Today, Tuesday, June 8, 2010 was the day where we "shot the moon." We reached Mecca, climbed Everest and found the Holy Grail. We went to The American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore.
First,a quick note about late in the day -- We wound our way through some pretty bad traffic and sketchy ("Drive woman drive, ignore that red light! Don't stop!) neighborhoods to find the Tattoo Museum. Calling this a museum is a stretch..... yawn zzzzzzzzzz. It really is not much beyond a pretty common Tattoo Parlor. Nice guys just not much beyond a large selection of Flash (those are the tattoo design drawings/samples). There was a bit of extra info about some artists like Sailor Jerry and others but little history or meaningful information. Not worth cheating death (okay that's an exaggeration) for but worth every penny of the entry fee; $0.00 thank goodness.
We arrived at the Visionary Museum at around 10:30; the GPS was our friend today. The plan was to meet a couple of other Colorado Springs ex-patriots, Elaine and Rose Bean. It's a special anniversary for them and we were thrilled to share our day in Baltimore with them. I miss them very much and over lunch we did a bit of reminiscing and catching up as we ate a lovely lunch overlooking the harbor. With stomachs full (mine with crab cakes, Susan with Maryland crab soup) we headed to the museum.
As mentioned, the AVAM is the ultimate goal for outsider fanatics like us. We were greeted by art created by some of the folks we had crossed paths within the last few weeks. There above us was a Vollis Simpson -- blissfully rust free, it was spinning, twisting and turning in a brisk breeze; magical. Then next to a highly embellished school bus stood four of M.T. Liggett's politically charged steel sculptures. They remain humorous and yet poignant. Further into the courtyard we encountered a few of Clyde Jones' rough hewn menagerie. It was fantastic to see these pieces alive and well in an environment where they are being honored and treasured by thousands of art lovers. And the building itself is completely covered in swirling patterns of blue bottles, broken dishes, and mirrored pieces. More magic!
Inside the museum is a wild array of work by many many visionary/outsider/naive artists working in every thing from toothpicks, buttons, beads, soap, wood, found objects and sequins; the world is one giant art supply store for these artists. Unfortunately no photography is allowed inside any of the three structures housing this incredible collection, including pieces from the permanent collection and changing exhibitions. Just ask Susan and she'll tell you how truly overwhelming this place is in every way. The art is amazing. The biographical and historical information is stunning in quality and quantity. It is a phenomenal experience. If you have never seen outsider or visionary art, this is THE place. You will be forever converted. I defy you to not rotate between being mouth agape and smiling for hours.
We were reminded over and over again how lucky we have been to actually meet some of these artists. Their work is astounding and they are quite literally living treasures. Thank you thank you to the people responsible for creating this museum. They did everything perfectly; no corners cut and every detail of presentation professionally addressed.
Lastly...... the AVAM has the best museum gift shop in the friggin' universe. It's crazy fun. Unique inventory -- toys, books, jewelry, sculpture on endless shelves/bins, hanging from the ceiling, in drawers and boxes. Plus there are bargains galore. For crying out loud we were in the gift shop close to an hour and half. Each of us made more than one trip back to the sales counter. It is art and whimsy retail Nirvana.
Love with Thunderstruck eyes and hearts,
Rodney and Susan
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