Sunday, April 25, 2010

Another Artist's Date

Every once in a while I'm pulled out of my everyday routine to go on a day of inspiration. Usually I'm not the one who plans these outings. My daughter does. Last Friday was one of those days. Jessica has an internship at the School of the Art Institute. She's almost done with her Master of Library Science degree and has a curatorial project on display. So, of course I needed to see it! While walking around the streets of Chicago, we came across the newly restored iron grillwork of Louis Sullivan. Seeing this masterpiece up close made my jaw drop.



Even though I don't like the traffic in Chicago, it's worth the trip because there are cultural surprises at every turn. And I come away from these artist's dates with a feeling that my inspiration well has been filled. Of course we needed to have a very sophisticated lunch at Atwoods. My daughter picked the place. After all, moms always pay the bill!



15 comments:

Pam Holnback said...

I love your artist's date. While I didn't know the name Louis Sullivan, I do (did) know Carson's. My family was originally from Chicago. We moved away in 1964, but when I was small we would go into the city to see the sites. I especially remember going in for the Christmas lights. My Grandma worked at Carson's in the China Department. Memories.

Betsy Brock said...

What a beautiful little trip! I've always thought Chicago would be a fascinating place to live!

neetzy said...

Your daughter is beautiful and so is the artwork in Chicago! What an amazing building!

Tess Kincaid said...

Your beautiful daughter looks just like you, Janelle! I adore Chicago. It's a great city for the arts. Did you happen to see the wonderful Chagall mosaic downtown?

Silver said...

Oh wow.. my jaw would be wide open too.. it's ..wow!

hugs,
~Silver

Catherine Jeffrey said...

Absolutely beautiful building. Must be breathtaking in person. And as the saying goes...spending time with your daughter...priceless.
Your artists date reminds me that I must get out for some inspiration soon!

Kathleen Krucoff said...

This is wonderful Janelle. I have to get back to Chicago with Dan so we can take in just a few of those wonderful sites and sounds. Wow. That building is fabulous.

And your daughter is just as beautiful as you are! Thanks for sharing. What a wonderful artist's date.

Janelle Goodwin said...

Hi Pam, What wonderful memories you must have of the Christmas lights in the loop. I can remember my parents taking us to see them too and I thought they were simply magic. Carsons was a very elegant, exclusive store back in those days. Thanks for sharing!

Hi Betsy, I always wanted to live in Chicago too when I was young. It seemed to be exciting. Thanks!

Hi Neetzy, Yes, the artwork and amazing architecture are just about everywhere. Thanks!

Hi Willow, I'm so glad you've been able to see Chicago and yes, it's a great city for the arts! I think the Chagall mosaic you mean is the stained glass window in the Art Institute? If that's the one, then it's being restored right now and is out of public view. I hope it comes back soon. Thanks!

Hi Silver, I've been thinking about you and your Pickles. Hope you post pictures soon. Thanks!

Hi Catherine, Oh I like that saying, ...spending time with your daughter is priceless. So true! Thanks!

Hi Kathleen, I think you and Dan would simply love Chicago, especially some of the stained glass exhibits. Thanks!

Jimmy Arnold said...

Hey Janelle,
Jimmy Arnold here.
As you know, I've been away from Chicago for many years. My first visit home was about 7 yrs ago. I was amazed at how much I had forgotten about the culture and beauty of Chicago. I swear if it wasn't for the weather I would love to live there again!
Thanks for sharing about your outing and the picture of your lovely daughter.

Melinda said...

Lovely post, Janelle. Thank you for sharing both beautiful photos. It must have been quite the day.

It's so important, isn't it, to have an artist's date once in awhile? Do you follow Cameron's The Artist's Way journal suggestion as well?

Jill Berry said...

Thanks for sharing this masterpiece building & your special day out with your girl... an Artist, like you!! and cute too!!

Janelle Goodwin said...

Hi Jimmy, So sweet of you to comment on my blog. Blast from the past! If you ever come back to Chicago, let me know so we can toast to old times!

Hi Melinda, Funny, I think the artist's date is the only piece of advice that really stuck after reading Julia Cameron's book. Need to re-read! Thanks!

Hi Jill, She kind of drags me out of my comfort zone, ha! I love that about her. Thanks!

Karen said...

Wonderful! Makes me laugh...I work right across the street from there! So much great architecture downtown...have you ever done the walking architectural tour?

And yum to the Atwood! :)

Janelle Goodwin said...

Hi Karen, You work right across the street from there? You're so lucky! I've never taken the architecture tour, but my kids have when they were in high school. I'd love to do that sometime. I'd also like to finally meet you sometime soon!

Mel said...

That lunch location looks fab! Love the red.