If you are planning a trip to the east coast of the United States this summer, there are plenty of hot art shows at major museums that are sure to please the whole family.
New York
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City has a Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy Show an exhibition that attempts to explain Super Hero costume design through movies and fashion designers. Look for displays that talk about the origins of Super Hero costumes for Superman, Batman, Catwoman, Ironman and Mystique. (on view until September 1, 2008)
Boston
At the Boston Museum of Fine Arts you can check out an exquisite exhibition of Art Nouveau jewelry entitled Imperishable Beauty: Art Nouveau Jewelry, featuring 120 pieces including some by revered jewelry designer Rene Lalique. (July 23-November 9, 2008)
Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Museum of Art has one of the best collections of American folk art in the world. A new art exhibition opens this summer entitled American Folk Painting From the Collection and shows the work of Edward Hicks as well as some unknown painters from the late 18th and 19th centuries. (July 19-October 2008) If you’re traveling later in the summer the Philadelphia Museum of Art will be showing Quilt Stories: The Ella King Torrey Collection of African American Quilts. (August 16-February 2009)
Baltimore
The Baltimore Museum of Art has a small yet wonderfully rich African collection. Meditations on African Art: Pattern features more then 70 different works that highlight the use of pattern as a design element in African textiles, carved ivory works and wooden shields. Contemporary African-born artist Mary Evans will also contribute to this not to be missed installation. (March 12-August 17, 2008)
Pittsburgh
The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is showing Piet Mondrian in Pittsburgh, and exhibition of 24 paintings by Dutch-born artist Mondrian, most of which have never been seen in the United States. Mondrian named his own style of painting Neo-Plasticism, but I like to call it Visual Jazz. Piet Mondrian gave birth perhaps to Modern Art as he inspired Ellsworth Kelly, Richard Diebenkorn, and Frank Stella. (May 3-August 31, 2008)
Remember that when you are traveling art museums can be wonderful air-conditioned stops along the way complete with lunching and dining opportunities for entire families. As human beings, art and art objects are messages to us from the best that humanity has to offer throughout history. Visit a museum this summer and take your whole family!
