Now Playing in Chicago on Thursdays: Three Hours for Free At The Art Institute

One of my favorite ways to dream away an afternoon is to go to The Art Institue of Chicago, and daze into paintings, peer at sculptures, and drool over amazing photographs.

Though the entrance fee of $12, $7 for students and kids, is not that expensive, I never miss out on catching the museum on one of its free admission afternoons.  Currently visitors can spend three hours on Thursday evenings at The Art Institute from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m for free.  Check back with their website before making the trip though, as the days and times change throughout the year.

I always feel like I am walking into the home of an old friend when I head up the stairs, past the lions that guard the entrance to the Art Institutes galleries.

Of course I always have to go and visit some of my all time favorites; Gustave Caillebotle’s Paris Street; Rainy Day 1877, being just one of them. 

But then I wander through their enormous photography collection, and explore the world through the eyes of some of the world’s first and most famous light artists of all times.

It is at the Art Institute that I first discovered that Lewis Carroll was a photographer.  Many of his works featuring children in a dream like state, not unlike what I imagine his Alice to look like.  I since then have done a bit of research on Carroll and it is interesting to see how many of his works tie together, his photography, his writing, and his logic.  The theme of sleep, dream, and the allure of child-like fantasy all found in his work.

I remember the first time that I saw one of Julia Margaret Cameron’s portraits in person and up-close.  I had studied much of Cameron’s work in school and up until seeing it in person, had never really been that impressed, nor had I disliked her work.  I was always just impartial, but pleased that she was one of the first successful women photographers.  After seeing one of her portraits at the Art Instituute, I was hooked.  She seems to capture a spirit in her portraits and treats the dimensions of the face as if each feature lies on a separate plane.  This is not apparent in small reproductions of her work, but yet it captured me and drew me in when I first saw the work in person.

There are so many other amazing photographs in their collection.  From Man Ray, Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Weston, and Edward Steichen, works can all be seen up close and in person.  This always seems to put me in a walking state of awe and inspiration after spending so many years studying so many of these photographers and their work.  You finally see just why some of these photographers were so amazing; their lighting techniques, their composition, the simplicity and beauty of their subjects, all come to life in front of you telling you stories in the most bold and visual way.

Thursday, I had originally gone to The Art Institute to check out their most current exhibition, The Silk Road.  Asian art telling the tales of the Silk Road, from Asia to the Mediterranean.  I must confess that I got so lost in the world of photography, that I never made it much further than there.  I had allotted myself one hour for the photographs and when I looked down at my watch it was almost nearly 7:30.

I did though peek into the entrance of one of the Silk Road galleries, and saw many things that certainly caught my eye.  Paintings, textiles, ceramics and more are all on display.  I guess that I will spend that $7 this next week and spend an entire day at The Art Institute Museum.  At least then I know that I can go and visit my photographic friends for a few more hours.  An hour spent surrounded by amazing art is always an hour well spent and more so appreciated. 

For more information about The Art Institute, The Museum, The School, its collections and its featured exhibits you can visit their website at www.artic.edu

Entrance to The Art Institute $12 for adults; $7 for students and children
Free days vary through out the year so always check back for opportunities and hours when you intend to visit.