Best of the NYC Greek Film Festival in the ATL
Yes, it's true. I'm a Philhellene. I have been most of my life...it started when I was still a kid. That's why I want to share with you the upcoming event "The Best of the New York City Greek Film Festival" at the Woodruff Arts Center on Saturday and Sunday, November 8 and 9, 2014.
The Best of the New York City Greek Film Festival
What's a Philhellene, you ask? It's "a lover of Greece and Greek culture", a designation I was gifted earlier today.
Some of you already know that I lived in Greece for more than two years, when I was 19-21 years old...what a great time that was! But I was well-versed in Greek Mythology at a much younger age. So that I ended up living in Greece wasn't purely happenstance.
I'll tell you more about that experience in just a moment, but let me tell you about the upcoming film event.
The Best of the New York City Greek Film Festival will take place over two days and will feature five films. One of those films, Little England, is up for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film at the 87th Academy Awards on Sunday, February 22, 2015.
The films in this festival are primarily in Greek, but with English subtitles. When I lived in Greece and went to the cinema, I remember seeing a comedy that was in English with Greek subtitles and there were two rolls of laughter with each punchline...one when the English-speaking audience heard it and a second when the Greek-reading audience read it. I had long been fascinated by linguistics, so that was a fascinating experience.
Funny side story...I had a roommate years ago who didn't care very much for foreign-language films. I love them, so when I wanted a little time to myself, off to Blockbuster I went to rent a foreign film to soon enjoy a couple of hours of me-time. Selfish? No, not at all...we all need a little me-time from time to time, right?
Many of us have heard about European culture...how, when visiting a European country, you might be invited into someone's home, treated to dinner, or share a drink...hospitality at its finest. I experienced all of that first-hand.
My first Christmas in Greece a friend of mine invited me to his home for Christmas Eve. His mother and father, once they learned I had no family there, insisted that I stay the night and share Christmas Day with them. My time in Greece is filled with wonderful stories similar to that experience. I'll always have a place in my heart for Greece and her people.
Well, there's a tidbit more about me that maybe you didn't know. Now I'm going to go watch a Nia Vardalos movie...
A gracious "Thank you" to my friends at Lykion Ton Ellinidon Atlanta for letting me know about the film festival (tickets). I'm looking forward to seeing you and to seeing some fantastic cinema!
Labels: Academy Awards, Greece, Kolonaki, Little England, Lykion Ton Ellinidon Atlanta Chapter, Oscars, Philhellene, The Best of the New York City Greek Film Festival, Woodruff Arts Center
Location: 1280 Peachtree Street Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA
The newly renovated Delta Flight Museum (formerly called the Delta Air Transportation Heritage Museum) has undergone a magnificent renovation...they're really going places!
Delta Flight Museum, Douglas DC-3
Puns aside, the Delta Flight Museum is an aviation enthusiast's dream land...68,000 square feet of dream land! The museum opened in 1995 in two 1940s-era hangars, originally used for Delta's maintenance program. Hangar 1 was built in 1941 and Hangar 2 in 1947.
Today, the museum offers interactive exhibits and rare artifacts, as well as some of the latest exhibit technology. Some of the aircraft artifacts date to the 1920s and they feature the only Boeing 737 flight simulator open to the public in the United States.
Beyond the fascinating museum experience, it's also available as a special events facility (there was even a wedding proposal at the museum recently) and their gift shop is pretty awesome, too...I've rather enjoyed my "I love the smell of jet fuel in the morning" coffee mug!
Delta Flight Museum, Travis S. Taylor
The first time I was ever in an airplane was on a runway on Craig Field in Jacksonville, Florida. Local radio air traffic reporter Robbie Rose of WQIK allowed me to taxi the runway with him to make some photos of the world-famous "Charlie Lindbird", a ring-necked pheasant that had been following Robbie's plane on the runway!
