every visit to the museum with our family proves to be a treat. it’s in-part because we enjoy spending time together, but also because ryan + i share an appreciation for the importance + beauty of art. we are eager to share this rich part of life with our children + it’s never too soon or late to start. the motto of my alma mater is: “learning humanizes character and does not permit it to be cruel.” i hold this close to heart. every person carries a different lens with which he/she view life, art provides other lenses + in turn, we gain new understanding, empathy + compassion.
there is a special beatrix potter exhibit on display now at atlanta’s high mueseum of art through january. i didn’t know much about this author when i was a child + i sure couldn’t read it to myself the way my 7 + 9 year olds do, so in some ways i am just now discovering the beauty that is every tiny thing beatrix potter touched + brought to life. to learn more about her background, personal story + development of talents + interests, is to be inspired! i find her practical british manner endearing, but even more so, it’s her love of simplicity + order in nature, her many scientific observations, all the pen + ink sketches to help capture what she saw + a relatable admiration for “messy gardens” that resonate– not to mention all the charming characters she dreamt up, personified + dressed in tiny clothes + shoes. who can forget jemima puddleduck, mr. jeremy fisher, hunka munka, squirrel nutkin + of course every tiny, mischievous bunny? to say nothing of her exquisite vocabulary that i must admit sent me to the dictionary a time or two!
the exhibt was enchanting + i could actually imagine myself going back to revisit some of the special items on display. in the meantime, this outing will continue to inspire my own love of gardening, learning, nature, art, beauty + well, all the good, simple things in life. all in all, what remains is a lovely testament to an authentic life well-lived. she was given so much + she returned it tenfold back to her community–what a timeless example!
if you’re in atlanta, we “highly” recommend planning a visit to see some of potter’s original drawings + inspirational works. you won’t regret it; there’s a bit of something for all ages at this exhibit!
porches + pillowfights 