Chronologically, the first topic that comes to mind is that I-35 in Oklahoma is in terrible condition. Potholes everywhere made for a really difficult drive through the state. Also frustrating in Oklahoma was the crazy amount of construction going on. I think we averaged about 60 MPH through the state because of all the road construction. At least they are trying to fix the roads, I suppose. After we left Oklahoma, we continued on I-35 through Kansas - which for the majority of the trip is a toll road. A federal interstate highway as a toll road? This bothers me a bit - part of my income tax dollars go to build and maintain that road, but you have to charge me extra to drive on it? Also, what's up with Phillips 66 and McDonald's being the only places to get off the tollroad without paying extra? Monopoly? I will say, though, that the highways were better, and that driving through the Flint Hills in eastern Kansas was beautiful.
We arrived in Kansas City, Missouri at about 4:30 (we left at 7 AM), and were immediately impressed with its urbanity. What small bit of it we saw on our way in was pretty impressive - lots of old architecture, neat spots, and there are a plethora of our favorite gas stations - Quik Trip. Our first meal in KC was at Maker's Mark in the Power & Light District, which set the bar for the rest of the trip. Catching up with the best man from our wedding was so wonderful, and the food was delicious. We had Kansas City Strips, and they were excellent.
(Image Copyright 2010, Jason W. Dean)
The next morning, after breakfast, Jen and I visited the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. As we both work in art museums, we were very interested to see what Kansas City had to offer - and we were very impressed. Many art museums that collect widely, as the Nelson-Atkins does, usually have a less than stellar collection. This was simply not the case with the N-A. They had standout examples in all areas of their collection - I loved their American stuff, as well as their Caravaggio and their whole room displays. These displays were reconstructions with furniture of original period rooms so you could see the pieces in their intended setting - great idea. We loved the Japanese screens, and the room with all the Chinese artifacts - very impressive. We also really enjoyed seeing their new building - the Bloch building. Having all the modern art in that building is very appropriate, and their Rothko was excellent. It was also nice to see a burgeoning photography collection. Here's a photo of me Jen took in the Bloch building:
And one of the lighting in the lobby:
As you can imagine, I was keen to see their library, the Spencer Art Reference Library. The Carter does a brisk ILL and Exchange business with them, and I know they have a great reputation - so Jen and I dropped by when they opened. Once again, I was very impressed - their library is stellar, and their library staff members were kind enough to take us on a tour of their facilities. They have about four times the staff of the Carter, with a collection about twice as large. Of course, they have to collect much more broadly to support research in the museum. I really appreciate their generosity and time with the tour and discussing their collection and patrons to me - it seems to be a wonderful place to work!
Afterwards, we all went to Blanc Burgers, where we had some of the best burgers I can remember having. Oh, they were super good. After lunch, we visited Hammerpress, Valhalla, and the Negro Leagues Museum and the American Jazz Museum.
After so much culture, we had Oklahoma Joe's barbecue for dinner, and oh my goodness was it good! KC barbecue is indeed different from Texas barbecue, but it has its own merits. Oklahoma Joe's was delicious - and we ate it at Jason's (best man) house, so as to avoid the crowds. It was so good that Jason's dog, Sydney, tried to lick it off my face!
Sunday was spent eating a great brunch and snowcones. We followed that up with visiting one of the coolest children's bookstores I have ever seen or been in, Reading Reptile. It was like stepping into a Wes Anderson movie, but with kid's books. How fun! We also visited a few local used bookstores, and concluded the day with some delicious pizza from Pizza Bella. All in all, we had a great time and KC very much exceeded our expectations, but we are glad to be back home.
I liked this trip so much that I might have to write my own post about KC!
ReplyDeleteGreat work, mister! I loved seeing all of the imagines in one place.
Great photos. It makes me want to head to KC myself. My daughter is just starting her MLS at University of South Carolina with the goal of working in an Art Museum when she's done (undergrad in Art History). Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn! Thanks for the comment - I think for broad library jobs advice, I'd recommend my post over at the Syracuse blog:
ReplyDeletehttp://infospace.ischool.syr.edu/2010/08/17/when-school-ends-and-real-life-begins/
As she probably already knows, art museums are a small field, and ones with libraries (and budgets) large enough to support libraries are even more rare. I'd recommend volunteering from day 1 at an art museum library, and do everything she possibly can - reference, cataloging, circulation, digitization and web projects. Getting as much experience as possible in that setting is key, and then making sure that you make a special effort to do an excellent job, and have everything you've done on your resume. The recommendation is key - art librarians are a rare breed indeed! Also, joining ARLIS NA is helpful.
Also, if you'd like to, feel free to pass along the blog and my personal website (www.jasonwdean.com) to her - she can contact me through that webpage if she has any questions, etc.!
Hope that helps!
Ahh great post! I have never been to Kansas City, but this makes me want to plan a trip there sometime! Sounds like you guys went to some amazing places and had a lot of fun :)
ReplyDeleteThanks - I'll pass along the info.
ReplyDelete