Today on Museum Quick Bites we’re finally leaving 2020 behind and crossing over into a hopefully happier, sunnier new year. To celebrate, we’re taking a closer look at Claude Monet’s Waterloo Bridge, Sunlight Effect (1903).
Crossing Over: Quick Bite
Fringe: Quick Bite
Dear Readers -- We’re getting our fringe on today at Museum Quick Bites with a whimsical piece created by Harry Bertoia (1915-1978). On display at the Milwaukee Art Museum, Bertoia’s untitled sculpture (1970) is a shimmery delight.
Walking Wounded: Quick Bite
Today on Museum Quick Bites we’re taking a stroll with Alberto Giacometti’s, Three Men Walking II (1948-1949), on display at the Art Institute of Chicago. Gaunt and gangly, Giacometti crafted a series of these bronze figures to symbolize the physical and emotional trauma he and others were experiencing after World War II.
Put a Ring on It
Today on Museum Bites we’re breaking out the bling and trying on some rings. The ancient Egyptians were the first to decorate their digits and during the past several millennia rings have ranged from the austere to the outrageous. Join me for a brief look at three unique examples. We begin with a goddess…
Say What?
Today on Museum Bites we’re continuing our tour through the Great Lakes freighter, Valley Camp with a look at sailing slang. These colorful phrases add a dash of spice to our banter and went viral long before we had emojis and memes to express our state of mind. Join me for a brief look at a few expressions linked to our seafaring past. We begin with the sweet life…
Mother Road: Reboot
Fasten your seat belts because today on Museum Bites we’re taking a trip down Route 66. This iconic US highway spans over 2,000 miles, crosses 3 time zones and rolls through 8 states. Nicknamed Mother Road and the Main Street of America, Route 66 has been immortalized in books, movies, songs, and even a TV series. Join me for a ride down this historic road. We begin by rolling back the clock to the 1920s...
Ciao Vespa!
Happy Friday! Today on Museum Bites we’re taking a whirlwind tour through Vespa history, courtesy of the Bici & Baci Vespa Museum in Rome. This iconic scooter is quintessentially Italian, full of life and carefree fun. The Vespa made its debut in 1946 and throughout the years it has gone through an amazing transformation while still maintaining its peppy vibe. From retro to racy, the Vespa comes in a variety of flavors and some include accessories such as pedals, a sidecar, modern art, and a very big gun. Hop aboard and we’ll test drive three favorites, but first a little history…
Selfie
Happy Friday! Today on Museum Bites we’re paying tribute to the selfie, old-world style. Before smartphones and selfie sticks, artists painstakingly crafted self-portraits. These vintage selfies were more than just vanity, they were an inexpensive and handy means of experimentation. Join me for a look at a few favorites on display at the Art Institute of Chicago. We begin with the Other Gertrude…
Pedal Power: Part 3
Today on Museum Bites we’re wrapping up our three-part series on bicycles with a tour through the Minneapolis Institute of Art’s (MIA) delightful display of bike art. The MIA teamed up with local bike aficionados, Handsome Cycles to craft three eye-catching bikes based on iconic works featured within their hallowed halls. Hop aboard for a fun ride through art and history. We begin in the French countryside…
On the Rails: Part 2
All aboard! Today on Museum Bites we’re back on the rails and winding up our tour through the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin. In our second and final installment, we’ll climb mountains, commute in style, travel undercover, and discover how trains can foster gratitude. We begin in the Rocky Mountains…
Museum Bites 