New York City State of Mind

Growing up in the suburbs, New York was simply “the city.” To this day, I think of it as such, although other metropolises may have vied for my affections (see: Paris, Istanbul and Copenhagen). For the next several years, I will be a part-time resident of the city that never sleeps. I am excited to more fully experience all that this amazing place has to offer and to share new discoveries and long time favorites. This post focuses on two arts institutions that may not be on the top of visitors’ lists. Continue reading “New York City State of Mind”

travel magnoliaMarch 15, 2016February 9, 20178 Comments

Art, Museums, Travel

Puerto Rico Me Encanta

What’s not to like about a place that offers paletas (see above) right off the bat? That sweet offering was only the first of many gustatory and visual treats savored during a wonderful weekend in Puerto Rico.

Ancient sea creatures remains made for elegant pathways around the hotel. I found the patterns mesmerizing (or maybe it was the heat?).

Some of the manmade patterns were lovely to behold, as well. I wish I had a drop-tilt lens but had to make do with this angle.

The streets of Old San Juan are full of beautiful homes, many in need of some TLC. In fact, this part of the city is undergoing a renaissance, as many are choosing to move in and renovate the colonial buildings.

We were guests in one of these fabulous homes. Not a few of us were ready to take up residence as well! Continue reading “Puerto Rico Me Encanta”

travel magnoliaDecember 9, 2015February 9, 20178 Comments

Art, Museums, Travel

Tehran | Art and Culture

The visual arts in Tehran range from exquisitely preserved masterpieces of the early Islamic era to enormous freshly painted murals on the sides of buildings and everything in between. I could have spent days immersed in the masterpieces at The National Museum of the Islamic Era, which just reopened in August 2015 after a nine-year hiatus. A beautiful and serene museum, its collection includes ceramics, stucco work, calligraphy, and illustrated manuscripts. Photos don’t begin … Continue reading Tehran | Art and Culture

travel magnoliaNovember 24, 20158 Comments

Architecture, Catch it if You Can, Museums, Travel

Catch it if You Can | Picasso Sculpture Exhibit NYC

Catch it if You Can spotlights exhibits, plays and musicals, and other time-sensitive special events. On view at The Museum of Modern Art until February 7, 2016, Picasso Sculpture is the first major exhibit of the artist’s three-dimensional work since MoMA’s 1967 survey The Sculpture of Picasso. The show’s 100 works encompass the different periods in which Picasso created sculptures. The entire fourth floor is devoted to this show and merits … Continue reading Catch it if You Can | Picasso Sculpture Exhibit NYC

travel magnoliaOctober 3, 2015October 3, 20157 Comments