Doesn’t she look like she could dance right off the wall? These are the things that make life exciting. These artistic tokens, left scattered about the world, are waiting for you to discover them.
This one is in downtown Cleveland. Go see it for yourself. Better yet, set out into the world and look for your own discoveries! Report back. I like to hear what you’re all finding!
Yesterday I took you to the Columbus Museum of Art. Today we’ll go back and talk about the modern art wing. I love the Impressionists and the light and dark of nineteenth century Danish landscape painters because they’re beautiful. Modern art is less my thing but I appreciate that modern art makes me think. I like that it makes me pause even if it’s only to wonder what the heck the artist was trying to accomplish.
Adam was especially taken with a series of three wall sculptures made of found objects like gears, chains, musical instruments and scrap materials fashioned into unique shapes. While it’s fun and creative, there’s something a little creepy about how they change with how you view them. On one side of this piece, they seem chaotic and on the other, it’s clear the pieces create a head, spine and organs.
As for me, my favorite piece was this larger than life copper sculpture called Nocturne Navigator. Created by Alison Saar, it commemorates the legacy of the Underground Railroad. She’s illuminated from within and the skirt shows the constellations of stars that guided freedom seekers on their dangerous journeys to a better life. She’s a permanent installation and helps to tell the story of the more than twenty documented Underground Railroad stations in central Ohio.
She is breathtaking.
I made far fewer pictures in the modern art museum and that’s a clear indicator of my level of engagement with the art. I best engage with the world by photographing it so I wonder how much I got out of it. All the same, I think it’s important to open your mind to things you wouldn’t ordinarily choose for yourself.
Be sure to read the first story about the museum if you haven’t read it!
Art museums tend to be favorite destinations of mine simply because you never know what you might find. Adam and I hit up the Columbus Museum of Art over Memorial Day weekend and saw all kinds of curiosities and beautiful objects.
I like seeing new things but always look forward to seeing some specific pieces like this gorgeous, larger than life Chihuly piece. The space it’s in is gorgeous and drenched in light making it the perfect spot for a glass exhibit.
I’m also partial to this Norman Rockwell painting. He is too broadly viewed as a cliche in my opinion and I think he deserves more credit for the stunning details in his slice of life paintings.
This piece always excites me as well. It’s called “The Little White Church,” a carved and painted wood relief made by Elijah Pierce in 1936. I see something new with every viewing.
Museums are also a great place to people watch. They rightfully don’t like when guests get too close to the artwork but there were a number of people ignoring that rule. We saw one gentleman taking selfies with busts and paintings, standing close enough he very easily could have fallen into any of the artwork he was trying to photograph.
This gentleman appeared to be photographing every piece in the museum. The wall color in this room was exceptional and really made the 15th century Tuscan processional cross pop!
Seeing how people interact with the art is fascinating to me. Do they stroll through? What grabs their attention and makes them stand and stare? What motivates them to like or dislike a thing? People are interesting and what they like or dislike is a window into their personalities.
I will note that museum admission is free on Sundays so that’s a great opportunity to check it out. However, it’s important to note that lots of people take advantage of this deal and it tends to be busy. People allowing their young children to roam and run freely among the art made me nervous. It’s worth the price of weekday admission to be there when it’s quieter.
However, if you’ve never been to an art museum and don’t want to invest in tickets, this is a wonderful way to just go look around and see what the fuss is about!
There is a fee for parking but they will valdiate if you spend that amount at the cafe or gift shop. Check out their website here to learn about current exhibitions, hours and more.
There is also a modern art wing. I’ll take you there tomorrow.
Once in a while you find yourself in a place where you turn a corner and are astonished by what you see. I live for those moments. Whether it’s a meadow of wildflowers, a mural that brightens an alleyway or anything else that’s out of the ordinary, I’m all in for these experiences. At the library in Piqua, Ohio, there’s a life-sized statue of Joan of Arc that sits, unceremoniously, in a corner.
I entered this space to admire the beautiful light streaming through the windows. Imagine my delight when I turned to see her.
Created by Henri Chapu in 1872, this is a plaster copy of the original by the Caproni Brothers of Boston. The tag next to her says that this piece appeared in their 1914 catalog. It was purchased and presented to Piqua High School by the Class of 1917. She was exhibited at the high school for many years.
Sadly, her identity was lost at some point and she became the “Squaw” to go with the Indian statue that was exhibited in the high school lobby before moving to storage. The tag tells us that she was discovered in the basement of the Board of Education Office, brought to the library, and restored by the Piqua High School Art Club. It was during the restoration they discovered her identity.
There is a lot to unpack here. First of all, the library inherited several pieces of artwork when the old school closed. That’s how they have so many interesting things to enjoy.