I'd convince my mother to call Mr. Rose to see if I could visit the airfield and make some photos of Charlie Lindbird, and to my great surprise and excitement, he said, "Sure!" I wanted to see the bird, of course, but my endgame was to make a drawing of Charlie Lindbird to give to Robbie Rose. I was a budding pencil and paper artist at the time (later the camera replaced my artistic endeavors).
I made the drawing and sent it to Robbie and my mother still has the photos that I made of Charlie and there are a couple of Robbie and I next to his plane. What an awesome memory! "Thank you, Robbie Rose" for encouraging a teenager's love of aviation and sense of adventure, which prevails even today!
Delta Flight Museum, Hangar 1
A testament to the airline industry's continuous and exponential growth, Hangar 1's roof was raised three feet in 1952 to accommodate larger aircraft. The most recent renovation was completed in 2014, and reopened to great fanfare.
It took me a few months after the reopening to make it down there to visit again, but now I can hardly wait to go back! The museum is at Delta headquarters, so be prepared to show a government-issued photo ID when you visit.
If you visited prior to the recent renovation, you'll recognize some of their staple artifacts, but you'll discover a lot of new ones, and all of them are presented in a new, totally modern fashion.
The museum is presented in something of a timeline order. Hangar One features "The Propeller Age", chronicling the evolution of luxury air travel, and a Stinson Reliant, an aircraft series that was built 1933-1941. Hangar Two features "The Jet Age".
Make plenty of time to explore both hangars. There's a lot to see!
When you first venture into Hangar 2, the first thing you see—and you can't miss it—is The Spirit of Delta. At first glance, you see a HUGE airplane, a magnificent airplane. But there's more...
"Project 767", an effort led by three flight attendants, was a demonstration of employees' gratitude to Delta for its support throughout the years. During a challenging financial climate, employees, retirees and friends raised $30 million to pay for Delta's first Boeing 767. That's some serious employee dedication!
Twenty-four years after its inaugural flight, The Spirit of Delta was unveiled as the newest exhibit at the museum on December 15, 2006.
Delta Flight Museum, Flight Simulator
The Flight Simulator is so much more than a "ride"...it's an experience. We only got a preview, but "Wow!", I can totally imagine—having been at the controls of a couple of in-flight planes, with flight instructors, of course—how awesome it is!
The Flight Simulator was a highlight of our visit—and the Simulator is made from a real airplane! We'd ventured by once and there was a group of people already "flying", so we explored more of the museum and came back later. Then there was only the flight simulator instructor and one other visitor, a young pilot visiting from Brazil and one you quickly determined works in the field because he's so passionate about flying.
While we didn't do the full-hour experience, we were treated to a preview. Barry took the pilot seat and I was plenty excited to take the co-pilot seat. We saw a brief clip of the on-screen experience. Those partaking of the full package enjoy a 10-minute briefing, 45 minutes of flight time and a 5-minute review. If you're an enthusiast, I'm certain it's worth the ticket price.
During my senior year of high school, in Pinedale, Wyoming, I ventured beyond the runway. There was a festival of some sort that included plane rides! I was so caught up in the festival activities and making photos that I missed out on the plane rides. I was so disappointed.
But, Dominique Joris, a Swiss exchange student who had become my best friend, made arrangements with the pilot to take Dominique and me up the next day—my first flight! It was a four-passenger Cessna and we were flying over the stunning and majestic Rocky Mountains. Suffice it to say, it was a bumpy ride, but after that I was never afraid to fly.
Delta Flight Museum, NASA
Inside The Spirit of Delta is another museum...one you want to make sure you see! The artifacts range from viewing the actual cockpit to the plane's intact, original First Class section, to uniforms, aircraft models, and pins to a period galley with mannequins, and there are cutout sections revealing the innards of the plane!
As an air AND space enthusiast, I was enraptured by the NASA and space-related artifacts. There's even a shirt that was flown aboard the Space Shuttle ATLANTIS for eight days in 1995! The shirt is one that bears the "Delta: The Official Airline, 1996 Olympic Games" emblem.
