Last night, we went to the Laguna Gloria Museum to see the works of Lauren Fensterstock and Steve Wiman. It was our first time visiting Laguna Gloria, and all I can say about the grounds is … WOW! We wandered around a little, but we’ll definitely have to go back when Spring arrives and the weather is more amenable to leisurely strolls through gardens full of sculptures. Or at least during the day when it’s sunny and there isn’t a wicked cold front starting to blow into town.

After our short stroll and a nice adult beverage, we finally went into the museum proper to look at the exhibits. Lauren’s work was a thousand times more fabulous in person than it was in photographs! I’d really been looking forward to seeing her work in person, and it did not disappoint. Her drawings were detailed and intriguing, her smaller boxed and hung paper and charcoal pieces were gorgeous, but her large installation pieces were just as stunning as I expected them to be.

Expanses of black paper vegetation, sparkling charcoal soil, and reflective plexi water. Like a fractal, they contained more detail the closer one looked, and of course, I got my nose right up on them, because I do love the details. I also love paper and charcoal. As we were leaving the building, we had the opportunity to chat with Lauren and tell her how much we loved her work. Meeting the artist is always awesome! She was really sweet, even though I’m sure she had much more important people to pay attention to than us.

Steve’s work was also interesting. Two pieces involved orbs, and as I’m sure you all know, I’m more than a little fond of orbs. One was especially interesting to me … an arrangement of balls of various strings and twines in a variety of sizes. I could have stared at it for hours. Loved the textures and gentle natural colors! Some of his works didn’t speak to me personally, but they were lovely. I’m glad I had a chance to see his works, even though they weren’t all to my liking. All art can’t and doesn’t have to speak to all people, after all!

We went back outside and enjoyed some more wine and beer while we huddled by one of the propane heaters and talked about the art and scenery. I finished my wine before Lin’s beer was gone, so I wandered back inside to look at the art more time. Once I’d finished storing it all to my memories, Lin and I made the somewhat excessive (and chilly) trek back to the truck and headed to Outback Steakhouse for what was a really huge and completely tasty meal. And more wine, of course!

Last night was a great night! Tomorrow night,we head downtown to the Arthouse for an exhibition preview party. Should be fun too, though it’s going to be even colder now that Winter has set in again for a bit. All the same, I’m looking forward to going. Love going to parties, meeting people, and looking at art! Always inspires me to get back to work on my own, and I should toddle off to the “studio” right now and get to work. I have so many things started. Need to get some finished!