I have found art and design on day trips and vacations with my family. Here I’ll mention a few destinations that are not advertised as ‘art’.
Colonial Williamsburg is an amazing place with exhibits that change daily. The museums often have mini classes and there are often other programs right in the Historical City. It is often described as a living-history museum, which it is, but cultural arts and design are part of everything there.
Below is a picture of me learning about drop spindle spinning, the wool they used in colonial America, its properties and related information.
Also images from the printer and silversmith.
Over the years I have been able to explore the trades there (circa 1700’s) such as cabinetmaking, carpentry, blacksmithing, silversmithing, printing, bookbinding, medicine, brickmaking. They demonstrate coopering (is that a word?), basketmaking, gunsmithing, founding, wheelwrighting and other necessities of the day. There might even be ‘behind the scenes’ tours if you visit but you have to register in advance. I have been able to explore where and how the horses are cared for while getting a glimpse of some amazing antique and vintage carriages.
Jamestown Glasshouse is located in Jamestown, Virginia, not too far from Colonial Williamsburg. You can watch as the artisans create various glassware, learn how they color the glass, the safety involved, what it takes to become an expert and more.
The Philadelphia Flower Show – images below:
I have been to this amazing show several times. It is “the nation’s largest and longest-running horticultural event”. Artists create and compete in pressed botanical compositions, miniature scenes, huge interpretations of waterfalls and living sculptures.
Now about the New York City Vogue Knitting Live! Conference
I have enjoyed completing simple crochet projects but my reason to attend this amazing conference is of the fiber artists’ exhibits!
Some of the artists in their booths and are gracious, kind and very talented.
Carol MacDonald was one – she came to the NYC show from Vermont and brought her beautiful monoprints, cards, books
I wrote about a few other places not too far from central New Jersey on another page.