Deep into our Valentines/Presidents Day trip to DC. We suffered two days of 15 F temps, then this blizzard yesterday. Ice skated to dinner, hoping we didn't break a hip. Now, we're listening to freezing rain and sleet on the windows and wondering what's next. Flood warnings are up. How about locust?
Speaking of which, we went to the renovated Renwich yesterday. WOW. Thank you, Jackie Kennedy, for saving this incredible treasure. The exhibit was called Wonder, and it was!
A Madison woman artist, Jennifer Angus, did this whole room of insects, called the Midnight Garden.
Walls are pink from the Mexican bug, the cochineal. The patterns are made from individual bugs and moths.
This tree was from a forest near Seattle. Artist, John Grade, took a mold of it.
Then, hand carved 1" by 3/8" pieces of recycled cedar into the shapes you see using the mold, then removing it.
After the exhibit, all the pieces will be returned to the forest floor. Talk about being able to let go of your work!
Each of the exhibits took up a full room. The above was a light show of colour mimicking the Japanese tsunami, but the wind part was not operating, probably too chilling! Kids were laying all over the "ocean" carpet in this room. Even my color rods were challenged.
Many other incredible exhibits, including a Chihuly chandelier that is permanent to the newly renovated space. At least the blizzard kept the line outside down!
Easily won the best gift shop award (so far), although the new textile museum had some neat tidbits, too.
Now, to get my ice skates and raincoat out.
Thanks for sharing, loved the Renwick photos! Weather here is getting warmer - had to store my ice lantern in the freezer for future use:)
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