Back Porch Blog

Spring comes early to the Dixon!

2012-02-24T14:50:00.002-06:00

The garden staff works diligently each fall/winter to plant as many bulbs as possible to guarantee a glorious spring showing of flowers and blooms throughout the Dixon property. Our garden staff are some of the hardest working people in Memphis and they control a lot of what you love about the Dixon!

Something the garden staff cannot control, however, is Mother Nature! She has a mind of her own! This year's weather has been unpredictable and the Dixon gardens are sporting blooms sooner than we would have hoped.

So, spring has come a bit early this year, same as it did last year, but we aren't fighting it! We are enjoying it! We want you to enjoy it too!

Daffodils, cabbages(yep, you read that right), and many more blooms have popped up around the Dixon, and we want you to see all of their spring glory - even if it isn't quite spring!

Join us every Saturday morning and walk the gardens for free until noon. Tuesday is pay what you can day - pay a donation and visit the gardens every Tuesday! Allow plenty of time to see the exhibitions too! Then mark your calendars for these upcoming garden events!

Reserve your spot at the Rose Seminar on March 10. Munch and learn with Michael Shadrack as he discusses Eight English Gardens at noon, March 14. Join us for Art After Dark March 15 as we Toast the Tulips! Sign up for the Watercolor Workshop to paint "en plein" air in the gardens on March 16 and 17!

See our garden calendar for more garden events and come by to have an early taste of Spring!

Flower photos were taken Thursday, February 23, 2012

Rembrandt to Rubens Family Day was "Golden"!

2012-02-21T10:29:00.002-06:00

Saturday's Family Day, inspired by our exhibition - Rembrandt, Rubens and the Golden Age of Painting, was loads of fun. From the art activities to the games and contests, there was no better place to be Saturday morning than the Dixon.

Smiling faces and concentrating stares could be found in every gallery during our scavenger hunt and activities.

An exciting juggling show and a fantastic band were set up in the auditorium and captured the amazement and entertained both young and younger......

along with a very intense "King Cake Walk" earlier in the day where winners walked away feeling like champions.

If the excitement was too much, you could always take a seat and read in our cozy reading nook, or take a stroll through the galleries to check out the exhibitions.

Our collaborative art activity was a huge hit with everyone who participated and to the amusement of those who didn't(you can see the finished product during Made in Dixon which opens on March 11).........

and the Golden Age photo op transformed each boy and girl to knights, princesses and whatever one's heart desired.

We had very special guests in the galleries....

and even more special (and slimy) guests in the garden activity room. Our cup of worms was a hit and the tulip making cup activity was the icing on the worm filled cake

Don't miss our next Garden Family Day, June 16....you never know what surprises may be waiting!

Make the most of Family Day!

2012-02-17T12:28:00.003-06:00

The Dixon is having one of our most beloved events tomorrow! Family Day - a favorite among our members and first time visitors alike - will feature games such as the King Cake Walk, activities inspired by art and horticulture, live music by the Jeff Hulett One Man Band, fun contests for a variety of age groups, and much much more! Most events are scheduled to take place indoors, we will move activities outdoors if the weather cooperates!

Here is a detailed schedule of events!

Ongoing (10:00 - 2:00): Scavenger Hunt, Rain or Shine Garden Hunt, Reading Racket, Face Painting, Garden Activity, Art Activities, and Art Demo
10:00 - 1:00: Sign up for Dixon Games
10:30 -11:00: King Cake Walk
11:00 - 11:30: Juggling Show
11:00 - 1:00: Refreshments served
11:00 - 1:00: Showagon Theater Memphis
12:00 - 2:00: Live Music
1:00: LET THE DIXON GAMES BEGIN
2:00: Family Day ends
5:00: The Dixon closes

We hope that you will join us for Family Day tomorrow, February 18, 10:00 - 2:00!