In the 2000s, I had the great privilege of being a VIP guest of NASA and got to visit ATLANTIS on her launch pad, in addition to many other incredible experiences over a six day period. I love making connections to real-life experiences when visiting museums!
Delta Flight Museum, Uniforms, Hawaii
Delta's uniforms have, over the decades, reflected current and innovative fashion. The "Hawaiian" uniforms pictured above were donned by attendants from 1969 through the 1970s.
There's another uniform that was designed during the Space Race, looking toward the time that Delta might be part of consumer flights to the Moon! Seem silly? Then you might be surprised to learn that you can book a flight to space right now! Perhaps not through Delta, but their pioneering spirit is most certainly a contributor to the fact that civilians have already ventured into space.
I think you're going to love all the photo-ops in the museum...I certainly had fun with my camera! Don't be shy about making photos, but of course be careful. I have a very similar photo to the one above of myself at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum in Washington, DC about four years ago. Fun stuff!
Delta Flight Museum, The Spirit of Delta
Next time I visit the Delta Flight Museum, I'm going to plan more time to explore. There's so much to see and do!
And I can hardly wait to see their newest exhibit, Adventure of Flight, which "highlights man's quest to conquer the skies, from hot air balloons to space travel". It opened just last week!
Labels: Atlantis, Boeing 767, Charlie Lindbird, Delta, Delta Flight Museum, Douglas DC-3, Project 767, Robbie Rose, Stinson Reliant, The Delta Heritage Museum, The Spirit of Delta
Location: Delta Flight Museum, Delta Air Lines, Inc., 1060 Delta Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30354, USA
Agatha's Dead Men
Agatha's - A Taste of Mystery consistently knocks 'em dead!
If you're a fan of AMC's Mad Men, you're going to LOVE "Dead Men: Murder on Madison Avenue". Actually—and please don't hold this against me—I've never seen an episode of Mad Men (but it's on my list!) and yet, I LOVED "Dead Men"!
"Dead Men" | Agatha's - A Taste of Mystery
And I love Agatha's. I've been a fan of Agatha's - A Taste of Mystery for decades, so I'm embarrassed to admit that I've not been since I moved back to Atlanta. Not for not trying, because they do sell out (reservations are recommended). I was fortunate...they had a last-minute cancellation (don't count on that happening), so they had availability when I recently went without calling first.
I have to say, they're still as brilliant as they ever were! And they've always been brilliant.
Agatha's - A Taste of Mystery
I used to attend every show put on by Agatha's, and for good reason...the shows are so incredibly clever—seriously clever—and entertaining! Every show—and this has been going on for more than 25 years—is written exclusively for Agatha's. So, what you're seeing you're not going to see anywhere else.
They're now downtown, and have been for a number of years. When I went before they were at a location across the street not far from The Fox Theatre (you may recall that fact if you're visiting after a number of years or a long-time resident). Now they're only a block off of Peachtree Street, very accessible for visitors staying downtown and they have easy, very affordable parking for people coming in from other areas.
Agatha's IS mystery dinner theatre, in its finest fashion...of the entertainment type...of the you-want-to-laugh-so-you-must-do-this type...of the I'm-looking-for-something-unique-to-do type...
Just go already...it's laugh-til-you-ache fun! Just hope the aching isn't a knife in your side. Someone's going to get killed. (They typically do in "murder" mystery, but I'm always surprised by who it turns out to be.)
The owners are long-time friends, but I'd been out of touch for quite some time and my coming in was unannounced, which made the fun we had all the better...it was real. It was real fun.
What you get is dinner and a show...and wine. And then there's a full bar! Dinner is five courses, starting with appetizers as soon as you arrive...well, after you go through orientation. You see...everyone is part of the show. That's right. If you've always wanted a stab at performing, this is your big chance!
Wait, wait, wait...back to the food. Appetizers upon arrival, then four more courses. That's right...murder mystery and a FIVE course meal. There's a chef's-choice soup, then the salad course with at least a couple of dressing options—there's a complimentary glass of wine with the salad course—then a choice of entree, which features a much wider selection than you'd expect, and dessert!
