Local Life - The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947-1957

Kris and I got back a wee while ago from the opening day of this wonderful exhibition at the Frist. It's part of the V&A collection and I believe the only scheduled stop in the US so we are privileged indeed.
We caught a sneak peak when we were leaving the building last week and Kris was adamant we had to go visit as soon as it started. We got caught up in all the traffic for the Artisans Festival at Centennial and I thought my van was going to expire in the heat (mid 90's) but we got there and enjoyed ourselves.
Our favorite overall was the miniatures. Such detail.
If I can track down some photographs I'll add them in soon.

The other exhibition that opened today is - Presence or Absence the Photographs of Tokihiro Sato. I think this one is going to suffer a bit from being surrounded by stunning costumes on all sides and Chihuly upstairs. It does give a moment for quiet reflection though so don't pass it up.

I got a reminder e-mail about the textile exhibition at the V&A in London. It's winding down so if you have not seen it head on over there, either on foot or on-line. My brother sent me a couple of Youtube links about it that are interesting to watch and is planning on being my "visit in person for me" duplicate :) Okay so that's a bit of a stretch but it was sweet of him to agree to my "demands". (While he looks bonnie in a kilt, a dress would be a bit of a stretch !!!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fa4tn57Pog&feature-email
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEIh4_cNigk&feature=mail
If you want to open up your wallets then visit the on-line store at www.vandashop.com/section.php?xSec=357 Also check out the ever increasing on-line submissions for the Quilt of Quilts http://www.vam.ac.uk/microsites/quilts/

Local Life - Chihuly

The Chihuly "takeover" of Nashville is unfolding. The exhibit and talks at the Frist are already set up, Bluebeard at TPAC is this weekend and Cheekwood opens their part later this month.
I am sooo excited  that this multi location event has finally arrived. I'm holding off on the Frist so I can take the kids. Hubbie and I are going to see Bluebeard :)
Head on over to http://chihulyinnashville.com/ to see some of the stunning works of art.
(photograph taken from the Frist site.)

Local Life - Frist Center for the Visual Arts

http://www.hellonashville.com/Articles/Attraction/98/The_Frist_Center_for_the_Visual_Arts_always_something_new_to_see.Cfm
This is a wonderful building that opened in 2001. It is located in what was originally the main downtown post office and much of the original Art Deco detailing has been kept or enhanced.
The kid in you will enjoy the Martin Artquest Gallery which is the children's interactive area :) Personally I looooove it !!!!
The galleries in the center are well laid out and local schools are actively encouraged to take tours (under strict guidelines i.e. no touching the exhibits.) My favorites are usually the smaller ones upstairs.
Current exhibits are Twilight Visions, Georgia O'Keeffe and Her Times, and Thomas Hart Benton in Story and Song.
Main web page -  http://www.fristcenter.org/site/default.aspx