Well, we made it. My husband, his GPS unit and I have been on the road now for 10 days and we haven't killed each other or threatened divorce even once. This morning we enjoyed the complimentary continental breakfast at our hotel, the Delamar. It was an overcast day and raining so very lightly, giving the indication that, much to our regret, summer was coming to an end and so was this trip. There were just a few more places we wanted to see in this area. The Weir Farm, built in 1895 in Wilton, is the only national Historic Site devoted to painting. It was taken over by the park in 1990 after three generations of artists had lived on these grounds - J. Alden Weir, Mahonri Young, his son-in-law, and Sperry Andrews. This was, and continues to be, an artists colony where artists can apply to stay for two weeks at a time. It began as a place for artists to come and stay when Weir lived here and, being social and outgoing, would invite his fellow painters to come and enjoy the natural landscaped scenery on the 238 acres. A Forest Ranger Interpretive Guide took us around the property and in the two original art studios. He showed us various paintings and it was wonderful to see the art work held up against the actual building or background the artist tried to capture. At the time, the early 1900's, the only way a painter could make money was by painting portraits, but the Impressionists preferred to capture the shadows and light of landscapes. Most of their work was not done in studios, but outdoors and this area proved to be the perfect retreat. Before heading home, we drove a short distance away to see the Aldrich Museum, dedicated to Modern Art. Their new building, built in 2004, houses about 10 exhibit areas. When we visited, Paul Fusco's "Bitter Fruit" was being shown. This is a color photo display of army funerals, a touching and sad look at grief, during war time. "No Reservations" is a slice of Native American work, which gives the viewer not only an appreciation for the talent, but a thought provoking agenda. A special section is devoted to Leonard Peltier, a political prisoner for over 24 years. The entrance to the area and the window in the space is blocked off by prison bars, giving an eerie, yet meaningful feel to the exhibit. Another exhibit worth noting is the works of Anselm Kiefer. A special, separate, corrugated building houses 30 paintings representing naval battles. The doors are high and the structure is similar to a boat house. It had begun to rain more fiercely now and the sound of the rain on the roof actually added to the art. It was time to head home. We had come full circle, from New York to Maine and back again. I started out with a dislike for the voice in the little GPS box and now I have come to figure out all of its little buttons and beeps. Don and I began our car ride married and have ended still married. We have traveled through three states and have enjoyed them all, from lobsters and blueberries in Maine, to B&Bs and mountains in New Hampshire, to art museums and shopping in Connecticut.
