Americani A Firenze

Sticking with the art theme, the Wall Street Journal had a review of the exhibition "Americans in Florence: Sargent and the American Impressionists" at the Palazzo Strozzi. The Sargent in the exhibition's title refers to John Singer Sargent, an American born in Florence who lived most of his life in Europe. Once again, if I was filthy rich, after checking out the Rodchenko exhibit in Krakow, I'd hot foot it over to Florence and see this exhibit. If like me, you can only think about traveling to Europe on a whim, you can see more of the exhibit at WSJ.com/Leiart.

Sometimes I wish I had pursued a career a little more lucrative than school teaching. It would have been nice to have a few more bucks in my pocket for things like traveling overseas. My art education has been extremely neglected. Other than a little art instruction as part of elementary school and a film appreciation course I managed to sneak in at the college level, everything I know I pretty much picked up on my own. That of course explains why I don't know much, but it wouldn't hurt to actually teach a little bit of art appreciation in school instead of ramming all that algebra down the student's throats. I think we could all benefit from an understanding and appreciation of the fine arts. Nobody uses that much algebra anyway.

Maybe I should further my education with a trip to the Art Institute. They've got an exhibit of Italian drawings from the Renaissance going on now. The last time I was there it was to see the Charles Sheeler exhibit about five years ago. I can take the "Vomit Comet" and spend a day in the city. A couple hours at the museum, walk around for a bit, shoot a roll of film. Always a good time.