And of course there's the performance, which takes place between each course. Cliff hangers galore!
The performers of Dead Men: Murder on Madison Avenue...they're just amazing! Most of my fans know that I don't write "reviews"...I write about the things that I enjoy in Atlanta. But if I did have to review Dead Men, I'd give the performers five stars! Hands down, five stars!
I love to write, but the writers for Agatha's...I can't even approach their cleverness. So, here's what they say to advertise this particular show...
It was a simpler time, the late 1950′s. Where men were men, and women ... worked just as hard and got no credit for it. Yup...simple. And one advertising agency ruled the roost, The Silver Copper Agency with their creative director, Don Dripper. He's handsome, smart...and did we mention handsome? Things at the agency have never been better. Until someone kills the boss, and then everything is turned upside down on Don Dripper's perfectly Brill-creamed head!
Seriously...funny!
I mentioned that EVERYONE is part of the performance. That's right, everyone is someone. If you're celebrating a birthday or anniversary, you're likely to have a more significant role and if you're of the variety that might experience stage fright, not to worry...stage fright won't kill you! There are ways to participate even if you're on the shy or quite side. The stars of the show will great fun of making you a star!
When you're seated, or even before during hors d'oeuvres, introduce yourself to the other mystery dinner theatre-goers...you're going to get to know them no matter what! No, that's not a threat, that's a wonderful promise.
On my most recent visit, I met two birthday girls and a delightful couple visiting from Saskatchewan, Canada. The wife totally wanted to experience Agatha's and the husband was totally reluctant. Turned out, he was the first guest performer and he had a blast! We started talking as soon as we were seated and later in the evening we were making commemorative photos together. Great meeting you!
From the Agatha's website:
Go, go, go to Agatha's - A Taste of Mystery! And keep going. Dead Men is showing now through Wednesday, November 5. Shortly thereafter is this year's holiday show, The Candy Cane Murders - A Breaking Bad Holiday. It promises to transform the way you look at murder mystery!
Posted by Travis Swann Taylor at 11:46 AM No comments: Links to this post
Labels: Agatha's A Taste of Mystery, different things to do in Atlanta, dinner theatre, Downtown Atlanta, mystery dinner theatre, theatre in Atlanta, things to do in Atlanta, unique things to do in Atlanta
Location: 161 Peachtree Center Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
Autumn Wine Tasting...Frogtown Cellars!
Those first chilly evenings announcing the coming of autumn is when I start thinking of excursions to wine country...and doubt me not, Georgia Wine Country is splendid!
With that, let me start with a huge "Thank you!" to Jacky, and Frogtown Cellars, for a magnificent vineyard experience! And the wine was awesome!
Frogtown Cellars, Dahlonega, Georgia
Even on an overcast day—this was mid-summer—Frogtown Cellars' vineyard is stunning. The lush rolling hills capped by blue mountains...absolutely beautiful!
The owners of the vineyard, Craig and Cydney Kritzer, were out of town when we visited, but Craig and Cydney, please know that Jacky was amazing and wonderful...we felt like we'd made a new dear friend by time we left. Thank you, thank you, thank you for Jacky!
Also to Jacky's credit, it was late when we arrived...only 20 minutes until closing. When about 15 minutes after closing I offered to Jacky that we could wrap up, no pressure to stay so late, she would hear nothing of it. She knew that I, and wanderlust ATLANTA, was visiting and was such a gracious host. Thank you again for making extra time for us!
We tasted a number of wines! I prefer my whites on the light and crisp side and I like my reds full-bodied and robust. Opposite ends of the scale, I know, but that's what I like.
Jacky offered tastes of many that I enjoyed, but in particular I very much liked the Sauvignon Gris, and especially the Frogtown Propaganda, a maritage of Bordeaux grapes, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. "Propaganda" is such a clever name, and appropriate...I will be enjoying it again!
