Saturday, September 22, 2007

Birnbaums Conquer Desert Despite Heat, Sand, Tarantula


Big Ralph claims another dune in the name of Akron, OH.

We were recently graced with the presence of Krista's parents. We gave them the grand tour: Bitter Lakes, Deep Caves and White Sands. We fed them full of homemade Tex-Mex to rave reviews. And after about a week they continued their journey and left for points North.


Jenny and Krista scope out the egrets and pelicans at Bitter Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.


Pecos Puzzle Flowers at Bitter Lakes.

We went on 2 hikes at White Sands National Monument. One was in the middle of the day - too hot. The next was in the early evening. Still hot, but much better. You can see the difference in the way the light hits the dunes in these 3 pics.


David in dunes. Midday.


Krista on dunes. Midday.


Dunes, dudes. Evening.


Big T crashed BBQ. Turns out, he just came for the fajitas.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Minny is Major


D, K, Karen and Sam at the Walker

Despite 2 colds, we still managed to have a great time in Minneapolis. Thanks in most part to our kind and entertaining hosts who provided, among other things: bikes to ride, dogs to play with and no-holds-barred dose of Minnesota cuisine.


Eating deep fried cheese curds with Cheri.

My show at the Soap Factory was a great experience. Everyone was so nice, including the other artists. Check out these websites to see some of their work: Alejandro Almanza, David Bowen, Tracy Goodman, Derick Melander, Meridith Pingree and Jason Peters.


"Host" Artists, Soap Factory Staff and Elizabeth Grady, the curator.

We spent the rest of our time in Minneapolis touring the city on bikes. We rode across the Stone Arch Bridge, up and down the Mississippi and over the recently re-opened 10th Ave. Bridge.


Krista on the Stone Arch Bridge


Beer


Dan Graham sculpture at Walker sculpture garden

The 10th Ave. bridge affords a good view of the 35W bridge that collapsed a month ago. While walking across the bridge, we couldn't help think about the fact that we were viewing a collapsed bridge from a similar bridge over the same river. I could hear other walkers pointing out the same coincidental notion, and speculating as to what they would do should our bridge collapse. Another hot topic was the miracle that so few people died. If it hadn't occurred during rush hour, it would certainly have been more deadly.


35W Bridge, Dinkeytown side


35W Bridge, Minneapolis side


35W Bridge Memorial


On our second to last day, we made sure to visit the Mall of America. I mean, if you're going to go to A mall, why not go to THE mall. Overall, it was disappointing. It wouldn't even be that big if the stupid amusement park wasn't in the middle. Although for suburban teenagers, it must be nirvana.


Strange phenomenon: For some reason, as this photograph demonstrates, proximity to the MOA caused multiple chin gain and bad hair (only in me).


I almost hurled just looking at the rides.


Punk Rock teens get into nature.

Artist in Residence 40th Anniversary Party

Approximately 200 former artists in residence descended upon our humble grotto to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the place. There was food, art and music in abundance.

Friday night there was a party at the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art. A state representative read a letter of congratulations from NM Governer Bill Richardson, and there was much praise for Donald B. Anderson, the founder and benefactor of the residence.

On Saturday we were invited to tour Don's house, an architectural patchwork complete with towers, catwalks, bomb shelters and supposed secret passages.


The Henge


View of Don's house from the Henge


View of the compound (where we live) from the Tower


Krista in the Tower


Don's house, catwalk on right and tower on left


Don's painting studio

On Saturday night, there was another party. The kids wailed on the pinata, while the adults ate BBQ and listened to the blues courtesy of resident Stuart McFarlane on harmonica and Ken Field on saxophone.







Here's a link to the RAiR site with more pictures and details...