Reflections Through Art: Promoting Healthy Aging Through Creative Expression

2012-02-10T15:04:00.004-06:00

Over the past decade, science is beginning to prove what artists and creative types have known inherently for years, that engaging in artistic endeavors brings about profound benefits for the whole individual: physically, mentally, and emotionally. This promotion of healthy living becomes increasingly more important as these individuals age. As a result, the Dixon Gallery and Gardens has been working on a program specifically designed for older adults called Reflections Through Art.

Recently, as mentioned above, multiple research studies and health professionals are beginning to examine the positive relationship between engaging in the arts and healthy aging. Dr. James Aw, the medical director for a leading private health clinic in Toronto, speaks to his own experience with patients, saying it is clear “a relationship exists between culture and good health . . . the most vital and vigorous octogenarians in my practice tend to be ardent aficionados of the arts.”

Dr. Aw backs up his advice asking his patients to visit their local art museum with a Swedish study that followed 4,000 people over the course of 14 years. The research found a positive relationship between longevity and the people who most visited the cinema, concerts, museums, or art exhibitions. Individuals’ increased participation in cultural activities corresponded with good health, life-satisfaction, decreased anxiety and decreased amounts of depression.

In a related study, Dr. Gene Cohen, a leader in the field of creativity and healthy aging, investigated how professionally conducted cultural programs impacted older adults. He found that individuals who participated in regular community art groups:

• used less medication,

• reported fewer doctor visits,

• experienced elevated mood,

• showed an increase in independence, as well as

• a decrease in reports of depression and loneliness

when compared to individuals who did not participate in these artistic activities.

With all of this in mind, it seems our society is beginning to redefine the aging process, and it is doing so through the vocabulary of art. As a result, the Dixon Gallery and Gardens is working to promote healthy aging throughout the Memphis community with its program Reflections Through Art. Inspired by the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the program consists of two parts: Individuals can sign up for specialized gallery tours, designed to promote mental stimulation through intellectual discussion or they can also participate in hands-on art making sessions, where they can strengthen their minds and express themselves through the acquisition new artistic skills and techniques.

As Dr. Gene Cohen said, “Art is chocolate for the brain,” so the Dixon Gallery and Gardens invites you to eat up!

*Reflections Through Art: Gallery tours will be held on the following dates.

February 20th 2:00pm

May 21st 2:00pm

August 20th 2:00pm

November 19th 2:00pm

$5 per/participant

*Reflections Through Art: Art making sessions are offered the 1st and 3rd Monday afternoon of every month.

$10 per/participant

Supplies Included

Call today to reserve!

- Catherine M Harris, ATR-BC
Art Therapist and Artist

Living in a DIGITAL world

2012-02-01T14:32:00.002-06:00

Let me say this before I say anything: digital drawing will never replace my love of traditional drawing and painting. However, there are some things that traditional painting and drawing can’t do that an iphone or ipad can. It is immediately accessible. It might interest you to know that when most artists see something beautiful and interesting, they don’t run to their studio to grab their easels, pallets, water cup, bundles of brushes, viewfinders, and-who knows what else- only to rush back to that spot to see that the interesting or beautiful sight has passed. We all pull out our phones to snap a picture to be analyzed and reproduced later. Or some will sketch a very quick drawing on a blank piece of paper provided by an app on our digital device.

This is what David Hockney did every day after he bought his first smart phone. If you research images of his show in Paris called Fresh Flowers, you will see the immediacy in his drawings. The light outside of the window hits a vase just so, a sun is setting, or a curtain is slightly flowing from an open window. All of these images were captured because he was always near his phone. The drawings are unique in their own right. The patterns and lines are beautifully applied and create textures that aren’t easily replicated in traditional drawing.

At first, I was skeptical when I heard of the digital drawings. I didn’t think they could be that interesting to look at. But after some exploration, I found myself somewhat addicted to digital sketching.

