Sunday Funday

Patrick Dougherty installation in Iris

On this dreary, cold Sunday I had the pleasure of enjoying a meet-and-greet brunch for the Contemporaries Board of Directors at the North Carolina Museum of Art's restaurant Iris. Besides the lovely company, I must mention the lobster+asparagus+Gruyere omlette, which was to die for. If you have not dined there it's really not to be missed; the restaurant (named after museum benefactor Iris Cantor) is stationed at the entrance of the museum's new building, bathed in natural light and dominated by the huge Patrick Dougherty installation that almost appears to be living. Our lunch was followed with a quick docent-led tour (Lindsay was wonderful if you're planning to take one) that was full of interesting information about some of the museum's most interesting pieces. There is so much to see, but I just wanted to share these pictures of the two installations that have meant the most to me since the new building was opened. The other piece I have been so taken with is Roxy Paine's Askew, I call it The Tree, that sits on a knoll in front of the new building. It changes every time I see it; it's amazing: the light, the weather, the time of day completely changes its mood. 

Visit the NCMA's website for a much more informative review, Iris' hours, and membership!

Askew today