Lucy’s Legacy:  The Hidden Treasures of Ethiopia

But now I’m getting ahead of myself, so let’s go back to the beginning and I’ll take you along with me through the exhibit.

Back in 1974, Dr. Donald Johanson discovered fossils in Hadar, Ethiopia. The fossils weren’t human, but they weren’t really an ape either, leading to the theory that Lucy could be the link between the two.

The fossil discovery was called Dinkenesh, from one of the Ethiopian languages, which translates to “wonderful one.”  During a night of drinking and celebrating the discovery, the Beatles song Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds was playing.  Amid the revelry, the fossils were called Lucy.  And it stuck.

The fossils and related artifacts make up Lucy’s Legacy.  It’s divided into seven distinct exhibits now on display at the Pacific Science Center.

• Introduction & Prehistoric Ethiopia:  Starting out with a glimpse of caves (replicated) and cave paintings of Ethiopia, we learn a little history of the third most populated country in Africa.  The exhibits contains examples of tools that were used during the stone age. 
• First Empire of Ethiopia:  This section contains a 20 foot replica of a stone obelisk from the Aksum Empire, prominent in Ethiopia over 2,000 years ago.
• Second Empire of Ethiopia:  Here you’ll see artifacts from the medieval Renaissance period of Ethiopia, including a full size replica of the ceiling from Gondar’s Debre Birhan Selassie Church (Ethiopia’s equivalent of the Sistene Chapel).
• Third Empire of Ethiopia:  The story of Ethiopia’s struggle to remain independent, and the era of Emperor Halle Salassie.  Also, an introduction to the Rastafarians, a group that many of us know about through the music of Bob Marley.
• Peoples of Ethiopia:  Artifacts on display from one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world.  A mostly rural population, speaking 84 languages, here are the musical instruments, cookware, basketry, jewelry, and every day items of life.
• Lucy Interactive Display:  An interactive display showing Hadar, where Lucy was discovered in 1974.  The exhibit shows a variety of soil and eco-culture displays, along with replicas of bones, skulls, and teeth.  One of the most popular displays was a interactive plastic skeleton, allowing both kids and adults an opportunity to see how the wrist bones connects to the arm bone connects to the shoulder bone.
• The Lucy Gallery:  An 80-foot mural traces the five million years of hominid evolution.  In the center of the room is a paleoartistic replica of Lucy, showing what she must have looked like in her day.  In a protected display are the bits and pieces of skeletal remains discovered at Hadar, along with a replica of how these skeletal remains would fit together.

This special exhibit has some child-friendly interactive displays, but it is going to be hard to keep a younger child’s interest for a long time.  Parents should plan on some in depth interaction and explanation of the exhibit to young children.  Much of the presentation may otherwise be above their head, but I did see lots of 5-7 years olds having a good time nonetheless.  Pre-teens and up should have no problem understanding the displays.

Allow a couple hours to thoroughly view the exhibit and listen to the audio guide.

Location:  Pacific Science Center, 200 Second Avenue West, Seattle Center Campus (map it)

Dates & Times:  October 4th, 2008 – March 8th, 2009.  Monday – Wednesday, & Friday, 10:15 am – 5 pm, Thursday, 10:15 am – 9 pm, Saturday & Sunday, 10:15 – 6 pm.  Timed entry tickets.

Tickets:  Ticket prices start at $12 for special times, and vary depending on a number of factors.  Check for ticket information that meets your specific needs.

Image credit:  personal collection

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Post from: The Seattle Traveler

Writers, philosophers, geographers, map makers, and artists, all provided written details of the journey, along with glimpses into every day life.  These works are represented in this exhibit through a number of plates from the Description de l’Egypte (a compendium from the early 1800’s), Orientalist paintings, a selection of campaign letters and documents, and even some early political humor.

The exhibit was, at times, a little dry.  Wile this is not a particularly interesting era to me, from either an art or history point of view, I still found it fascinating.  And it served as an awakening that people were “embedded” during war long before current times.

Location:  704 Terry Avenue, Capitol Hill (map it)

Date & Time:  Through January 4th, 2009.  10 am – 5 pm, Tuesday-Saturday (open till 8 pm on Thursday); noon – 5 pm, Sunday.

Admission:  FREE

Allow a half hour or so to browse the exhibit, longer if this type of art is of particular fascination to you.  It would make a great lunch break activity, grab a bite to eat at the cafe (with wonderful food), and enjoy the art.

Image credit:  personal collection

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Post from: The Seattle Traveler

During the month of December, visitors 6 – 18 years of age get FREE admission to the Tacoma Art Museum.  Kids under 5 are always FREE. 

Brett Willis, president of the museum’s Board of Trustees said:  “Our Museum is a safe place where children and their families can come together to explore, think creatively, and build stronger connections, all through art.”

