Rose Franzen Exhibit

Because our Gingerbread House Adventure took place at the Figge Art Museum -- I took the kids to the second floor to see the Rose Franzen Exhibit -- which had recently opened. Rose Franzen is a portrait artist from Maquoketa, Iowa. Years ago -- she started painting portraits of ordinary people -- women, men, children, babies -- people from all walks of life who lived in her little town.

The way the portraits are hung and displayed is so interesting...The kids loved walking amongst all these people...the portraits are completely mesmerizing...you feel like these people are going to start talking to you...

But -- here's the really fascinating thing. Once you walk to the other side of the room -- there is a single chair.

If you sit in that chair, and use the provided eye-shield -- when you look up -- you will see the view of Maquoketa...

The BACKS of all those portraits are trip-ticks that, when seen all together, create a three-dimensional picture of the land of Grand Wood. The town, the fields, the sky and fields...

Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. I have never enjoyed an art exhibit as much as this one. I hope it's something the kids will remember. I know I will...

Thanks, Rose Franzen. Your vision was genius...and SOOO well done!!