This afternoon we went on a field trip to see Ties That Bind: American Artists In Europe at the Frye Art Museum. Our assignment was to spend enough time to really absorb and understand each piece, and then pick three to analyze and sketch. The setting at the Frye is very peaceful and I had a great time contemplating the paintings and sitting on the lovely wooden floors with my sketchbook.

Afterwards, we met in the coffee shop where Juliette led a discussion on the role of museums and art in our society. We also talked about the intentionality in the design of the space and I learned that the design of the Madison Studio, where we work at Gage, was inspired by architectural elements at the Frye. Particular attention was paid to the experience of transitioning from the busy outer world to the quiet interior space. At the Fry, architect Richard Sundberg used a reflecting pool and massive doors at the entrance to signify a boundary or threshold to another, more peaceful space. After crossing the reflecting pool, the visitor is gradually acclimatized to the space as the natural light dims along the pathway through the entrance. When designing the Madison studio, it was decided that the transition was equally important in setting the right tone for the quiet and contemplative work. Precious space that could have been used for easels was instead transformed into a quiet anteroom. Curtains adorn the doorway, a Persian rug covers the floor, an earnest wooden table with benches serves as a common meeting point while book shelves lend a scholarly library atmosphere. Behind the table is a collection of beautiful classical plaster casts, all backed up by leafy greenness outside the windows.