mermaidcamp

mermaidcamp

Keeping current in wellness, in and out of the water

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Copper Art Museum in Clarkdale, AZ

October 7, 2014 — 1 Comment

One highlight of my recent trip to the historic and supposedly spooky Historic 89A from Cottonwood to Jerome was the new museum housed in the old Clarkdale high school. This old building with giant windows lets in an abundance of natural light. This is really the perfect place to display copper. Jerome, the mining town up the hill, is a famous ghost destination and artist colony. There was a very large copper mine that brought wealth to the town. The family that has started the museum owns a copper shop in Jerome. They rent the ground floor of the high school building, and rent the upstairs to residential tenants who serve as security at night. I think it is a great gig to live upstairs because the view, the location, and the fact that the copper art is always downstairs make it uniquely attractive.

The very extensive military and kitchen collections are on permanent loan from private collectors. There is a temporary collection of antique tin cookie forms, mostly Santas, but bunnys and other holiday shapes as well. I learned a lot from the extensive charts and informative posters. The museum covers the history, the myth and meaning, the mining, and the art that resulted. I love the look of copper, but appreciate the other qualities it has, such as antibacterial. Everything is covered well and the staff (owner) checks in frequently to see if the patrons have questions about the exhibits. I saw him take great care and a lot of time when kids were visiting with parents. There is no formal tour, but the space is small and the guest is invited to ask for more guidance. I normally spend an extra long time in museums, and this was no exception. I was fascinated and needed to look at all the detail. I noticed other patrons were also sitting down and spending time looking deeply at the displays. One of my favorite rooms contains spent artillery shells from WWI that were turned into “trench art” by soldiers. I believe anyone would enjoy seeing this museum. It has artistic and historic value displayed in a place that makes it shine. If you are in the Clarkdale area to ride the train, don’t miss this awesome museum just around the corner from the train station.

Amerind Foundation Party

March 30, 2014 — 1 Comment

Next Saturday, 5 April, 2014 will be a big day in Dragoon, Arizona.  The first run in Texas Canyon is organized to coincide with a food festival, a wine and brew fest, and a spring fling.  Dragoon is  just about an hour’s drive away from Tucson on I-10.  The Amerind Foundation Museum is primo Native art displayed perfectly.  The collections are impressive, and the galleries designed with the greatest of care.  If you have not visited the museum next Saturday is a great day to do it.  Admission will be free for the day, and the festivals will round out the activities.  Runners should register early if they want to compete in the trail run.

Vegrandis, Lucky Rake Gala

November 5, 2013 — 3 Comments

We went to the second Vegrandis this weekend at The Mini Time Machine Museum.  Our first Vegrandis experience was a blast, commemorating the Arizona Centennial.  Both my partner and I enjoy looking at all the miniatures in the museum, but there is an added layer of fun at the special fund raising event.  Musicians are stationed throughout the museum; Bars, and food tables offer guests the chance to try delicious preparations while taking in the exhibits.  The theme this time was Lucky Rake Festival, or Day of the Rooster.   In Japanese culture this celebration symbolizes prosperity in the year to come with special food booths and paper lanterns for the occasion. In Japan it lasts for 13 days, but we fit it all into one evening.  The museum staff and caterers did a superb job of producing a seamless and sumptuous party.

The entrance was beautifully decorated with rakes, lanterns, and a bar introducing the signature cocktail created for the event, the Lucky Rake.  It was a tasty mix of Oriental Apple vodka, ginger ale, & cranberry. I  spent my 2 drink tickets ordering two more of those because it was just perfect.  Odaiko Sonora Taiko Drummers welcomed the guests as we entered the building, and the tone was set for a lovely evening.

entrance

entrance

Taiko drummers

Taiko drummers

All of the food was tasty and innovative from spring rolls to desserts.  Bob enjoyed all the porky bites, but I got full on my two cocktails and the vegetarian fare.  Six caterers participated, each with a twist on the Lucky Rake theme. I really enjoy the idea of exploring the museum without knowing what treats will be next in store.  I don’t read the program until I get home. Somehow the acoustics work well so the musicians fill one space and do not interfere with each other.

rake decore

rake decore

spring rolls

spring rolls

slaw and cucumber roll

slaw and cucumber roll

musicians

musicians

auction room

auction room

The games were set up for gambling, inviting guests to spend tickets.  The funds raised during the evening go toward supporting a field trip or school outreach classroom experience for very second grader in Pima County.  I dare say there are many of those kids who have never been to a museum, and this one would capture their attention and imagination.  Although I support the mission I am not into the games, and was up way past my bed time, so we said good night to the party goers before we became pumpkins.  This is our favorite local museum (accent on the local, since it is about 3 miles from home), and our favorite way to party.  We love the opportunity to enjoy ourselves and support a cause t the same time.  This gala was exactly our style.  I am not able to show you pictures of the special Japanese collection on display until December because these special pieces are on loan and photos were not permitted.  I can tell you they are amazing and exquisite.

Conflict Resolution, Wampanoag Style

March 6, 2013

I will soon have the opportunity to learn about the history of my ancestors in the museum at Plymouth, MA. This young man named Philip eloquently describes the first world war, which he believes happened on his homeland. I agree with him. The culture that introduced war rather than ball games for conflict resolution not only wiped out the Wampanoag population, but disrespected all aspects of the sovereignty of the nations who lived here.  Forcing them from Eden is a pretty accurate way to describe what the Euro colonists did.  They had everything (except yellow fever) before the colonists landed.  Now a remnant of the culture is reenacted at Plymouth for tourists.  There is also a small museum at Mashpee which I plan to visit.  I am getting very excited about seeing it all in person.

Mini Time Machine in Tucson

January 2, 2013 — 1 Comment

Mini Time Machine

Mini Time Machine

Bas relief

enjoying exhibit

Winter house

Santa on the roof

DSC07004

DSC07015

DSC07026

Doll house

bedroom doll house

Antique music box

Holiday rider

Santa rides

Santa at home

Santa naps at home

formal gardening

courtyard

relief minis

fanatsy creatures

enchanted land

My neighborhood in Tucson contains one of my favorite museums of all time.  I have been to a specialty miniature museum in Basel Switzerland several times that is elaborate.  To have a high quality specialty museum with changing exhibits near my home is priceless to me.  A visit to the Mini Time Machine is a blast for all ages.  The detail and concentration involved in creating these tiny items will blow anyone’s mind.  The more you look the more you see.  All the exhibits are completely childproof, and the museum provide stools that kids can carry that will lift them up to eye level at the displays.  I have been there for a museum fund raising party which was incredibly fun.  They do make arrangements for private parties as well.