Casas Grandes at the Art Institute

The pottery exhibit at the Art Institute, Casas Grandes and the Ceramic Art of the Ancient Southwest, is well worth seeing. It's been in Chicago since April, and I had been meaning to go for some time. There is still plenty of time to catch it--it's running until August 13. Also, the Art Institute is changing their Free Day policy. I'm not sure if it's permanent (we were informed that the change is permanent by two employees, but it sounds like it might be on an experimental basis throughout the summer). From now on out the Free Day museum hours will be every Thursday and Friday evenings from 4:00 to closing; and they've extended their closing time to 9:00. That means less free time per visit, but two days in a row of free time. I went with the Marquis, and we had a chance encounter with the Escape Goat, Billy Goat (her mysterious and pensive younger brother), the Fickle Feather, AND the Fickle Feather's Mom, Missus Feather. The Marquis and Missus Feather got along gamely. I was captivated by young Billy's furrowed brows, brooding stare, and fuzzy mutton chops; why did he make me feel like an extra in a George Eliot novel? I hope he adds a mustache soon.

I didn't get any good pics of the pottery, so check out some of the pics in the flyer. The intricate patterns and designs on the pottery depict complex symbols, many of which are unknown. The exhibit features 144 pieces dating from 1280-1450. You can buy a catalogue too, and I was surprised to find that the images in the catalogue were very beautifully and accurately represented (often three dimensional pieces don't translate well in a photograph).

Some of the ceramic styles featured in the exhibit include: Hohokam (dated around A.D. 200 to 300), Anasazi (dated A.D. 400 to 1500), Mimbres (around A.D. 950), and Casas Grandes (around A.D. 1250). Hohokam represents the beginnings of Southwestern pottery. You will notice a lot of repetitive abstract patterns, and the color red. This is an important distinction from Anasazi (which uses more black). Anasazi also tends to be a bit more mechanical and limited with pattern usage (repeated motifs with logical rhythms, inversions, and symmetries). Conversely, Mimbres potters--who especially liked to paint on the inside of huge bowls--start to get into some pretty amazing scenery and mythical art depicting humans, animals, and composite creatures. Composite creatures are cool anywhere. I love a good Bestiary! I even have one in my backyard. Go here. Or here. Or. Here. For really great Bestiaries.

My favorite period would be the Casas Grandes; these pieces personified a period of sociopolitical rebirth after a time of disintegration and upheaval. The Casas Grandes potters developed a unique style of painting complex designs interspersed with people, serpents, and birds. Watch out for the dubious macaw.


After the exhibit, we found a place to go put-putting (although we didn't participate). I am a huge of fan of miniature golf, especially if there are water falls, koi fish, topiary, and naked statues. This place lacked all of the above. But still. It's miniature golf, and it's downtown--you can also just cross the Drive and enjoy an evening observing boats on the lake, because the course is right in Grant Park. It's called The Green, located on Monroe at Lakeshore Drive.

Instead of golfing, we watched ships and found a watering hole to get sauced up on Fat Tire. The Marquis also added one more unfortunate restaurant to her watchdog list. Beware--Park Grill (outdoor)--she has her eye on you guys! Few things enrage the Marquis more than an inadequate vegetarian selection on the menu. She's not even a tough crowd, so this is hard to do, but once her ire is tapped there is no going back. Folly, Park Grill, folly. All vegetarians should avoid the outdoor Park Grill unless you want a fish taco (because that, and maybe 2 salad options, are all you will find)! The Marquis's fish taco even had a big slab of pork. That's right--shiny pink pig in the fish taco. The shame. Our waiter knocked 20% off of the bill as a result of the shiny pink pig because he was on good behavior.