The museum’s permanent collection includes a rotating display of pieces of Northwest Art, Glass, Studio Art Jewelry, Works on Paper, Japanese Woodblock Prints, and European Painting and Sculpture.

Additionally, there are a number of special exhibits on display:

• Oasis: Western Dreams of the Ottoman Empire from the Dahesh Museum of Art
• What Is a Trade? Donald Fels and Signboard Painters of South India
• The Surrealist Impulse: New Acquisitions from the Tacoma Art Museum Collection
• Speaking Parts: Conversations between Works in the Collection

Put a little art into your holidays plans with a visit to the Tacoma Art Museum!

Location:  Tacoma Art Museum, 1701 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma (map it)

Date & Times:  Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Third Thursdays till 8pm, and Sunday noon – 5pm.

Admission:  $7.50 adults, $6.50 military, and seniors (65+), and for the month of December, all youth admitted FREE.  Third Thursdays are FREE for everyone.

Photo credit:  flickr

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Post from: The Seattle Traveler

. . . get away from the city with a drive to the Columbia River Gorge, home of the Maryhill Museum where you can catch the final days of the Andy Warhol and Other Famous Faces exhibit.

The Maryhill Museum is a castle-like structure on a 6,000 acre site overlooking the Columbia River Gorge, and is home to a collection of art ranging from early 20th century European art to more current Native American art.  The setting also includes beautiful gardens and grounds.

Famous Faces features many of the diverse personalities that Warhol captured, and many of the images have become iconic representations of the 60’s – when everyone was famous for 15 minutes.  You’ll find portraits of  notables, including Marilyn Monroe (in photo), Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, The Beatles, Liza Minnelli, Queen Elizabeth II, and Jimmy Carter.  You’ll also see his famous Campbell’s Tomato Soup Can.

Other artists represented in the exhibit include Jasper Johns, Chuck Close, Robert Rauschenberg, and others.

Location:  Maryhill Museum Drive in Goldendale, Washington (map it), about a three and half to four hour drive from Seattle.

Hours:  Daily from 9 am – 5 pm through November 15th.

Admission:  $7 adults, $6 seniors, $2 children ages 6-16.  Parking is free.

Also at the museum you’ll find a selection of sculptures and watercolors by Auguste Rodin.

Image credit: Andy Warhol (1928–1987), Marilyn (Announcement), 1981, screenprint.  Courtesy of Jordan D. Schnitzer and his family foundation, © Andy Warhol Foundation.  Used with permission.

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Post from: The Seattle Traveler

Orientalism art (example at right) is generally thought to include rich detail and lush colors depicting things based on fact, but often romanticized or combined with fantasy.  This works presented explore important historical and cultural aspects of this part of the world (Turkey, Greece, the middle East, and parts of North Africa) as developed through its art.

Early Orientalist paintings served the purpose of propaganda supporting French imperialism in this part of the world.  Others served as a record of customs and fashion of the region and era.  Eventually, Orientalism included scenes of every day life, historical events, and religion.

Art lovers may have seen some of the Orientalism style in works by Renoir, Matisse, Delacroix, and Klee.

This exhibition includes approximately 60 works, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, prints and drawings.  It is a companion exhibit to Napoleon on the Nile: Soldiers, Artists, and the Rediscovery of Egypt, on view at the Frye Art Museum through January 4, 2009.

Location:  Tacoma Art Museum, 1701 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma (map it)

Date & Times:  This exhibit runs through January 4th, 2009.  The museum is open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Third Thursdays till 8pm, and Sunday noon – 5pm.

Admission:  $7.50 adults, $6.50 students, military, and seniors (65+), children 5 and under are FREE.  Family admission, covering two adults and up to 4 children is $25.  Third Thursdays are FREE.

Photo credit:  wikimedia, public domain

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Post from: The Seattle Traveler

These vintage aircraft are just two of Paul Allen’s Flying Heritage Collection, which also includes 15 restored fighter planes from the United States, Great Britain, Germany, Japan, and the Soviet Union.  The collection also features a Curtiss P-40 Tomahawk (in photo), believed to be the only one in the world currently in flying condition. 

In other words, for airplane fans – this is some seriously cool stuff – and well worth the drive north to Everett.

On alternate Saturdays through mid-October, these vintage aircraft will take to the skies in an air show. 

Once teased, you’ll want to view the entire collection at the Flying Heritage Collection facility at the southeast corner of Paine Field in Everett.  There you’ll see this impressive private collection along with comprehensive exhibits and information about how these aircraft shaped history.  And best of all, these babies actually fly!

Location:  Paine Field, 3407 109th Street SW, Everett (map it)

Hours:  10 am – 5 pm daily, Memorial Day to Labor Day.  Tuesday – Saturday the rest of the year.  Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Admission:  $12 adults; $10 seniors and military; $8 youth (6-15); FREE for children under 5.  Group rate of $10.  Buy tickets online.

