It is not often that I venture away from the Ocean Beach/Pt. Loma and write an article about it. But my widow support group, me included, had such a wonderful experience at the Maritime Museum yesterday morning that I have to share it with you.
Once a week my group gets together and does something “for us.” It may be going out to lunch, either at someone’s home or to a restaurant. We have been to movies; shopping; walks, etc. and today we did something new. We went to the BERKELEY to see the art exhibit of Cook, Melville and Gauguin courtest of the Kelton Foundation.
One of our group – Diane – owned an art gallery, and we knew she would enjoy the trip, – besides, it was her idea – but we try to go along with most of the suggestions of our small group. (Of course, some are more fun than others – Chippendale’s later this month!)
Maritime Museum's Roy Peery
None of us, Diane included, were prepared for the “guided tour” we received by the security guard, Roy Peery. After all, even if he is an employee of the museum, he isn’t a docent and is there to protect the museum pieces. But man-oh-man! Has he done his homework! He could tell us something about every single piece on display, be it paintings, artifacts, sculptures, carvings, etc.
And….he was so entertaining. Even someone that does not like going to museums would find enjoyment in this exhibit, as long as Roy was doing the guiding.
Just a brief summary of Roy’s background. He was born in Utah; his wife is a native San Diegan; he settled in Santee when first coming here and is now a home owner in North Park. Before he retired the first time he was in the printing business. He said when this exhibit is over – in July of this year – he would retire again, this time to Barona, where he will donate his time and money.
The exhibit has been extended to July 12, but the hours have been shortened to 11:00am to 3:00pm so that there is not as much light focused on the paintings. It is truly a marvelous selection of work by these three artists and very worthy of the $11 fee. (That is the Senior’s price; it is not much more for you youngsters. And, the fee gets you into the 7 museums all day.)
Want a great experience – go see Roy!
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
judi, nice comfy piece but i really wanted more out of your article, like maybe what the 3 voyages were all about, or some details that your new friend roy gave you.
Good Point, Body. Here is a little more about the exhibit. Highlighting this extraordinary exhibit are original paintings created by the official expedition artists (William Hodges and John Webber), on James Cook’s second and third Voyages of Discovery. Scientific and navigation instruments from Cook’s time as well as personal effects and Cook memorabilia is also displayed along with Charts and Pacific artifacts from the period. Paintings, engravings and whaling artifacts representative of Herman Melville’s episodic adventure in the South Seas is fascinating.
Central to the exhibition is a comprehensive collection of original oil and watercolor paintings, woodblock prints, engravings and sculpture by Paul Gauguin. This exhibit will comprise the largest display of three-dimensional Gauguin masterpieces currently seen anywhere in the world, including a newly discovered Gauguin wood carving on display for the first time in America. It turns out that Gauguin was a “dirty-old man.” His last wife was only 13; he died of a venereal disease and committed suicide. He was extremely talented – in many ways.
Hope that the addition gives a better idea of the exhibit.
The addition does make the article complete. Well done. As it was, I’d thought it was Roy who was on exhibit! It might be of interest to readers to note also that Gauguin was the artist, in Arles, France, who was the focus of Vincent van Gogh’s obsession in forming an artist’s circle of twelve (cue up the church music). Gauguin was too grounded and independent to be swept up in van Gogh’s mystical vision. But a wife of 13? That’s not a wife, it’s a crime victim!
And his wife was beautiful, judging by the sculpture and painting.
Interesting article but how could Gauguin die of venereal disease and commit suicide?
Clarification Rick: He knew he was dying of a venereal disease, so committed suicide rather than go through the horrible anticipated death.