Walking to the Fowler

Yesterday afternoon I traveled locally to the Fowler Museum, which is located in the heart of the UCLA campus.

What a treat!

As the first in my series of free museum days, the Fowler was a great choice. Indeed, the Fowler is free every day.

But, if you’re planning a visit there, plan ahead because it’s only open Wednesday – Sunday from noon-5pm. And parking, while not inexorably difficult to find, is an issue to be navigated. There are a few parking garages south of the Museum, but there’s the Ronald Reagan – UCLA Medical Facility to contend with, along with the massive student population.

Right now, they have several exhibits on display with a wide diversity including:

• Iraqi Marshlands Then and Now: Photographs by Nik Wheeler
• Intersections: World Arts, Local Lives
• Fowler in Focus: Ancient Ceramics from Colombia
• Silver Seduction: The Art of Mexican Modernist Antonio Pineda

As soon as I entered, I was drawn to the striking photographs of the Iraqi Marshlands that peppered the walls, which are a marvelous example of first, a century’s old culture based on water; second, the effect which the barbarous dictator (Sadaam Husain) had on the Marsh Arab population and the environment; and third, the great efforts to bring this landscape and culture back to life—literally and figuratively.

Next, I headed toward one of the current exhibits, entitled Silver Seduction, which are code words for jewelry, of course.

What is there to say about some of the most beautiful silver jewelry I’ve ever seen? It was magnificent.

The talent, artistry and sophistication of the Silversmith’s in Mexico, are captured in the Museum through display behind Plexiglas boxes, photographs, and a running video commented on by many of the artists and artisans throughout the Mexican City, their homeland.

Also featured at the Fowler are special programs for families, like the upcoming event entitled, Pop Art, an arts and crafts project using soda tabs and bottle caps to create works of art influenced by El Anatsui’s sculptures.

In addition, always education friendly, the Fowler Museum offers free programs full of in-gallery sessions and hands-on art making workshops for school field trips. Just call (310) 206-5663 for more information.

Although Travelin’ Local is part photo and travel blog; unfortunately, no photographs are allowed in the museum, however, I did take a few on my way there:

This is part of the roof of the Student Union building; I loved the colored arches. And as you can see, the usual sunny California skies were on vacation this week with intermittent clouds, sun, wind, and some rain– with more to come.

Yes, you guessed it. This is the official UCLA bruin. He’s a pretty big guy (well, I thinks it’s a “guy.”)

A bicycle parking lot–because it was Sunday, the lot was pretty empty, but I bet it fills up during the week.

As I walked out of the Fowler, I spotted a few flowering trees. Maybe due to all the rain we’ve had recently or the irrigation system; they were a bright spot in an otherwise fairly cool, rainy day.

As I wrapped up my day I began thinking about my next Travelin’ Local tour.

Finding of the ordinary spots in your own neighborhood is what Travelin’ Local is all about—and as I think about it more and more, life sometimes doesn’t get any better.