When we arrived and introductions had been made, we moved directly into tasting! We explored the winery later, but tasting wine was first on the menu...and I'm not one to argue a plan as brilliant as that!
After inquiring as to our wine preferences, we sampled a number of wines and learned about the winery, the owners, harvesting, the winery's various offerings, and Frogtown Cellar's wine making philosophy...we learned a lot!
And then there were stories. Neither Barry or I are shy when it comes to chatting about...well, anything. But life stories seem to be a favorite.
Jacky is a conversation master! And that's part of an excellent wine experience with friends, right? All the amazing conversation...some of it about the magnificent wine and some of it about life? Jacky made us feel quite at home.
Before we went in, we had walked over to the grapevines for a peek at the fruit...call it a preview of what we were about to experience.
You know, unlike most food experiences in city life, we don't very often get to connect with the food and drink that we enjoy. I think that's one of the reasons I like farmers markets as much as I do. I may not get to connect with the actual farm, but very often get to connect with the local farmer...having that relationship makes my food so much better.
So, getting to "connect" with the brothers and sisters of the grapes that had already transformed into the extraordinary liquid that would soon be delighting my nose and dancing across my tongue...well, that's a magical experience.
Purchasing a bottle of a wine at my local bottle house drive-thru window is one thing (I appreciate you guys, believe me!), and communing with nature—with the grapes, terroir, vintners, and wine that was made in my backyard—that's something special.
If you've not already, you MUST check out the Frogtown Cellars website. It's genius! And if I remember correctly, the person behind the design—a family member or friend of the family—is also the person who designed and created the amazing labels for all of winery's bottles. They're truly brilliant and he's one brilliant designer!
When you explore the website, you'll learn the origin of the name "Frogtown Cellars"...a simple, yet brilliant concept, I think. And I just like frogs...they're fascinating creatures, as many Frogtown Cellars' wines are fascinating.
And by all means, explore Frogtown Cellars' winemaking philosophy...I believe it'll greatly enhance your wine tasting experience. Some of this you'll learn during the hospitality of the tasting, so don't feel like you have to read it before you head to the winery. And ask all the questions you want...they're there to make sure you have a good time and they love fellow wine enthusiasts!
Look at that patio and view!
Frogtown Cellars also has a Bistro that serves some amazing looking paninis. We arrived after lunch, so didn't get to sample the food, but have a look at the menu...it has me salivating as I type! I love a good panini!
Even more than a good panini, a gorgeous cheese board. Throw in a perfectly paired glass of wine and a view like this...magical! I could spend weekend afternoon after weekend afternoon here.
As I'm writing this, remembering the wonderful experience I had at Frogtown Cellars, I'm reminded of Frogtown Cellar's Citizen Wine Club. And I had every intention of writing this particular post while enjoying a glass of wine, or two, from Frogtown Cellars.
Alas, the Frogtown Cellars wine that once graced my wine rack not too long after our excursion became the subject of another tasting, but very much enjoyed. Perhaps it's time to join the Citizen Wine Club!
I've always found garden weddings to be beautiful, but as the years have ticked by, more and more I've come to admire the vineyard wedding and wedding reception. You're in a natural setting, a setting where friends will be comfortable, the wine is going to be incredible—because you've enjoyed the varietals that will be offered...the reasons for a vineyard wedding make for quite a significant list.
Weddings at Frogtown Cellars sound absolutely amazing. First of all, you're in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains, they have a totally awesome pavillion—suitable for ceremony and reception—and check this out...
...Frogtown Cellars offers a selection of absolutely stunning classic vehicles in which the bride may make her grand entrance!
There's a 1931 DeSoto Coupe...and it's going to make you feel so Gatsby! And there's a Studebaker, pictured above. Either way...these beauties will help make your special day one that your guests will remember for years!
Barry Holland at Frogtown Cellars, Dahlonega, Georgia
I have friends—fellow wine enthusiast friends—who bring their camera with them to chronicle their wine excursions, presumably most of their wine excursions, which I think is a brilliant idea. Some of the best people photos are not so staged, but out just having fun.
