Over the weekend my Mom came up for the day and we headed off to the ICA (Institute for Contemporary Art) for family day. Oliver is the best museum buddy and he was armed this time with his own sketch pad to record the pieces that he enjoyed. I know I've said it before but it is such a blast for me to expose him to the unique and at times bizarre art available on view at the ICA and to have him soak it up without judgement or biased opinions. He takes everything at face value and it is fun to have hime explain what he sees. I certainly hope that he is going to carry these early artistic exposures with him throughout his life, I know that my fond memories of exploring exhibitions as a child is what pointed me in the direction of studying art in the first place. 
One thing that Oliver is insisting upon now is that we read him the "stories" about the artists. He sits patiently while you read him the placard explaining the provenance and artist's statement. Generally the details are not very "story" like but he sits and listens just the same. 
The first exhibition we saw was, "When the Stars Begin to Fall: Imagination and the American South" which was full of whimsical and at times dark historical references from the deep South. The thing that struck me the most of the show was the strong use of color and texture which created a bold yet inviting exhibition to walk through. 
The hallway with large glass windows that connects the two galleries is always a favourite place to stop and look for sailboats and watch the waves crash in. 
The second exhibition we saw was "SONIC ARBORETUM: sculpture by Ian Schneller/sound by Andrew Bird". Wow, this was a captivating collaborative installation with over 30 colorful horn speakers made from newsprint, dryer lint, baking soda and shellac that play a 50 minute violin composition originally recorded in the Coyote Gulch canyons in Utah. The sound was haunting and beguiling while the speakers were fanciful and charming. 
And because it was family day there were crafts in the lobby. Oliver made a predominately blue collage (no surprise there). After the museum we headed back out in the snow (yes, it was snowing over the weekend) and my Mom took Oliver out to lunch so Matthew and I headed out on our own little lunch date. All in all a lovely way to spend a Saturday.
couch antics. crazy boys.
conversations that generally lead to a tickle attack. i love seeing them together. 
