Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Return of Old Friends

"Do you like it?" "How do you like, it?" Michael Conforti's words greeted visitors on the terrace, like those of any quintessential host sampling guests' reactions.  He is the Director of the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, a jewel of a museum in Williamstown, Massachusetts.

Yesterday, Michael graciously greeted guests arriving in droves to preview the long-awaited new wing and transformed outdoor setting. The museum's permanent collection has not only returned from touring the world while its home was renovated and expanded, it is on display once again! 

Yesterday, Tim and I invited our dear neighbor, Tom, to join us as we enjoyed this exclusive preview.

Here are some photos of the new reflecting pool built in the rear of the building (where a parking lot used to be) along with a sampling of my favorite works of art.

New building at end of reflecting pool

Tim and Tom enjoying the view

Another view of the reflecting pool


Keeping with the summer theme, I hope you enjoy some of my favorites from among the Clark's gems.

Woman with a Fan, Pierre-Auguste Renoir

 Neapolitan Children Bathing, John Singer Sargent


Woman with a Picnic Basket, Raimundo de Madrazo y Garreta


It did my heart good to reaquaint myself with my former friends; they are surprisingly bright under the new lighting system, so much so that I asked if they'd all been cleaned. "No, it's just the new lighting," Michael replied! "Do you like it?" 

I kept my husband's customary and cheeky answer to this question to myself (I don't like it. I love it.) and simply answerd: "We loved it."

You might enjoy checking out the Clark Art Museum's website here. If you are in the region, their Gala Opening is July 4th!

Also, my dear blogger friend, Susan, posted an interview with me on her blog today; hope you'll check it out and see how to qualify for a chance to win a copy of my memoir, Water's Edge: Growing Up in the Heart of a New England Village. Read her blog post at Writing Straight from the Heart.


15 comments:

Susan said...

Ooooooooooo, love that reflecting pool. So lovely. Looks like the Clark got a great update. It is a beautiful place to visit.

Take care, Vickie, and please put my name into the hat! Thanks. Susan

DeniseinVA said...

Fantastic and what a lovely time you had. Thank you so much for sharing all these lovely photographs. I'll check out Susan's link right now.

DeniseinVA said...

Enjoyed reading the interview and am going back to finish. Please count me in for your book, how wonderful to write one's own biography.

Musings, Tea, and Me said...

Hi Susan,

You are in!

Yes, we weren't sure what to expect, but it's gorgeous. There's even a new gift shop - the only one open until Sept,; everything is Japanese or in the style of...the former gift shop will be downstairs but in the meantime I'm drooling over some of the jewelry and tea ceremony items.

Musings, Tea, and Me said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Musings, Tea, and Me said...

Becky - Thanks for visiting and posting a comment, which I enjoyed! (I see you beat my post time today, and left it on yesterday's post, so I'm copying it here). I'm counting you in!

on July 1, 2014 at 9:08 PM,
Becky wrote:

Another great read! I'm already a friend and big fan of Ms. Elephant's Child. I agree her writing and humor are outstanding. The quote you shared about the hemorrhoids made me laugh out loud!
I will check out Spot on Cedar Pond sometime tomorrow. Oh, and I'm a follower, and leaving a comment, and I would love to win your memoir!

Elephant's Child said...

What a glorious spot. I love that pool of reflection.
And, how nice to see old friends looking better, fresher and more rejuvenated that when you last saw them. If only that happened more often.

Musings, Tea, and Me said...

Hi EC, If only it would happen with me (looking fresher and better with age, I mean)! -Vickie

Terri at Finder's Keeper's said...

Susan's blog sent me over to be entered in the chance for a copy of your memoirs. I am so interested just reading your blog and your answers to Susan's questions. Thank you for the chance to win. Congratulations for finishing it and publishing!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

How beautiful! I'm off to follow the link and see the feature. Enjoy your week! Hugs, Diane

Brenda Leyland @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

I think the painting of those children bathing would be my favourite today. Too cute!

Susan' Hearts and Flowers said...

Just found your blog and am now your newest member. What beautiful artwork. Gorgeous!

Musings, Tea, and Me said...

Terri, Thanks for visiting and "following," It's great to meet you. I tossed your name into the "hat."
Vickie

Lady Linda said...

Just popping over from Susan's blog. I enjoyed reading several of your blog posts. It's a joy to read a writer's blog. My daughter is a writer and I so wish I had those skills. I would love to have my name in the hat if it isn't too late.
Enjoy the long weekend as we celebrate the wonderful freedoms of our country.
Linda

Musings, Tea, and Me said...

Hi Lady Linda,
Happy to meet you! Thanks for your lovely note. You are definitely "in" the drawing for a copy of my memoir. I look forward to learning more about you (and your daughter's writing too).
Vickie