Some of you know that I do a fair amount of wanderlusting with my best friend, Barry. He's an explorer, a seeker of adventure as much as I am—friends who enjoy doing the same things...imagine that!
Anyway, as you can imagine, a vineyard is a great locale for snapshots and Frogtown Cellars is beautiful. When you share your photos on Social Media, I invite you to tag them #FrogtownCellars on Twitter and "Like" Frogtown Wine on Facebook.
Let me leave you for the first thing we saw when we arrived at Frogtown Cellars...the magnificent view!
Again, "Thank you" to Jacky and Frogtown Cellars for a magnificent wine experience in Georgia Wine Country...we'll be back, with friends!
Labels: 1931 DeSoto Coupe, Craig Kritzer, Cydney Kritzer, Dahlonega Georgia, Frogtown Cellars, Frogtown Propaganda, Georgia Wine Country, Studebaker, wine, wine club, winery
Location: 700 Ridge Point Drive, Dahlonega, GA 30533, USA
10 Reasons to See "Scarecrows in the Garden"
Scarecrows in the Garden has become a delightful tradition for Atlantans and visitors from all over. Why? Let me tell you.
This is my fifth Scarecrows in the Garden exhibition at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and I hope there will be many, many more. Instead of recapping my latest visit, I thought I'd share with you some of the many, many other reasons YOU should see Scarecrows in the Garden.
So, in no particular order...
Scarecrows in the Garden, 2014, Atlanta Botanical Garden
1. Imaginary Worlds
The above beauty is "Mrs. Payne", a creation by a local school group. I'm only showing her head because it's what was the most fascinating to me about this particular scarecrow. You definitely have to see the whole thing...these kids did an amazing job!
She's located adjacent to the Ogre, one of the 28 sculptures in this year's "Imaginary Worlds" exhibition—one of the best reasons to go see Scarecrows in the Garden. Why? Because Imaginary Worlds is leaving at the end of October. You don't want to miss it!
It's been a remarkable two years in the running and an exhibition that will be remembered as well was Chihuly and Moore. Thank you, Mary Pat, for being such an incredible visionary...for contributing so much to Atlanta!
2. Fest-of-Ale
Fest-of-Ale is every Thursday night in October, 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and visitors are greeted by the huge scarecrow pictured above. He's also an award-winner!
If you've been to "Cocktails in the Garden" then you'll know the basic format of Fest-of-Ale. Enjoying the Garden until 10:00 p.m., entertainment, and seasonal beverages—there are a lot of pumpkin flavored/themed ales to enjoy this season. And the Cafe is open until 9:00 p.m.
"A Flying Feat", by the Center for Puppetry Arts—another beloved Atlanta attraction and one I highly recommend visiting—was one of the winners of Scarecrows in the Garden.
And, you may recall that I did a "10 Reasons to Visit the Center for Puppetry Arts" not too long ago...awesome attraction!
During Fest-of-Ale, visitors are delighted by live music. When I visited last Thursday, the Decatur Bluegrass Association was playing and I have to say, they were fantastic—easily one of the best Bluegrass bands I've ever had the pleasure of hearing.
I went over and chatted with a couple of the band members during a short break and these guys are as nice as they are talented. I invite you to "Like" Decatur Bluegrass Association on Facebook to learn where else you might catch one of their performances!
4. Photo-ops
If you've never had the opportunity to make a selfie with Alexis and/or Krystle (Dynasty), not to worry...Scarecrows in the Garden is coming to the rescue!
Actually, Scarecrows in the Garden is wonderful for photo-ops, but please be mindful of the plantings where the scarecrows are—some of them may even be where future Atlanta Blooms specimens are planted. So don't assume you're not harming a plant...even if you can't see it. Don't be an Alexis!
Photos are encouraged...take all you want! When you're sharing them on Social Media, feel free to tag them #AtlBotanical, #FestOfAle, and #scarecrows.
