Swimming beach on the Green River |
The author's snapshot of a bridge leading to the Sol LeWitt Retrospective at MASS MoCA. |
If you can’t go, get a copy of MASS MoCA: From Mill to Museum. (It’s out of print, but used copies are available). There are essays about the history of the site and the challenges of transforming the former Sprague Electric Company buildings into a museum, and a mission statement by MASS MoCA’s Director, Joseph C. Thompson.
The photos are by Nicholas Whitman who began photographing the site before it was slated to become a museum. Both in black & white and color, we see the stunning transformation from industrial detritus to sprawling museum campus.
The Montague Bookmill is a book lover’s dream and one of my favorite places on earth. This unique used book store is housed in yet another old mill building, this one on the banks of the Sawmill River. Cozy reading nooks with chairs and sofas overlooking the rushing river through tall multi-paned windows, creaky wooden floors and old exposed plumbing add to the ambiance. The mill also houses two restaurants (try the yummy Udon Noodles at the The Lady Killigrew Cafe), as well as outdoor terraces and walkways.
Fantastic video on Sol Lewitt's drawings. OMG - so much exacting work. It must have been amazing to see in person.
ReplyDeleteLaura Larson
Hi Laura -- how are you? Yes, the Sol Lewitt was amazing! It's a permanent installation, so if you're ever in the area, go see it! -- Jane
DeleteI LOVE MassMOCA. I went to see the Sol LeWitt show (staggering), plus so many other amazing exhibits at the same time. The previous time I was there I saw the Tim Hawkinson installation UberOrgan (I think that is how it is spelled). Incredible. Did you happen on the Norman Rockwell Museum (not too terribly far by L.A. standards)? Sweet place. The one place I missed that I wanted to see was the Williams College Art Museum. What a fabulous trip!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Laurel -- No, we didn't get to the Norman Rockwell Museum, but we have family in the area, so we go there regularly. I'll start making a list of places to visit next time. The whole area is culture-rich, especially in the summer with Tanglewood, Jacob's Pillow, etc. -- Jane
Deletewow! love the MassMOCA complex + the geometric art! Cheers!
ReplyDeletethanks for reading -- Jane
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ReplyDeleteThanks for the post- I hope to visit one day and would love to see Sol Le Witt-
ReplyDeleteThe Sol LeWitt Retrospective is a permanent installation, so it will be there when you visit.
DeleteI have been to Mass Moca and I saw the Sol LeWitt installation incredible.
ReplyDeleteGood East Coast coverage Jane! I was unaware of the Montague Book Mill. A special stop to look forward to next time I venture back East.
ReplyDeleteThanks! -- Jane
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