F:E:A:T:U:R:E:D :O:N :E:T:S:Y'S :S:T:O:R:Q:U:E :B:L:O:G!
In January of 2010, I found the
Etsy Recyclers Guild team and contacted
Ira Mency the team’s leader about joining. She was so welcoming and over the months we sent convos back n forth and began getting to know one another. We soon discovered that we live just a few miles from each other right here in Baltimore! and knew we had to meet face to face one day. When things like this happen, it really makes me feel like the world is small.
Today we had our first meet n greet, with no solid plans on what we were going to do, we said we’d figure it out as we went. She suggested the
American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) and said she’d never been, but has always wanted to go. I’ve been many times, but not in the last 4 years or so. They always have new exhibits, so I knew I’d see lots of new art that I hadn’t seen on previous visits, and was excited to go there again. In the little time I’ve known Ira, I knew right away that she’d love the place! If you love art, and are even remotely local to Baltimore, the AVAM is a MUST see! Nancy Novogrod of CNN is quoted on AVAM’s website as saying,
“...one of the most fantastic museums anywhere in America.” If you’re too far, check out their website, it’s loaded with information about the museum and fun quirky images of art.
AVAM also has an awesome gift shop too, and their prices are inexpensive. Ira found lots of little goodies to add to her next creation which is no doubt swirling around in her head in excited planning as I write this!
On the second floor of the Tall Sculpture Barn, there was a computer box thingamajig where you could sit and record a video message. I goaded Ira into us doing one, only she had to do the talking and despite her protests she did a GREAT job! Maybe she has some news casting experience... :0) It's like she was a real pro! She introduced us both, talked about being green, challenged viewers to use trash to create art, and invited viewers to visit the
Recyclers Guild team on Etsy. And we were even able to save our little video so that other museum visitors could view it!
Ira, I think you can add PR Pro to your long list of talents! YOU ROCKED IT GIRL!
The entire day, we never ran out of things to talk about. I really enjoyed Ira’s company, sense of humor and her passionate drive to promote the team. Throughout our visit to the AVAM we were inspired by many works of art, but were primarily drawn to these Artists, Gayleen Aiken, Monsieur Gauimier, Kevin Sampson, Athlone Clarke. And Shawn Theron who’s works were featured in the upstairs restaurant
Mr Rain's Fun House where we had a fantastically divine lunch. The charming Maria seated us and checked on us throughout our meal. The food was superb, the service attentive and the decor seemed to be an extension of AVAM, as there was really cool art everywhere, but very tastefully displayed.
Although the weather is unseasonably hot for this time of year we opted to dine outside on the 3rd floor deck so we could get an up close view of the Giant Whirligig high above the Sculpture Plaza. Watching it's spinning and twirling parts, with Federal Hill in the background was so relaxing.
Good company, sunny weather, awesome art, and good food, what more could you ask for? We really had a great time, and I look forward to hanging out with Ira more in the near future. I have a good feeling that I’ve made a new friend. Thank you Ira for a wonderful day!
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