Bouquets to Art at the Legion

Besides being a repository for some stunning works of art, the Legion of Honor Art and Sculpture Museum of San Francisco features events throughout the year.

 In the spring, the  Legion invites floral artists to work with a painting or sculpture from their extensive classical collection, and to construct a living compliment to the artwork. The opening days of the exhibit are always packed, but if you can wait a few days, the flowers and accompanying materials are still fresh and lovely--and you'll actually be able to see the art and floral displays at the same time.The artwork on display ranges from antiquity to the early 20th century, and the florals reflect the color, shape and intent of each work.

The artwork on display ranges from antiquity to the early 20th century, and the florals reflect the color, shape and intent of each work.

A Christmas Escape to Fairyland

I've always admired the work of artist Wendy Addison without knowing who or where she was. Now that she has dozens of imitators (including a passel from China), it means more to me than ever to know that she spends half her time in the tiny town of Port Costa, on the Sacramento River. Too small to have a post office, and once a loading area for trains, the town features a few old store fronts, one of which is her studio and a tiny outlet space, the Theater of Dreams.

Her workshop is open on weekends preceding many holidays, and Christmas is a favorite time of year to appreciate her special medium: glitter. Not just any glitter. Years ago she discovered a special type of silver glitter made originally in Germany that was actually broken slivered glass (like a mirror). The shine was unparalleled, but there was a downside--like all silver, it tarnished over time. This "defect" turned out to be something of an advantage to those who collected her work, and the blackened stars and other objects became collectibles.

The designs change every year, but during Christmas, Easter and Halloween, Port Costa is the place to be.