Field Trip to the Des Moines Art Center

Last week, I went to the Des Moines Art Center with my students.  I ask them to look for four things while they're there: famous artists they know, their favorite pieces, the best example of "art," and something that they don't understand why it even IS art.  I participated this year too.  

 This Rothko is always one of my favorites.  I can almost get lost in its colors.

 I loved how this one was lit.  It's shadow on the wall was part of the piece for me.

 My picture doesn't do this piece justice, but it was shiny and sparkly, and I just couldn't stop looking at it.  It captivated me.

One of my nominees for best example of "art."  I loved reading about it and its creator.  Art is expression, in my opinion.  And art can come to someone at any time in their life.

My other nominee for best example of "art."  I think art should make people think.  I think art can buck the system and give the proverbial finger to the establishment.

Chagall is one of my favorites, so this is my piece for most famous.  HOW HAVE I NEVER NOTICED IT BEFORE IN ALL THE TIMES I'VE BEEN TO THE DES MOINES ART CENTER????  I guess it just goes to show that every trip there is a new experience.  That's the way it should be.

I'm so NOT into this one.  Every time I see it, I try to give it a chance, and I think that someone got back from Mardis Gras and went a little crazy in their grandma's attic.  It's just not for me.  Not everybody has to like every piece.  For me, this one wins the "Why is This Art?" award.

Another favorite.  I'm a fan of interactive pieces, and this one is just begging to be touched and moved.  Sparkly beads hanging from the tall ceiling?  YES, PLEASE!

Book of Mormon

Yesterday, I saw the touring show of The Book of Mormon in Des Moines.  It pushed the edge of the envelope in just about every way imaginable.  I laughed, I was touched, I was offended, I was giddy, I was grossed out, I was breathless, and I was very glad I saw it.

There was a lady two rows down from us who walked out.  To some extent, I can understand why.  The show is offensive in so many ways.  I can't even begin to count how many.  But... one thing I never understand (something similar happened when I saw Rent on Broadway) is if someone is going to spend that much money going to the theater, why don't they do a little research first?  Maybe they have a lot of money... so much money that an $80 ticket (or way more if you're actually in New York) for two hours on a Saturday night isn't a big deal.  Maybe they don't watch TV or read the paper, but The Des Moines Register has printed at least two different articles on the show and what people can expect.  I just don't get it.  Do your homework, people!

Anyway, here's the message I took away from the show:  When it comes to faith, we don't have to believe every single little thing we're told, without question, for our faith to be uplifting and to make a difference.  Our faith can change our lives and the lives of others.  Some of it might sound ridiculous or impossible, but to me, that doesn't matter.  Elder Price sings "I Believe" in the show before he has learned that lesson, but it's such a great number.  And, the little Sound of Music spoof at the beginning made me grin.

 

Busy Spring

Wow. I haven't posted since my pathetic Suzanne post. A lot has happened since then. Here are some of the highlights:

* The 6th grade GOAL kids went to Nauvoo. It was a blast, and we had a beautiful day. They geocached for the first time, and it was so exciting when they found their first cache. I can't wait to geocache in Europe when I go this summer.

* I had my birthday! 39 years young. It was a low-key day which was a teeny bit depressing at the time, but Andrew gave me flowers and a very nice card. The best birthday present, however, is that he's putting a new roof on my house. It might not sound romantic to everyone, but let me tell you, I think it's awesome. I love him so.

* The 8th grade GOAL kids went on their overnight to Des Moines. We did a lot of cool things like the Des Moines Art Center, the State Historical Museum, a tour of Drake campus... but... the CoOlEsT thing was the Body Worlds exhibit at the Science Center of Iowa. Wowzaaaaaaaaa! I was in complete awe. I don't even have the words except to say that you must get to Des Moines to see this exhibit before it leaves. We also saw the Hubble IMAX movie which ranked a close second... best IMAX ever. Mind-boggling, in fact. The kids were good, we learned a lot, and we had a good time. What more can you ask?

* Avery needs his teeth cleaned again. $350 bucks. I know it's important, but HE'S A DOG. I have a hard time with this part of having a dog. Does anyone else think that's ridiculous, or am I the one being ridiculous?

* I got a very nice award. I was honored as the Business and Professional Women's School Employee of the Year. I went to a nice ceremony and received a certificate. There were several different categories of women honored, and I was proud to be there with them. Thank you, BPW! I know my dear Helen was smiling down on me. She just lived for BPW.

* I've been riding my bike to school a lot. I look like such a dork, but it's felt to good to be moving and not have to get in my car to go those tiny few blocks to school. As long as the weather is nice, my cute bike and lame-but-necessary bike helmet will be seen on the roads.

* Andrew's Holly is home from her year in Japan. I'm glad she made it safely. The world is her oyster right now. It will be interesting to see where she ends up and what she'll be doing.

* I'm headed to Emma's ball game in a bit. I'm going to pick her and Jack up and spend the evening with them while Suzanne is at rehearsal. I need to cherish times like this!

Whew! Guess that catches things up a bit. Now, everyone hum the Miss Gulch theme song and imagine the following image with a chubbier girl and a silver bike helmet instead of the hat. I'm ready to hop on and head home! :)