The apps I use are very user friendly and intuitive, so fumbling around with technology never interferes with my drawings. Most of what I draw is on my daughter’s daily life. Some things are so fleeting that they can only be captured in digital form, even though my studio is just one room over. Smart phones and tablets are very pricey, and this drawing phenomenon is still avant garde and not widely used. But it is safe to say that among my artist peers, working digital, in some form or another, is a part of the basic art-making process. Now is the time to learn it. With technology quickly becoming the norm in many aspects of life, artists should get familiar with the digital creative process before it is too late. Sign up for the Digital Drawing Workshop now!
- Erica McCarrens, Artist and Children's Program Coordinator

Waiting for tonight!

2012-01-19T14:51:00.002-06:00

Meet the artists of This Must be the Place: Contemporary Photography in Memphis at Art After Dark tonight! We are so excited to show these local artists' work and even more thrilled that Memphians will get the chance to meet each one while taking in the sounds of the Stax Music Academy Band and eating some world-famous Memphis barbecue! Before you meet the artists, learn a little bit about them here and get a glimpse at some of their work. They are a talented group!

FRANCES BERRY

Mississippi native Frances Berry has been living and working in Memphis since she graduated from the University of Alabama in 2008. Her work has been shown both in and around the Mid-South as well as in Seattle, Cambridge, Massachusetts, New York, and Paris. Though she travels frequently, Berry gains much of her inspiration from the everyday encounters she experiences in and around Memphis. According to the artist, “I try to make going to the supermarket a grand expedition.” Her daily ‘expeditions’ have led to a deeper sociological understanding of the various people that populate Memphis, eastern Arkansas, and northern Mississippi. And while Berry’s photographs capture people and places in a particular moment in time, they also stress the perpetuity of certain aspects of life in the South.

Frances Berry, Caster Garner, 2011 Digital photograph 16 x 24 inches Courtesy of the artist

Michael Darough

A native of St. Louis, Michael Darough received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in photography from Arizona State University before entering the University of Memphis, graduating in 2011 with a Master of Fine Arts degree. Comfortable with a camera from an early age, Darough used photography as an outlet for his inquisitive nature. A born storyteller, he works to create visual narratives of everyday life in his works, commenting, “Initially, I might not know how a project will unfold, but what I do know is that an aspect of storytelling will be a part of my process.” Recently, Darough joined the faculty of the art department of Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Michael Darough Belvedere, 2011 Archival inkjet print 20 x 14 ½ inches Courtesy of the artist

Anna Hollis

In her fantastical works, Memphis photographer Anna Hollis seeks to both create and explore the world she created for herself at a young age, when circumstances led her to unwillingly mature beyond her years. She came to depend on her fantasies as a means of escape from the reality she refused to confront. Using the physical world as her foundation, Hollis returns to her adolescent visions, recreating them in photography by incorporating the images, objects, and people from her past into the places that define her current reality. The present series, Hybrid, was shot in Memphis’ Overton Park. Anna is a recent graduate of the photography program at Memphis College of Art.

Anna Hollis, Hybrid 1, 2011 Digital print 12 x 16 inches Courtesy of the artist

Jordan hood

A native of the Mississippi Delta, Jordan Hood seeks to work out and come to terms with the traditions and expectations of her family through her work. Both in her youth and now as an adult, she has longed to escape the conservatism of the Southern farming community in which she was raised, feeling restricted and repressed by its debutante system of femininity. However, instead of transcend her upbringing, she finds herself continually drawn back, both physically and emotionally, to the land, people, and traditions of her past. Through the present Covered series, Hood employs the gowns that adorned her as a debutante as a blanket or shield against the reality of an independent life. Hood graduated in 2011 from the photography program at Memphis College of Art.

TOMMY KHA

Tommy Kha received his BFA in Photography from Memphis College of Art, where he was awarded the Jessie and Dolph Smith Emeritus Award. A Memphis native, his work surveys the notion of difference by mapping experiences in order to inquire, confirm and undermine his interchanging identities, informed by evidences as an American-Chinese Southerner among other nuances. In doing so, Kha explores his so-called “Southern” cultural heritage and solicits questions of his own my own identity as a Chinese American. The photographs from his Meridiana – Finding South series determine to defy and redirect the stereotype of “timelessness” embedded with the American South. Kha is currently a graduate photography student at Yale University School of Art, and his work has been exhibited in galleries in the United States and China since 2008. In 2009, Memphis Crossroads magazine named Kha as one of the “Top Twenty Untapped Artists.