Second, she’s beautiful. I have read that Henri Chapu was a classical sculptor who explored bringing elegance and naturalism to his work. This piece was especially popular among the nineteenth century French who were fascinated by Joan of Arc.The original marble statue can be viewed at Musee d’Orsay in Paris along with other works by this artist.
It’s worthwhile to note here that the Caproni Brothers were famous for their work manufacturing plaster copies of classical and contemporary statues. These pieces were largely created for educational purposes to give people access to art and antiquities they otherwise might never see. They are mostly found at major universities and other places with more wealth. To have one in a local high school was kind of a big deal and it’s still a big deal to have access to this piece today.
I’m thrilled that she was kept safe all those years but, golly wow, what abuse and neglect she endured. Hundreds of years before Piqua, Ohio was a place to find on a map, Joan of Arc died at the age of 19 after overcoming gender roles to become the defender of France. She’s a patron saint of France. It seems like we should remember her name, tell her stories, honor her significance and not call her “Squaw.”
Luckily, she’s out amongst the living today and in a place that will keep her safe. I’m hoping the librarians tell her tales, encouraging young girls and women to be the hero of their own stories.
Yesterday I gave you a glimpse into the public library in Piqua, Ohio. It’s a magnificent building that was hopping with people on the Saturday we visited for a look-see.
I’m a big fan of any institution that encourages people to expand their horizons. Libraries are wonderful resources for free programs, book clubs and things that you might not expect. Some libraries now loan items like bicycles, guitars, crock pots and power tools. I have seen a couple of libraries that allow you to borrow people to talk to. Some, including Piqua, have a maker’s space where you can access a 3D printer, sewing machine, photo editing equipment, and more.
They also have interesting things like local art and historic artifacts on display.
Step inside the library in Piqua and, if you’re like me, you’ll be overwhelmed by the beauty of it all. An imposing fireplace, columns, stained glass, marble and a beautiful glass ceiling give the eye plenty to devour. These elements create a tremendous big picture but there are so many details to appreciate too.
There is art from local residents and some plaster copies of famous sculptures to be found around the building.
Incidentally, there is enough to see that I didn’t realize until going through photos that I had missed that there’s a bookstore inside the library. Friends, I have never once in my life missed a bookstore, especially a used one. By golly, I missed this one!
Places like this are increasingly important as our economy worsens and as priorities shift in terms of funding things that enrich our lives. Places like libraries, museums and other things that brighten our day and help us learn but don’t make money are vital to many of us. If your budget is tight, check out your local library for events, things that are beautiful and materials you can take home and learn from at your own pace. If you’re close to Piqua, go check out their art!
Before traveling, I research local libraries at or near my destination. If there’s a Carnegie Library or if there’s something interesting to see, I’m nearly always willing to travel out of my way to visit.
A couple of months ago I found myself in Piqua, Ohio with a few hours for exploration. I had read about their spectacular library so we went for a look-see.
It is described as a Richardson Romanesque building that was constructed as the Piqua Plaza Hotel. At five stories, the 1891 building is a massive and imposing presence in the city’s downtown. I had to look up Richardson Romanesque because I wasn’t familiar with the name. It uses stone walls, round arches and contrasting colors to create a heavy appearance. This style was popular for public buildings between 1880 and 1900. While I recognized the style, I had no idea what it was called.
The hotel was built in 1891 with 100 rooms. Teddy Roosevelt, Harry Houdini, Woodrow Wilson and William Howard Taft are said to have visited here. Tragically, the hotel began to fail in the 1950s and was boarded up in the eighties. It was renovated in the early 2000’s.
We talked to a nice librarian who shared some interesting facts and stories about the place. He also shared some of the more recent history when the building was preserved to give three floors of space to library patrons, storage and a ballroom operated by the city. Each floor is accessible by an elevator that uses the hotel’s original elevator shaft.
Friends, this building is magnificent. I couldn’t believe the magnitude of the building from the outside and could only say “wow” when we went inside. A black and white tile floor, gorgeous woodwork, high ceilings, artwork everywhere, a backing, a restored skylight and so much more make this space feel special.
And when I say special, I mean truly special. If I lived closer, I would be there all the time. What a magnificent place to write, to discover new books and to explore unexpected ideas. It’s sad to think how close this building came to the brink when it was boarded up in the eighties.
It has the feel of an art museum with busts, reliefs, paintings and other pieces all throughout the building. You’ll find something interesting to study and enjoy in every nook and cranny of the public space. What a delightful place to explore on a rainy day! And all I could think is what a fun, exciting, intriguing place to be a little kid in search of adventure through books!
The Piqua Library is located at 116 West High Street in downtown Piqua. If you’re in town, swing by and have a look around!
I will write more about some of the artwork and historic pieces on display here so check back another day!