Fishing Season Opens: Art (Winslow Homer)
In recognition of the Great Minnesota Fishing Opener 2021, I share Winslow Homer, the American Realist painter of All-Things-Fishing. An avid fisherman and artist, he not only painted people fishing for work and for play, but visually set the scene for the viewer to experience the rough waves, misty air and warm sun. My blog highlights a few of my favorites.
Norway House: Art & Travel, Minneapolis, MN
As pandemic restrictions lift, a fun way to take baby steps back into exploring the world beyond our doorsteps is to discover our local cultural sites! Unable to travel to Norway, the special exhibit of emigration from Norway to USA through art and stories at the Norway House is well done. Check out highlights on my blog.
Art for Mothers Day (Whistler)
Famous Art of Mothers. “Whistler’s Mother” comes to mind; vicariously described as an American icon and a Victorian Mona Lisa. The artist was annoyed that viewers called it a “portrait;” it was an “arrangement in grey and black,” its official title. Interesting details on this famous painting are highlighted in this week’s Mother’s Day blog.
Race Horses in Art: Kentucky Derby Runs Again (Degas)
Known for his renditions of ballet dancers, Edgar Degas’ paintings of race horses in this week’s blog honor the famed Kentucky Derby which historically runs the 1st Saturday in May. His race horses reveal the same impressionistic style as his dancers, and his unique “snapshot” compositions. Learn more in this week’s blog discussion.
Planet Earth: Art for Earth Day 2021 (NASA)
What better way to celebrate Earth Day than to recognize its Creator! And to recognize the mandate we have been given by Him since the beginning to care for it. Check out some fascinating fun facts about these 2 famous Planet Earth Photos from Space in this week’s blog
Spring 2020: A Retrospect. A Year in the Life of the Pandemic with Cher’s Famous Art
Spring 2020 was one of sudden collapse and cession of everything we knew. Public gatherings abruptly ended. I created a website to share my passion for art and provide a bit of re-direction for my Facebook friends and blog followers. Did you join in the middle? Miss out on some? “Spring 2020: A Retrospect. A Year in the Life of the Pandemic with Cher’s Famous Art” is a recap of the 1st three months of this endless year. Come…join me in retrospect..
Freedom of Speech in Art (Rockwell)
Freedom of Speech, constitutional right of all Americans, is the theme of this painting by Norman Rockwell. The first of a series of Four Freedoms laid out by President Roosevelt in 1941 portrays evidence of the historic heritage of democratic discourse of respectfulness as we share ideas, despite apparent differences. My blog digs deeper into Freedom of Speech: the painting and the topic.
The Last Supper: Art for Holy Week (Leonardo da Vinci)
Maundy Thursday: “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci is one of most recognized art of all times. As Christians observe the last supper of Jesus with his disciples this week, this painting highlights the event and the individuals involved. My blog provides an Armchair Visit to its home base in Italy, close up photos, and insight into this masterpiece.
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