The Chrysler Museum’s Art Comes to Life!

“Naked! Naked! Naked!” The giggles and guffaws begin as we enter the 12th-19th century European Art gallery and Cody declares his observation for the entire gallery’s floor.
“Why are there so many…um, well, you know, she’s naked…” Ryder shyly asks.
“I’m not entirely sure, but I would guess there are various reasons artists like to focus on the naked body – it makes an impression on the viewer, the body is a curious and beautiful structure, and well, …”

My explanation is lost as they spot the second character that has come off a canvas of the Chrysler Museum‘s vast collection and is walking through the gallery halls. He wears a red cloak and in his painting he is calmly listening to music play – or so he told us. We later found the painting but I was unable to catch the title as I was distracted by Cody who was examining the structure of the building. Even the paintings looked on at his shenanigans with a bit of stress. I could have used their help roping him to his stroller! But some characters were too busy posing between their wooden frames.

As I stood absorbing the beauty of the paintings and sculptures in the 18th-19th century American Art gallery (I just love this room. The huge painting of the manger scene is one of my favorites!), a goddess of the underworld greeted the Mini Macks with her slithering snakes and swaying folds of gray fabric. She explained she was the middle child of three sisters and had a rough time of it. The kids didn’t find her half as daunting as her painting depicted (they could probably relate to sibling rivalry and didn’t find it unique) but rather asked for her autograph for the art scavenger hunt sheet. Two down, nine to go!

Our neighbor Bobbi and her granddaughter Hazel meet us there and helped the Mini Macks on the quest to find the remaining characters’ autographs. Ryder also threw in a bonus quest by finding any art piece that had a top hat like his. Abraham Lincoln in both the Mt. Rushmore photo and a sculpture of him were sans hat.

But alas, a bearded man with a cane and dark coat saved the day. Ryder attempted to be like the Chrysler Hosts and pose with the painting. Can’t you see the resemblance? Pencil = cane. I am sure the gentleman in the painting had the same snow boots as Ryder, you just can’t see them as his mother was probably miffed that he wore the wrong shoes for the day of the sitting. I digress.

Rory was enamored with the girl and her dog. The dog was so soft and “cute!”. I fear the Chrysler would have had a puppynapping on their hands if the gal in the beautiful rose pedal pink skirt hadn’t been so patient and kind with Rory’s extensive and frequent visits with the stuffed dog. Now that I think about it, it’s possible Rory is still there planning a spot to sleep in the museum like Claudia in the book, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.

Every Gallery Host was so very accommodating. A museum that is now free to the public continues to show its passion for not only art but also its passion to share it with others of all ages. Every time we came to the beautiful marble steps that separate the first floor from the second, some gallery levels from others, there were the kind and patient Gallery Hosts, even in their beautifully creative costumes, ready and waiting to assist an anxiety ridden mother with a stroller trying to keep up with enthusiastic mini art connoisseurs.

If you are looking for something to do before your October 31st festivities begin tomorrow night, please make the time to visit this outstanding art quest at the Chrysler Museum. More art comes to life tomorrow (Saturday October 31st) from 10am-5pm. Admission is free! The scavenger hunt is fantastic! And the little prize they gave the kids (or adults probably) at the end of the hunt is top notch!

On the way there and way home you should listen to the audio book From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, by E.L. Konigsburg. It is my favorite audio book of all time. Only to be narrated by the endearing Jan Miner.