Netherlands boasts masterpieces, too
I’ve been to Holland and those dudes are tall.
They smoke a lot of weed, too. And never you mind the legalized female walkers of the street.
Some might consider these ingredients the best The Netherlands has to offer.
Evidently, the Canadians disagree.
The Vancouver Art Gallery prefers the hoity-toity “Vermeer, Rembrandt and the Golden Age of Dutch Art Masterpieces From the Rijksmuseum,” which continues through Sept. 13.
The gallery’s come-on for the collection of 17th century paintings, drawings and decorative arts reads like this:
The historic exhibition testifies to the “artistic sophistication achieved during this period, providing a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of this vibrant, urbane and remarkably wealthy new society.”
If they were so darn wealthy, what’s with the wooden shoes?
In their previous lives, these works lived with aristocrats or members of the merchant class in the “elegant interiors” of their canal houses and country homes.
Tickets for this swish affair range from $7 to $20.50 Canadian.
Read all about it at vanartgallery.bc.ca. Or try (604) 662-4700.
Art celebrates life
And now Maryhill Museum of Art in Goldendale brings you “The Good Life.”
They’ll dole it out Sept. 26 to Nov. 15 as a way to “take time to enjoy friends, family and the outdoors.”
That in the form of about 30 paintings, drawings and prints drawn from the museum’s permanent collection. The works, created between 1850 to 1950, “celebrate life in all of its impulsive, joyful and nostalgia-infused glory.”
Divided into three sections, “The Good Life” starts with gatherings of family and friends dancing, playing music, sewing, socializing and the like.
Part two features still-life paintings showcasing abundance “to be consumed and enjoyed.”
Finally, figures set in landscapes delight in nature and take it easy outdoors.
That all sounds pretty cheery.
To “Live the Good Life,” visit maryhillmuseum.org or call (509) 773-3733.
Oregon and growed up
They grow up so fast.
It seems like just yesterday it lost its first tooth, and now our darling Oregon is turning 150.
Where, oh where, does the time go?
To honor the occasion,The Dalles is putting on a party in the form of the annual Historic Dalles Days Sept. 18 to 20.
It’s chock-full with a vintage vehicle parade, wagon rides, demonstrations of 1950s pioneer and military life, family fun day at the Fort Dalles Museum, the Pioneer Home Show and Craft Fair, open houses at historic locations, and on and on.
The cherry on top: the arrival of the Oregon Statehood Wagon Train.
You’ll find more at historicthedalles.org or (800) 255-3385.
Regional events
•North American Indian Alliance Pow Wow, Sept. 11 and 12, Butte. It’s an annual celebration with dancing, food, music, beadwork and more. (visitmt.com/406-782-0461)
•Polish Festival, Sept. 26 and 27. Portland. Organizers offer “nonstop” stage performances; you’re likely to see dancing, bands and a polka contest. They’ll augment the entertainment with food, a street dance and Polish beer. ( www.portlandpolonia.org/festival, 503-287-4077)