If you’re like me, you love to discover unexpected little gems when you travel, especially ones that are underrated or somewhat unknown. When you find a place like that, it feels sort of like you have opened a surprise birthday gift and are delighted. That was the way I felt when I visited the ESSE Purse Museum and Store!

I have to admit I was not prepared for the unbelievable beauty of the Exquisite Creatures exhibit. It was one of the best and most unique exhibits I have ever seen. The artist and naturalist, Christopher Marley, takes animals, fish, insects, and other creatures that have recently died and preserves them. While that itself is not so unusual, what he does with them is. He creates some of the most unique, gorgeous, and fascinating artwork I have ever encountered. REALLY.

If there were two things in this world that I love, they would have to be art and flowers. Good news! You can have both the same time at the Minneapolis Institute of Art this weekend. The event is called Art In Bloom and is an annual fundraiser for this wonderful art museum.

So much to tell you about this week! Take a look!

Did you know that the Oklahoma City Museum of Art Has a wonderful collection of Dale Chihuly glasswork? I did not know this until I started planning my eclipse road trip. When I saw that the art museum was having a special exhibit on Dale Chihuly this year I knew where I wanted to start my trip.

I am writing this post from one of my favorite independent, cozy bookstores. I am thinking about all I did during my recent, two-week road trip. It was truly amazing and I’ll start sharing it with you today by giving you an overview.

Stay tuned for more next week!

When I was in college I went to DC to visit a friend who was working as an intern. She was working during the day so I had five days to visit many of the museums. I remember visiting the National Gallery of Art and being both amazed and overwhelmed. But, that was the museum that prompted my curiosity about art and artists.

I have been taking inexpensive classes this year from Kelli Sweet, who runs a creative organization called Hibernate and Create. Next weekend is their big Spring retreat and I can’t wait! I am signed up for several classes and I’m so excited to be going! Great news! You can still sign up yourself!