No food or drink is allowed within the collection, and a strict do not touch policy is enforced.  Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Photo credit:  flickr

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Post from: The Seattle Traveler

Now, it’s the Henry’s turn with Roman Holiday, a series of 19th and 20th century images of famous Roman spots, including the Forum, St Peter’s, and the Castel Sant’Angelo.  I had the opportunity to see many of these historic sites while I was in Rome, so am curious about these earlier photographs.

The exhibition runs through November 30th, 2008.

Location:  University of Washington, 4100 15th Avenue NE, 41st & 15th NE (map it)

Hours:  11am-5 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday-Sunday.  11 am-8 pm on Thursday.

Admission:  $10 adults, $6 seniors.  Free for UW students and faculty, high school and college students, and children 13 years and under. A tour guide is available for $20/group.  Thursdays are free for everyone (sponsored by The Boeing Company).

If you are interested in how some of these sites look now (or at least a handful of months ago), you can check out the Rome photos in my flickr pool.

Photo credit:  personal collection

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Post from: The Seattle Traveler

This exhibit of dramatic and poignant black-and-white photographs gives voice to the often overlooked American farm woman and her relationship to the land. 

Too diverse to uniformly categorize, these women were more than just a farmer’s wife.  They wrestled with issues of work, poverty, family, running a household, and community.  They shaped the farm in ways that shaped the future of the country with their focus on sustainable agriculture, bio-diversity and entrepreneurship.

These women were the salt of the earth.

Location:  1200 SW Park Avenue (between Madison and Jefferson) in Portland, Oregon (map it)

Hours:  Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm; Sunday, noon – 5 pm.  Closed on Monday.

Admission:  $10 adults; $8 students (over 18), seniors (over 60); $5 youth (6-18), and FREE for children under 5.  Buy tickets online.

Parking:  Lots of metered street parking in the area, as well as nearby lots and garages.

MAX:  Pioneer Square station is four block north of the museum.

The exhibit runs September 2nd – October 5th.  Although visiting in conjunction with Labor Day is a great historical perspective, it’s a great reason to plan a trip to Portland anytime at all.

Post from: The Seattle Traveler

This cabin, made of Douglas fir logs, was once a carriage house to the Fir Lodge, one of the first year-round homes in on Alki – it was summer cabin meets modern (at the time) home.  The Fir Lodge was, in turn, an auto club, boarding house, and Veteran’s home, and today is the Homestead Restaurant.

The carriage house was relocated around 1908, and then again when West Seattle put in streets.  During that second move, a foundation was added and the building was converted to living quarters. 

In 1995 the Southwest Seattle Historical Society purchased the log cabin, and following an extensive restoration, it became the Log House Museum.  It was opened to the public on November 13th, 1997, the 146th anniversary of the landing of the Alki party on what was to become Alki Beach.

Native plant gardens surround the museum, making it a quintessential northwest location.

Group tours of the museum are available, and run for approximately an hour.

Location:  3003 61st Ave SW, West Seattle (map it)

Hours:  Thursday – Sunday, noon – 4 pm

Admission:  Suggested donation: $3 adult, $1 children.  Tours are available for $2 person.

Parking:  Neighborhood street parking available

Photo credit:  flickr

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Post from: The Seattle Traveler

Over eight years of work went into this photographic exhibit, and Kazlowski captures the devastation of the Arctic as a result of global warming.  It’s not just the polar bear that is threatened, but all arctic, ice-dependent animals.  But let’s face it – the polar bears are just cute enough and majestic enough to put a face to the issue.

The exhibit features over 40 large-format color photographs that feature the polar bear in its natural habitat.  You’ll fall in love with the mom and cubs, laugh at the youngsters at play, and understand the ferocity of these bears as you witness their hunting for food.

The exhibit also features a short documentary of polar bear behavior by filmmaker Arthur C. Smith. 

The Last Polar Bear will be on display through December 31st, 2008.

Location:  The Burke Museum is on the University of Washington Campus, at the corner of 17th Avenue NE and NE 45th Street (map it)

Hours:  Daily, 10 am – 5 pm.  The museum stays open until 8 pm on the first Thursday of every month.

Admission:  $8 adults; $6.50 seniors; $5 students and youth (ID required); FREE University of Washington students/faculty/staff and children 4 and under.  The first Thursday of every month is a FREE admission day.

Parking:  Campus parking is always difficult, but if you can find a space, the fee is $12, pro-rated for stays under four hours.  Reduced prices available on Saturday mornings, and is free on Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday. 

The Burke also has a blog, updated weekly, so you can follow all the events and learn about the museum.

Image credit:  wikimedia

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Post from: The Seattle Traveler