Family and Art in Apple Valley

We flew to Minneapolis last week for a long overdue visit with Marty’s sister, Carolyn, and her family. The weather verged on rain over the long weekend, but we basked in the sunshine of family, catching up on stories, like one about these ships in a bottle by Marty’s Uncle Jack. How did he get the seagulls in there??

With Friday our only day without rain, we ventured downtown to the Walker Art Center, where we joined other intrepid art seekers.

All ready to take in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden!

This one greeted us warmly.

A row of granite benches engraved with unsettling text by Jenny Holzer gave us pause but not a place to rest.

This is part of The September Room by Mark Manders, and captures the current squeeze that women are in, confined by oppressive forces.

Spoonbridge and Cherry is the garden’s central iconic piece by Claes Oldenburg, and the cherry had just returned from a trip to the studio in NYC for repainting.

Did you know there is a patron saint of librarians? Welcome to Black Vessel for a Saint by Theaster Gates, honoring Saint Laurence, a saint for both librarians and archivists.

How about a monumental swing by Mark di Suvero?

Nothing like scale and unexpected color to bring joy to a dreary day like Katharina Fritsch’s Hahn/Cock.

We made the whole round, and wearily headed back to Apple Valley, with our eyes full. The best was yet to come!

Marty’s niece, Kirsten, arrived. Her lovely wedding in July 2012 was our last visit.

We finally got to meet the twins! These two eight-year-olds are a dynamic duo of delights.

On May Day, we drew our rabbits for good luck. I sketched a Barry Flanagan sculpture seen the day before.

Marty had drawn his on the flight, such a master of good luck from the imagination!

We hung out at the Olson’s house, the hub of comings and goings. It’s full of art, too, like this vintage painting by Marty’s mother, Ann Braun.

Carolyn showed us her latest quilt, with several others under way.

Marty’s niece, Dawn, arrived from Duluth with her family. Lucy kept us all in order.

It was a delicious day of togetherness, with girls leaping about, baseball on the TV, food on the table, games and cake. Filled us to the brim!

On Sunday morning, we made another visit to the Walker’s indoor exhibits. The Liz Larner show was spectacular. So many different ways to conjure space.

Something about this piece made me think of a project Carolyn has underway, a weaving of her father’s ties.

David Hockney’s People, Places, and Things gave us so much to savor. Having grown up swimming in a motel pool, this one submerges me in childhood memories.

As a devoted snail mailer, I laughed at this vintage fax print. Hockney can make the mundane sublime.

There’s a lot to take in. All good. I sketched in the serene lobby while waiting for Marty and Daisy.

We detoured downtown on a tip from Kirsten. So worth it to see this Dylan mural by Eduardo Kobra.

Back at the Olson ranch, there was more family fun before everyone departed.

Daisy drew this for the girls.

Thanks to the Minnesotans for a sweet visit. We vow to be back before too long, Snoopy!