Two weeks ago I was packing all my work, jumping on a plane, flying across the country, setting up my booth and my clothes… all for a one evening and 3 day show. It’s a lot to do! But totally worth it. The Smithsonian Women’s Committee did it again, another fantastic show. Whew!
By Thursday afternoon I was set up and ready for the evening’s gala party.
In the amazing, fantastic and stupendous Building Museum. Wow and wow again!
It’s hard to not take pictures aiming up towards the ceiling, four stories above.
Then the doors open and long time friends come in, many who were wearing my coats and jackets. Such a good feeling to see my pieces doing their job, looking good and flattering their owners. There are not too many things better than that!
There were lots of people. And one adorable dog.
Then it was Sunday, our last day. At the end we packed up the clothes and broke down the booth. Whew!
The flight left at 7pm on Monday leaving enough time to visit the Smithsonian’s African American Museum.
It’s another gorgeous building, covered with an ornamental, lace-like, bronze-colored lattice. It’s meant to pay homage to the ironwork created by enslaved Africans in Louisiana, South Carolina and elsewhere. Gorgeous!
The light filtering through the lattice and structural supports makes beautiful shadows on the inside walls.
There is a lot of history, so much horrifying and frightening, but important to know and learn. The basement floor is purposely claustrophobic and dark.
Each floor above adds light and hope and delight.
Especially the top floor, the floor that celebrates culture; dance, theater, style, food, crafts and music.
In the music area there are displays of memorabilia, costumes, instruments and videos from all the musicians that you’ve ever heard of and more. So cool.
Tina Turner! I took many pictures while her video was playing, trying to get a shot of her as she sang and danced. Only this one was not a blur. That lady can move.
Bootsy Collin’s yellow suit, top hat, star shaped guitar and 5 inch platform boots!
And Chuck Berry’s red cadillac!
Amazing!
And more and more and more. I absolutely and definitely recommend this museum.
We stayed as long as possible, then a dash to the airport and back home to Portland.
Good bye to Washington DC and the fantastic and hard working women of the Smithsonian’s Woman’s Committee who made the Craft: Fashion+Home show such a wonderful event. Thank you to all!
You’ve convinced me that I really need to go to that museum! So many of my musical heroes and heroines are represented in your blog and photos! Thank you for sharing your experiences and photos of that amazing looking place, and of your beautiful work in it’s awesome space!
For sure Christina! The African American Museum is a definite must-see. As are all of the Smithsonian museums.
Wow, what a trip, Ann!!
It was another amazing trip! All thanks to the Smithsonian’s Women’s Committee!