A surprise around the corner
10/22/21
One rainy morning, my twelve-year old daughter and I headed to the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, GA. This trip was on my to-do list for almost fifteen years! What was I thinking waiting so long? Well, Life happens. It feels like there is always something else to do or somewhere else to be.
We parked the car and walked through puddles as the rain was drenching us along the way. A movie being filmed that day redirected us again and again up and down different roads. We were early, so we waited outside the glass doors counting the minutes to enter.
When the doors opened, we hurried into the large, spacious, airy atrium. Where do we start? Do we turn right or left? Should we follow the map given at the entrance? What are we missing already? How much do we read and how much is too much?
FOMO feeling! Without realizing, the fear of missing out haunted us in the midst of our artistic experience.
As we went up the ramp to a second floor, we explored in and out of small rooms viewing everything from contemporary to early Renaissance art. Overwhelmed, we felt relieved when a guard showed up. His wide grind and welcoming countenance made us feel at easy. He said good morning and wanted to know more about us.
“Where are you from?” he asked. “Is this your first time visiting the High? There’s so much to see! Go ahead and take pictures—why not start with what’s behind you?”
As I turned, I saw it. An authentic Monet! I knew it from books and webpages. I had studied the piece more than once but now, a real Monet awaited us, with a comfortable and inviting bench in front of it. Next to the Monet, a Renoir added to the impressionistic vibes. I was taking it all in. Quickly, my daughter got the phone and started to take pictures of all the art in the room. This was just the beginning of discovering famous paintings and intricate sculptures.
The guard’s welcoming spirit invited us to experience and enjoy the art all around us. It lightened our hearts and encouraged us to become less serious and more playful. Seeing a Monet was beautiful but even more beautiful was feeling the joy from one guard watching over treasures inside the High.
Speachless
Ed. By Pat Butler @mythic_monastery
