Seattle Day Trip: To the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
September 4, 2013
One shouldn’t need an excuse to enjoy a ferry ride from time to time — being out on the water is its own reward — but now I will be looking forward to more frequent trips to Bainbridge Island just to visit its new Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. Opened in mid-June of this year, the light-filled museum is a showcase for artists and craftspeople from the Puget Sound Region. I loved the focus on local art, and because the museum promises to change its displays seasonally, I am looking forward to returning again and again.
The museum couldn’t be more welcoming — admission is free, and it’s conveniently located a short walk from the ferry terminal.
One of my favorite things about the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art is its rooftop garden. It is set up something like the art inside the museum in that it is meant to be viewed from behind a fence — it’s not a garden you can touch and walk through. It’s a rock garden and very Zen-like. The sculptural shapes of the rocks and succulents also make it feel like a continuation of the art exhibits inside.
Ferry rides and museums — both vehicles for transport. A satisfying combination on this day trip from urban Seattle.
My sister and her husband were visiting from Wisconsin, and while playing tourist in Seattle, I finally went to see the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum that opened earlier this year. The exhibition surpassed my expectations. I’m sure it will become a top tourist site for Seattle, but like the Pike Place Market, it should also be a go-to destination for those of us who live here. I’ll be returning, especially if they host special exhibits from time to time.
Some of the Chihuly pieces on display at Chihuly Garden and Glass are familiar, like old friends. The Northwest Room was similar to the exhibit I saw at the Tacoma Art Museum in June 2011. The Persian Ceiling feels similar to the Bridge of Glass in Tacoma. But there were many, many new pieces too. I loved how room opened upon room, each stunning in a new way. Here’s a virtual tour:
Tomorrow’s post will take you into the Garden. Stay tuned!
It’s always a treat to play tourist in my home town, and yesterday I wandered through the Pike Place Market with my niece and her kids. The Pike Place Market is open year round, but it is especially colorful right now with so many cut flowers vying for your attention. The vendors were busy assembling gigantic bouquets for sale at just $10 to $15.
Zoo Animals
December 31, 2010
Yesterday was the last day for my Zoo Walker’s Program at the Woodland Park Zoo. So let me share a few pictures from my zoo outing:
Playing Tourist in Seattle: The Japanese Garden
September 5, 2010
I saw signs of autumn this week at the Japanese Garden in Seattle. The edges of some maple leaves had already turned orange. And the spiders were busy building webs. I plan to return in October when the fall foliage should be at its peak.
The Japanese Garden is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It’s a lovely oasis in the city and well worth a visit.
Playing Tourist in Seattle: Pioneer Square
September 4, 2010
There’s an interesting art installation in Pioneer Square right now, suspended over the scene. The most striking parts of this art are two white objects that look like huge lace handkerchiefs, like a giant’s laundry hung up to dry. I liked the interplay of the cutouts and the dappled leaves nearby.
A block away is a wonderful mural painted on the side of a vacant building. It features graffiti, Picasso, and images from Guernica. It seems to be anticipating the Picasso exhibit opening at the Seattle Art Museum in October.
Another Public Labyrinth
July 6, 2010
Seattle has a new labyrinth that is open to the public every day. I am drawn to the idea of labyrinths, walking mediations, and contemplation, so I made a point to check out this new installation. It’s located adjacent to the Experience Music Project at the Seattle Center.
I did walk the labyrinth, but never fully settled into the flow of the experience. Perhaps its location in the midst of one of Seattle’s most popular tourist sites was too distracting. It felt more like a playground than a sanctuary.
But it’s always interesting to look at the unusual architecture of the nearby Experience Music Project, designed by Frank Gehry, which seems to change its colors depending on the weather.
Playing Tourist in Seattle: Woodland Park Rose Garden
June 17, 2010
June is the month of roses, so I made a special effort to visit the Woodland Park Rose Garden between rain showers. I thought if I waited for a sunny day, I might miss the entire rose season. Seattle has set a new weather record. We have never before gone this far into the year without hitting 75 degrees. Looks like we won’t be hitting that mark any time soon!
The roses covered in raindrops were lovely.
Playing Tourist in Spokane
June 10, 2010
Spokane is the largest city in Eastern Washington, but it feels more like a Midwestern town than a high-powered urban area. I’ve been to Spokane several times, but this was the first time I enjoyed some of its tourist sites.
Lilies for Eastertide
April 3, 2010
My excursion to the Seattle Asian Art Museum took me to Volunteer Park, so afterwards I walked a short way to the Volunteer Park Conservatory to see what was in bloom. There were so many colorful and exotic flowers on display, but the lilies especially caught my eye because of their association with Easter.