Photo fiends gather 'round! This is your last chance to see the special Richard Avedon photo exhibit at the DIA. The exhibit closes this weekend on Sunday, January 17th. Immerse yourself in fashion photos from 1944-2000. The photos are artistic, classic, and iconic. So grab the family and head on down the the "D" for an afternoon of education, enlightenment, and excellence.

For an out of the world New Years, drop on over to the Guggenheim Museum in New York City! They are in the midst of celebrating their 50th year! While there be sure to take in all the amazing works of art displayed on the walls and also enjoy the amazing building itself, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Check out their website for more information plus hours, directions, and exciting special events. Happy New Year!!

Well, maybe the weather isn't too frightful... yet, but it is getting there. The temps are dropping and the skies are looking more foreboding as the days progress. Will we get snow today? Tomorrow? Next week? As we sit and wonder, take advantage of the snowless days while you still can and get out to the DIA. The Avedon photos are running until January and you don't want to miss out on them. While there, be sure to spend time taking in the other collections. While I love the Renaissance Art, my favorite area isn't actually a collection. It's the room on the lower floor that looks like a magically lit castle yard. It has brick walls and twinkly Christmas lights adorning the trees. I love to stop there and just be in the quiet atmosphere. See you there.

If you like to listen to an audio book and quilt at the same time then Jennifer Chiaverini's Elm Creek quilt novels is your answer. The series has 14 books and in all the books the story and the art of quilting are neatly stiched. You can learn more about the quilts discussed in those stories by going into Jennifer Chiaverini's web site at http://elmcreek.net. The Winding Ways quilt pattern is easily explained in Nancy Elliott MacDonald's book Winding Ways Quilts A practically Pinless Approach.

The month of October is truly a special one. Why, you ask? During October 1-31st, we are celebrating Squirrel Awareness Month. There are so many great ways you can be a part of Squirrel Awareness Month, including checking out some of our fabulous art books. You could make crocheted squirrels, paintings of squirrels, ceramic squirrels, or squirrel collages. So let your inner squirrel run wild and have fun being creative!

French painter, Paul Gauguin was born today, June 7th, in 1848.  Before his career in painting, he was a stockbroker in Paris. At the age of 35, he decided to devote his life to painting and eventually moved to several places, including Tahiti. Much of his art is remembered for containing broad, flat tones, and bold colors and he is regarded as a highly influential founder of modern art.