(GOLDENDALE, Wash., May 21, 2009) – Spending time with friends and family. Taking pleasure in nature.
These are just a few of the time-honored impulses celebrated in the exhibition The Good Life: From the Collections of Maryhill Museum
of Art, on view from September 26 to November 15,
2009. A gallery walk will take place on Saturday, September 26 from 2 to 3 pm; it is free and will be followed by a reception. The opening weekend of
the exhibit coincides with the museum’s annual Car is King Weekend, which will take place on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27.
The Good Life features approximately 30 paintings, drawings and prints created between 1600 and 1980 by American and European
artists, all drawn from Maryhill’s permanent collections.
“The
works are full of spontaneity, joy and a sense of nostalgia for a time when leisure was a central part of everyday life,” says Colleen
Schafroth, Maryhill’s executive director.
The
Good Life is divided into three sections: gatherings
where family and friends are depicted dancing, playing music together, sewing, socializing and enjoying each other’s company; still life
paintings, that show tableaux that were created not only for the sake of painting, but to celebrate abundance and to be consumed and enjoyed; and,
people in the landscape, relishing nature and relaxing out of doors.
RELATED
EVENTS:
Exhibit Opening & Car is King
Weekend
Taking place September 26 & 27,
2009, this weekend celebration features an heirloom
festival and programs for kids, and Car is King Weekend, which pays
tribute to autos past and present with an open car show, races for kids and the highlight of the show – the grand entry of the vintage race
cars competing in the Hill Climb race on Sunday. On Saturday, the Maryhill Café will be available inside and out with food, wine and beer.
Saturday, September
26
Heirloom Festival in the Sculpture Garden, 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m.
Learn more about objects you love, from family
heirlooms to garage sale treasures, as leading art dealers and appraisers donate their time and expertise in the areas of Native American art and
objects, prints and paintings and decorative arts. Opinions and appraisals are offered for educational purposes only. $10.00 for the first
item; $25.00 for three (limit three items per person). Be prepared to wait in line and be entertained by all you hear. Proceeds
support Maryhill Museum of Art.
Concours de
Maryhill, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The museum’s east lawn is transformed into
the Concours de Maryhill with dozens of classic, sport and customized cars on view. Competition categories include best original, classic,
hot rod and muscle car. This is an open car show and anyone with a special car may enter. The day concludes with the presentation of the car show
awards. Organized by the Goldendale Motorsports Association.
Public Drive the Maryhill Loops Road, Noon to 2
p.m.
In honor of Sam Hill, the historic Maryhill Loops Road will
be opened for automobiles and the public is invited to take a spin down this majestic byway – one of the first modern roads in the Northwest.
FREE.
Family Fun: Classic Veggie Car Races,
1:00 p.m.
Join in the fun at the 6th annual
Classic Veggie Car Races just for kids. Fantastically engineered cars, designed and fabricated by children from fruits and vegetables,
compete on a 12 foot ramp for thrills and chills. Kids of all ages are invited to participate in this fun outdoor activity. Family Fun activities
and admission to the museum are free for children under 17 with one adult admission.
Gallery Walk, 2 to 3
p.m.
Take a guided tour of The Good
Life, a special exhibit drawn from the remarkable collections of Maryhill Museum of Art. Reception to follow.
Sunday, September 27:
Maryhill Loops Hill Climb, 9 a.m. to 5
p.m.
Vintage sports cars from the 1930s to 1960s race singly in a
three-mile timed race up the historic Maryhill Loops Road. Spectators can view the hill climb race from the Highway 97 Overlook and from designated
viewpoints along the race route. Organized by the Society of Vintage Racing Enthusiasts of Seattle; only their approved cars and drivers will be
competing.
November 1:
The Good Life Harvest Festival, 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m.
All are invited to Maryhill for art
demonstrations by regional artists, special Halloween art activities for kids, storytelling and more. Family Fun activities and admission to the
museum are free for children under 17 with one adult admission.