a day at the m.i.a.

Today I went to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts for the first time. I'm trying to pack in a bunch of gallery visits before I start my new job, so I thought I would start at the MIA where there is a great exhibit featuring Minnesota artists. Held once every 10 years, "Foot in the Door" is an open exhibition for all Minnesota artists. Works no larger than a 12 inch cube are crowded together, practically floor to ceiling, in three rooms.


In addition to this exhibit, I truly enjoyed the large, diverse collection the MIA offers. I spent most of my time browsing through the contemporary art galleries as well as the Native American textile collection. I also loved the Modernist Design galleries containing great examples of the American Arts and Crafts movement, Wierner Werkstatte, Bauhaus, and Art Deco. Since I studied the history of Industrial Design and Furniture Design, it's always fun to see these pieces in person.

Hope you enjoy some of my favorites! (Can you tell I love portraiture?)

Paris von Gütersloh, Egon Schielle, Austria, 1918

Bern with Belltower, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Germany, 1935

Frank, Chuck Close, U.S., 1969

The Birthday Party, John Singer Sargent, U.S. 1887

Moccasins, Montana, 1890

White Plumes, Henri Matisse, France, 1919

Egg Rocking Chair, artist unknown, Italy, 1922

how about some cake

How great is this cake? Imagine cutting into it and finding these vivid colors. This definitely brightened my day while surrounded by a winter white world.
photo from Splitroads via Modish.