Travels in the 2nd half

The Munson Museum    A recent trip to the city of Utica, NY, this summer, gave me the opportunity to explore some of its history. The Munson Museum offers a look at the city’s artistic past, while Union Station gives an exploration of its classic architecture.   Erie Canal and Covered Bridge by Walter M. Oddie Utica was built along the Mohawk River in 1758, at the site of the old Fort Schuyler, and incorporated in 1798. It served as a key rest stop between Albany and Syracuse, a role that became more important with the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825. It also served as an important place in the transport of coal from the mines in northern Pennsylvania to the industrial centers along the canal. Its significance continued when railroads took over the job along the canals’ right-of-way. Alfred Munson by John M. Marble from Munson.Art   One early industrialist in the area was Alfred Munson (1793-1854) who made his money through the manufacture of burrstone and texti...

  Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a great place to visit. It feels like there is always something going on, especially during the summer. In fact, just walking to the main plaza on a random summer weekend will usually bring you to some enjoyable activity or another.   On a Friday evening in June, I happened upon the monthly “Plaza Cruise-In” of the Santa Fe Vintage Car Club . This organization of 150 or so owners restores and exhibits classic cars and raises money for local charities. The club was founded in 1961, and today, in addition to its monthly get-together, they sponsor special events throughout the year.    At a classic car show, people are drawn to particular types of cars. Some go for the muscle cars. Some like 1950’s classics. I love the oddities - the old VW Beetle, the tricked out truck, the resort limo; these are the cars that catch my attention, and the Cruise-In had a nice assortment of them to enjoy.   Another fun activity to participate in when visit...

   Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986) was one of the preeminent artists of the 20th century. Her style was unique, and instantly recognizable. Many people know her as a painter of flowers, but her art is more expansive, and she was constantly inspired by the world around her. Much of the inspiration came from the landscapes of New Mexico, a place she returned to often, and that eventually became her home. Georgia O'Keeffe by Alfred Stieglitz   In 1997, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum opened in Santa Fe, new Mexico. Its goal is to not only showcase O’Keeffe’s work, but to explore and preserve the places she was inspired by. In addition to its galleries, the museum maintains O’Keeffe’s archives, open to the public by appointment. It also runs the Georgia O’Keeffe House in Abiquiu NM and the nearby Ghost Ranch Retreat and Education Center, where Georgia spent most summers during the second half of her life.   The current exhibit is Georgia O’Keeffe: Making a Life (through Nov. 2,...