On The Blackwater

Musing on retirement, writing, puppies, and whatever else strikes my fancy

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Spending my life in 20-year increments: DC, Calif, Maine, & now in the BlueRidge Mountains of VA, where my YoChon, Sadie Mae, has started to blog...

Saturday, May 16, 2009

A Visit to the Taubman

I groaned when realizing I did not bring my camera with me to the Taubman. I could have captured a picture of the life-like young woman sitting on the outside balcony, the one who scared passing motorists until the museum staff turned her around...it had looked as if she were about to fall into the street!

Our Rocky Mount "Eclectic Readers" book club, having just read Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland (an amazing day-by-day account of Renoir's painting of the magnificent portrayal of Sunday life in Paris) decided to tour the Taubman. We were able to take advantage of a group rate of $7.50 each, with a tour conducted by a docent. We also had a lovely lunch in Norah's Cafe', which is accessible from the street. There are also occasional events held in Norah's Cafe' in the evenings.

One of our book club members had to use the elevator, so several of us also took that option, missing out on the winding back-lit glass stairway. Upstairs, in the 8 galleries, there were benches to sit on to rest and to view the displays, which were captivating indeed. Devorah Sperber's unique work, using spools of thread to format a portrait of Marilyn Monroe which is only apparent when the image is seen through an optical device, for instance, is striking.

Her work will be displayed through the end of this month (May 31st) and other artists' work will move into the galleries. We were also intrigued by a display in a tiny gallery of sparkling crystal Lieber handbags. We were up close and personal as we slowly circled the bright globes, each holding a glittery handbag or compact. Lieber's bags are world-famous and this collection is so large that pieces are moved into the gallery and out again, creating a changeable "garden" of design.

At night, the ship-like glass showcases local icons; the coffee pot that pours, and the Mill Mountain Star. There's another rooftop piece, but I've forgotten which one it is. Guess I'll have to get to Norah's Cafe' some evening so I can see this museum in a different light. Go to their Website, artmuseum.roanoke.com for a virtual tour and information about ticket prices and hours.

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