Museums

Even though I could never spell museum as a child (I still have trouble with it; thank you spell checker), I have been going to art museums since I could walk (maybe before, but I can't remember that far back).  Museums are my mom's passion and in every city we traveled to museums would be a must do activity.  Sometimes we would go to science museums or natural history museums (both great fun for children), or we might go to a historical home like the Vanderbilt Estate, but it was art museums that were most visited.  I have vast memories of following my mom through hallways of art, stopping to stare at each piece for a very long time. (It was probably only five minutes, but to a small child it felt like forever.)  We would walk around these giant pieces of art for hours until I started complaining a little too loudly that my feet hurt, my legs hurt and I was tired.  Then my mom would find a comfortable bench for me to sit on and wait.  Many times when she returned I was asleep (you'd be surprised how many little kids used to take naps on art museum benches in the early 80's).  But other times I was plopped in front of a painting that piqued my interest.  I would stare at it intently only stopping to occasionally people watch or to talk to the guard who was making sure I wasn't putting my sticky child fingers on the art. 

Those years of childhood art torment have somehow glued themselves into my psyche because now I love going to art museums and galleries.  Lucky for me, Louisville has a very strong art scene and has an abundence of art shows at galleries, coffee houses and even tattoo parlors.  If I catch myself with free time (or needing some free time) there is always an art show I can go to.  It is a great outing (that is usually free).  I am so glad to be living in a city with such a robust and thriving art community, because with my art loving brainwashing childhood, I'd be stuck looking at blank walls and feeling a little empty.

P.S. It is still a daunting task keeping up with my mom's fervor for art museums.  I am able to last a little longer than I used to, but I still have to complain a little to remind my mom that I need lunch at some point. But I am very glad that I now enjoy going to museums with my mom; it is a special time for me.