5. The Children's Garden
If you go on a Thursday evening, during Fest-of-Ale, be sure to visit the scarecrows in the two-acre Children's Garden first...the Children's Garden closes at dusk.
The Children's Garden is one of the brilliant opportunities for Atlantans and visiting families to enjoy the Garden in a unique fashion.
There's weekly storytelling time, they have their own vegetable garden, there's a tree house (pictured above), there are giant frogs, there's a beehive, showering sunflowers....there's a LOT going on in the Children's Garden and Scarecrows in the Garden is a wonderful opportunity for grownups to learn what a great learning resource this is for kids.
And don't miss "Goblins in the Garden"...a festive event where your kids can show off their season's costumes on "Goblin Runway", and there are fall-themed crafts, a pony ride and a Ride-on-Train! Like I was saying...there is LOTS to do in the Garden.
6. Atlanta Events
I commend the Atlanta Botanical Garden for being so wonderfully generous in promoting other Atlanta attractions and Atlanta events...they really go above and beyond in that regard.
For example, the "scarecrows" pictured above are an enticement to see the upcoming "Where the Wild Things Are" exhibition at The Breman Museum. I've enjoyed exhibits, events and programming at The Breman for years...they're a must-see on any list you'll see me put together.
Where the Wild Things Are: Maurice Sendak in His Own Words and Pictures opens November 16, 2014.
If you're wondering where the 100-plus scarecrows come from, they're from all over Atlanta!
They're from Girl Scout troops—the scarecrow pictured above is from a local Scout troop, and another winner!—Atlanta businesses, Atlanta families, citizens, organizations, clubs, and attractions...they're from the Atlanta community!
You've heard me say it again and again...the attractions and museums that foster a sense of community are the ones that I love most, and they happen to be some of the most successful in the City.
8. The Rest of the Garden
Scarecrows in the Garden is spread throughout the Southern Seasons Garden and the Children's Garden, but there's acres and acres more to see and experience at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
From time to time I hear folks comment, "But it's expensive." However, given what the Garden has to offer and what it's doing for not only Atlanta, but for the world—through its amphibian and orchid conservation and research—admission is nominal...and, as a non-profit, you're supporting school programs, all the amazing classes the Garden offers, and you're promoting Atlanta! Thank you to all who do.
I invite you to explore the Garden's website, to learn more about all the amazing initiatives and programs and events they offer...you may be quite surprised!
I'm proud to support the Atlanta Botanical Garden through my Dual Membership, attending events regularly, shopping in the (amazing) Gift Shop, and telling all my friends and fans how amazing it is! And no, the Garden has never given me anything or a single cent to promote them...it's just one of my favorite places in all of Atlanta. It's an awesome destination!
9. Robots
Hey, I'm a sci-fi geek...how can I (and most other guys) not love robots?
Actually, you're going to love the diversity of Scarecrows in the Garden. This year there's everything from "Pippi Longstraw" to a Merman, "Game of Crows" to a tribute to Robin Williams, and a pair of pandas by Zoo Atlanta to...well, robots!
With more than 100 scarecrows, there's definitely something for everyone!
10. Tradition
Probably one of the more popular reasons to go to the Atlanta Botanical Garden to see Scarecrows in the Garden: It's tradition!
Scarecrows in the Garden has been enjoyed by Garden visitors for more than a decade, and I know that the kids who are seeing it now will thoroughly enjoy sharing the experience with their kids. The scarecrows are wonderfully brilliant now...I can only imagine how incredible they'll be in another 10 years!
Labels: Atlanta Botanical Garden, Breman Jewish Museum, Center for Puppetry Arts, Decatur Bluegrass Association, Dynasty, Fest of Ale, Imaginary Worlds, Mary Pat Matheson, Ogre, Scarecrows in the Garden
Location: Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA
Celebrating 100 Years of AIGA
The American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) is celebrating 100 years this year and the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) is host for their national exhibition, AIGA100: Century of Design, marking the centennial milestone.
