Ok we need to talk about art for a minute. Because while I was in Utah, I finally got to visit the BYU Museum of Art in Provo—and it was even better than I expected.
After Claire and I made the drop-off of those baby girls after Easter, I stayed up in Utah for a couple days. I mean, there were some things to do, including some serious organizing on this blog. (Have you checked out the new grid at the top of the home page with summer travel inspiration and our special needs journey with Lucy? Trying to get all those and so many other topics organized. A whole series on “letting kids go” is coming soon!).
But along with that I stayed in Utah for a couple days for the art.
Not only God’s art, which is gorgeous up there right now:
And the art of photographing my newest college graduate (!!):
(Much more to come on that soon.)
But I’ve been dying to get to the BYU Museum of Art up there in Provo.
The BYU Museum of Art in Provo, Utah
You guys, this museum is incredible, and cradles some of the most beautiful exhibits. If you’re looking for things to do in Provo, Utah, this museum is 100% worth a visit.
Even the outside is a work of art in my opinion.
I mean, look how those windows reflect those gorgeous Utah mountains. Breathtaking as far as I’m concerned.
Ok, and there was some pretty gorgeous art inside as well…including this little friend who joined me:
I invited everyone to come, and so grateful this crew was available to come along.
Current Exhibits at the BYU Museum of Art
Stations of the Cross exhibit
There is a really beautiful exhibit of for the Stations of the Cross right now. It holds a series of simple but beautiful paintings accompanied by unique prayers aside each of them. And amidst the talk, talk, talking and the continual motion of the little girls, we were able to drink some of it in.
Ghiberti’s Baptistry Doors
There was also an exhibit about Ghiberti’s Baptistry Doors that I loved.
With a full-size replica.
That exhibit was loved a little more deeply since the girls and I have been there for the Florence portion of our “MFMP Art History Trip” a few years ago:
Ok, well, those ones you see on the baptistry up there on the left are actually replicas of the real-deal (just like the one at the BYU Art Museum is). The real-deal ones are on display at a museum close-by to keep them safe.
Why Art Matters in Our Family
But the whole thing made me think of the gift of art. And why it matters in our family.
My mother gave me a powerful appreciation for art. And I love to see the rippling effects of that love. I still remember visiting an art museum with her when I was young. I lost her for a minute, then found her again, standing in front of a huge painting, moved to tears with it’s beauty.
Things like that stay with kids.
I love that my girls have developed their own love for art after taking their art history classes in college. That was the deal if they wanted to go on an “art treasure hunt in Italy,” and we are all so grateful for all they learned and the ripple effects of those college classes…mine and theirs.
How Art Connects Generations
But this day, standing there at the art museum in Provo, I realized that my mother’s adoration of art has seeped it’s way into Max as well.
No, he hasn’t taken college art history classes. But he was the one who was the most engaged looking at that art in Provo that day.
I had my kids choose a postcard of their favorite art (this is a long-standing tradition when we go to museums), and Max chose this one.
It’s a painting by one of my favorites, Brian Kershisnik, and Max chose it because he just liked the feel of it. He didn’t know the title.
But I was extra enamored when we looked at what it was called: An Issue of Blood. It made me fall in love with that depiction of the scriptural woman with an issue of blood, a favorite episode of The Chosen for me and Lucy. I love how at first you can’t really tell who is who or what is going on. It takes a minute to get your bearings straght.
And I LOVED this explanation Max sent me later:
Isn’t it so beautiful to think of the “hiddenness of grace”? And that grace doesn’t announce itself. Sometimes it can go unnoticed. Sometimes (most often) we have to “find” the miracles.
“Ordinary human density is the site of the holy, not a backdrop to it.“
Oh how I adore that line.
Yes, I love that art tells a story.
And that it has woven so many stories into our family through the years.
I sure love this boy and that afternoon at the BYU Museum of Art.
Shawni,
In looking at the picture that is shown, I think under the heading “Why art matters in our family,” I wanted to ask you a little bit about that picture. It’s the one that the two girls are looking at together. I don’t know the name of it. With my limited religious background, I’m only assuming that it is a religious picture that is about something very big! Could you tell me about it? I would love to know the meaning of it and what is happening there. I probably won’t understand it, but as you know, I do love learning all about it.
I think this is Daniele Da Volterra’s Massacre of the Innocents, and refers to the killing of the baby boys when Jesus Christ is born. Heartbreaking. Hopefully Shawni can correct me if needed!
I didn’t go to the BYU art museum until AFTER I graduated from BYU. It is one of the things I most regret, I didn’t even know it existed…that is what happens when you worry too much about grades…oops! I make a point to visit whenever we are back in the West. There is always something wonderful on display (and we live in DC, so we are used to some pretty amazing museums)! Thanks for sharing your adventure there.
Congratulations to Grace!!
Have you ever shared about Max’s graduation?