A Change of Plans

Our plan today was to go down to the Detroit Auto Show.  I'm going to be in the market for a new car later this year and I thought it would be good to check out various brands and models while all in one place.

My Favorite Painting of the Day (Van Gogh)

One would think going down to Cobo on a Wednesday morning would be a good time to go.  NOT!!

No parking.  All the parking decks and garages were all blocked for permit parking only.  We did find one open lot where we could have left the car with our keys for $15 and then hike over to Cobo.  I wasn't happy about leaving my keys, so we headed out searching again.  After 30 minutes of driving around and around (with everyone else), I got fed up with the whole thing and we headed out of Dodge.

Since we were headed North on Woodward, I got the idea of going to the DIA (Detroit Institute of Arts) instead.  We found easy parking and spent the next 4 hours leisurely traversing the halls of the museum.

BW's Favorite Painting of the Day (Eaton)

We will need to make another trip back to the DIA as we only made it through about half of the museum.  We are looking forward to seeing the rest.

All and all, a wonderful day and a vast improvement over the Auto Show.

(Neither of these photos does justice to the real thing.  Go check them out if you are in the area.)

Art Inside Out in Rochester

Recently, the Detroit Institute of Art (DIA) launched it's 2nd year of a project called Inside|Out.  It's a program where they bring selections of their artwork to the Detroit Metro Area.  The art reproductions are printed on vinyl and displayed around town.

Rochester...my lovely town was one of the lucky recipients of this project and I had a blast walking all around town finding and photographing all seven of our displays.  It made for some lovely walks.

In no particular order, here's what I found...

First stop was Talulah Belle Shop at 114 W. Third Street:

My 2nd stop was at Rojo Mexican Bistro at the corner of 4th and Main Street (Rochester Road):

On to my 3rd stop at Lytle Pharmacy at 340 Main Street:

My 4th stop was the lot where the weekly Rochester Farmers Market is held.  No specific sign was available for a photo, but it's near 3rd and Water Street.

My 5th stop was at Rochester Mills Brewery at 400 Water Street:

The 6th stop was at the Royal Park Hotel at 600 E. University:

And the 7th and final stop was at a little park in town called Rotary Park at Olde Towne and Water Street right off the Paint Creek Trail:

I've decided I liked "Reading the Story of Oenone" best, but I have felt a strong connection to young Princess Sophia.  This was likely the portrait painted to find her a husband and you can't help feel for this young innocent soul.

I loved this program and hope the DIA continues it for years to come.  It's is just lovely seeing great art around town.  Also note that this same event is happening in Howell, Novi, Romeo, New Baltimore, Sterling Heights, Manchester, St. Clair Shores, Livonia, Milan and Brooklyn.  If it shows up in your town, make sure you take a walk and visit them.  Might also be a good idea to visit the DIA soon as well.

Shame on the low-life who put a cigarette out in the middle of Princess Sophia's forehead.  Truly...you have no class.  (I was glad I able to re-touch my photo and restore her to her true beauty.)