One of the first things I learned, and there's a LOT to learn in this exhibition, is that the phrase "graphic art", which even small children today understand, didn't exist yet when AIGA was formed in 1914 in New York City.
Doug Grimmett, Co-curator, AIGA100, Museum of Design Atlanta
"Graphic design is ubiquitous, influential, helpful, powerful and delightful," said Doug Grimmett, co-curator of AIGA100, as well as Founder and President of Atlanta-based Primal Screen.
Doug continued, "Also, the 20th century is over. So history tells us that the United States was by far the leader in the applied arts at the end of that century. But only as a result of the wars that brought brilliant artists and scientists looking for sanctuary to our country, where they thrived and opened schools."
AIGA100, Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
Gallery 2 features "100 years of design that...connects, informs, assists, delights, and influences". It's a brilliant concept for demonstrating the various operations of graphic art.
AIGA started as a small club of graphic artists, printers, publishers and illustrators and today reaches across the nation with more than 25,000 professional designers, educators, students and design enthusiasts within 68 chapters. The map above notes the density of AIGA membership across the United States.
You will see many works of graphic art that have NEVER before been seen by the public--a distinguished honor for Atlanta and visiting tourists--and there's quite a bit you'll recognize, such as the above "Nutrition Facts" label.
AIGA's membership has had a very active role in how we all live our daily lives, how we communicate and understand. I believe you'll be rather fascinated...as was I.
When you get to Gallery 3, the large gallery toward the back of the museum, you'll quickly notice that the artifacts are displayed via timeline. Two timelines, in fact. One is a "World History" timeline--fascinatingly interesting, and the other is a "Design History" timeline. Be sure to make time to read these.
The exhibit features never-before-seen (by the public) posters and publications, as well as artifacts, videos, interactive activities, audio recordings, and more. There's a lot to see, a lot to keep even the mildest graphic art enthusiast captivated!
AIGA for many, many years published an annual print publication and there are many on display. My favorite is the AIGA Journal from 1969, pictured above. There are some incredibly brilliant works of art on the covers of these publications, but I personally have been mesmerized by this one.
There are thought-provoking quotes emblazoned on the walls throughout the exhibition. One of my favorites, not shown in any of the photos in this particular post, is "Design is important because chaos is difficult". That gem of profoundness was authored by Jules Feiffer, Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist and Academy Award winning screen writer.
The exhibition is largely about communications, which is a primary function of graphic art. I'm over simplifying, but I think you'll understand what I mean when you visit. Through design, whether internationally recognized symbols to communicate action or non-action, to campaigns that dramatically changed our country--look for the "VOTE campaign" posters.
AIGA100, Design-A-Poster, Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
Of course it just wouldn't be a MODA exhibition if there weren't an interactive design activity. At AIGA100, visitors have the opportunity to design a poster! Be sure to make a photo of yours and hashtag it #modatl and #aiga100 when you "publish"!
Notice the color waves in the visitor-designed poster above? That element is from one of the posters, by Milton Glasser, on display in the exhibition and was an influencing factor in a Primal Screen-created promo for the final season of Mad Men. It's a brilliant and beautiful work of graphic art...I've watched it at least half a dozen times already!
One of my favorite pieces in the exhibition is a "100" comprised of 101 postcards created by designers across the United States, each representing AIGA work from every year in AIGA history, 1914-2014.
Enjoy the exhibit through Sunday, October 5, and do let the museum staff know what you thought of it and what was your favorite piece.
Next up at MODA, "Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair", which is already receiving quite a lot of fanfare! There's an Inspiring Beauty Preview Party on Friday, October 17, and the exhibition will run from Sunday, October 19, 2014 through Sunday, January 4, 2015.
Labels: 100 years of graphic design, AIGA100, American Institute of Graphic Arts, Doug Grimmett, graphic art, Jules Peiffer, Mad Men, MODA, Museum of Design Atlanta, Primal Screen, vote campaign
Location: Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA), Perkins+Will, 1315 Peachtree Street Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA