A Whole Day Off!

One of the many treasures here in southeastern Pennsylvania is the Brandywine River Museum, often referred to as "The Wyeth Museum". It's one of my favorite local Go To places when I'm feeling the need for a break (as I've been for a few weeks now, hehe). So yesterday, with a friend I met through the Victoria message boards who is visiting the area, I headed south to Chadds Ford.

In addition to all the wonderful Wyeth art, the museum has two special exhibitions this summer. The first is a collection of antique boxes - carved, inlaid, painted and originally designed for storing everything cutlery and sewing supplies to teas and spectacles....As someone who loves to paint boxes, these were quite the inspiration, and made me wonder if someday my own boxes will be handed down through generations. I may be flattering myself, but I like to think so. :)

The other special exhibition was a collection of paintings by the equestrian artist Alfred J. Munnings. Absolutely breathtaking! And the first thing that came to mind was "Jen needs to see these!" (my friend Jennifer of Gypsy Mare Studios, who has been planning a visit too). :)

After viewing the exhibitions we took the two tours the museum offers; Kuerner Farm (the inspiration for so many of Andrew Wyeth's paintings) and the Wyeth home and N.C. Wyeth's studio.

For an artist and HUGE fan of Andrew Wyeth's work, seeing these places in person was like standing on holy ground....

The spring in the Keurner's barn

Andrew Wyeth's "Spring Fed"

Wyeth's "Ground Hog Day". We saw this exact still life in the kitchen of the Kuerner farm, but photos aren't permitted inside.


The Kuerner home

"Evening at Kuerner's"....It's interesting how Wyeth alters the physical details of a landscape to convey an idea; the absence of the large tree in front and some of the windows at the side of the house.

It was a thorougly enjoyable day, right up until the ride home - when the air conditioning in the Beetle decided to give out - black car, black interior, and 95 degrees out - NOT fun. After dropping my friend off in Lancaster, I went directly to the dealership, where they decided to keep the car and give me a loaner. With just enough time to make it back to pick John up from his carpool ride, I set out in a brand new Jetta. The plan was to pick John up, throw a blanket over the back seat of the loaner and go pick the dogs up at Doggie Daycare (we never leave them alone all day).....So what do you suppose is the first thing John says to me?

"I hope you remembered to take the housekey off the keyring at the dealership?"

"Ummmmmmmmmm...."(stammering, sputtering, stuttering and generally feeling pretty stupid)....

So after picking up the dogs, we had to drive back into Lancaster to get the housekey. Good thing he's a patient guy and good thing I'm worth the trouble, eh? LOL. :)

So that was my day off, and I'm not likely to have another for quite a while....

Today, it's back to work, with new Halloween goodies to be listed on both eBay and Etsy later today, so stay tuned!

~ Carolee