When you think of a museum, you will likely envision artwork hanging on gallery walls or artifacts displayed in cases. Or perhaps carefully curated spaces that give visitors a close look into times past, or even a gaze into the future. But what about all of the other paintings, sculptures, objects, and oddities a museum collects? Where are they when they aren’t on view? The … [Read more...]
Creating a Community: The State Epileptic Colony in Abilene
For most of our human history, the perceptions of epilepsy and the people who suffered from it have been rooted in superstitious ideas. For centuries, epileptics were seen as carriers of a dangerously contagious disease, accused of demon possession, or simply viewed as insane. These beliefs may sound far-fetched to us now, but the study and observation of epileptic individuals … [Read more...]
Color Blue Inspired Grace Artist’s Metropolis Creation
Color can be transcendent. Take the color blue, for example. What images are conjured when you spot a bit of royal, indigo or turquoise? Cool water, vast skies, precious jewels, sad memories? For many people, blue induces feelings of calm and serenity; for others, vibrancy or enlightenment. For international installation artist Margo Sawyer, the color blue inspired the … [Read more...]
Christmas Collections: Judy Godfrey’s Nutcrackers
Judy Godfrey, a fine art appraiser and former president of The Grace Museum, has been collecting nutcrackers since 1971. “My first nutcracker was one my mother gave me,” Godfrey said. “It is from the San Francisco Music Box store. He is the traditional Nutcracker Prince standing on top a drum that plays the theme from ‘The Nutcracker.’ Definitely my favorite.“ The … [Read more...]
A Holiday DIY Afternoon at The Grace
After reading the cover story of Abilene Scene in the holiday issue, I was excited to discover Rebecca Bridges was hosting a Holiday DIY Open Studio event at the Grace Museum. There were several different crafts to choose from, and I did as many as I could. First, Rebecca taught embossing. With a special embossing pen, you write out what you want and pour a super fine … [Read more...]