Tommy Kha, Wetlands, Frayser, 2011 Archival inkjet print

30 x 30 inches Courtesy of the artist

IAN LEMMONDS

Ian Lemmonds hails from Omaha and has lived in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Seattle, but chose to make Memphis his home after seeing the movie Mystery Train. In Memphis, Lemmonds has been able to combine his love for art and his attraction to novelties and curios through photography. Using objects bought from second-hand stores throughout the South, Lemmonds creates a context in which the objects can relate to one another and to their environments. Often using domestic references, he allows viewers to participate in the works and feel the emotions of his subjects. In doing so, he produces moments that evoke something for everyone to experience, which he likens to “the idea of the second person narrative in literature, and how it can be a more effective narrative.”

Ian Lemmonds Eschatology: Blue Baby, 2011 C-print, Courtesy of the artist

Yijun Liao

Yijun “Pixy” Liao was born in Shanghai, China, and after studying Educational Technology at Shanghai International Studies University, worked for three years in her hometown as a freelance graphic designer. In 2005, she moved to Memphis to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree in Photography from the University of Memphis. While in Memphis, Pixy became an active member of the local art scene, exhibiting her work at such diverse locales as the Medicine Factory and L Ross Gallery. Much of her work in Memphis centered around both the isolation she felt as a newcomer in a country foreign to her and her attempts to connect with the city’s Asian-American community. Though she graduated from the University of Memphis in 2008 and shortly thereafter moved to Brooklyn, New York, Pixy has maintained her ties to the Bluff City. In April 2011, she mounted the solo show, “Memphis, Tennessee,” at New York’s 456 Gallery.

Yijun Liao China Doll, 2008 C-print 30 x 40 inches Courtesy of the artist

Join us at 6 pm and celebrate the show, the artists, and Memphis!! See you tonight!

Who's that Lady?

2012-01-10T13:25:00.004-06:00

In the next few days, Memphians should notice images of 2 pretty snazzy women popping up all over town. We wanted to take some time and explain a little bit about who these ladies are and why they have temporarily moved to Memphis this winter.

Rembrandt van Rijn (Dutch, 1606 1669) Portrait of a Forty Year Old Woman, possibly Marretje Cornelisdr. van Grotewal, 1634, oil on panel. In 1631, when Rembrandt moved to Amsterdam from his native Leiden, the city was rapidly becoming the major trading center in the Netherlands. The city’s growth and Rembrandt’s success as a professional portrait artist seemed to coincide and he had one of the most productive periods of his career. The vitality, character and expression in his likenesses earned him a reputation as one of the most sought after portraitists in the city. This portrait may have been commissioned by Peter Sijen, one of Amsterdam’s successful businessmen at the time. The sitter was unidentified for many years, but it is now thought to be Mr. Sijen’s Mennonite wife Marretje Cornelisdr. van Grotewal. A portrait in the collection of the Norton Simon Art Foundation in Pasadena, California has tentatively been identified as Marretje’s husband and may be the pair to this portrait The painting is remarkably well preserved for such an early example of Rembrandt’s work. Pigment and translucent glazes are built up layer by layer, and by using deft brushstrokes Rembrandt renders a very detailed and lifelike likeness.

Portrait of Madame Adelaide (circa 1787) by Adelaide Labille-Guiard (French, 1749 -1803), an oil on canvas measuring more than 107 x 73 inches. Adelaide, a formally posed portrait of one of the daughters of Louis XV and the oldest aunt of Louis XVI in a red, ruffled dress was painted before a shadowy wall lined with columns topped by Corinthian capitals, which would have suggested her position as royalty, and fashionable royalty at that. Princess Adélaïde wears an up-to-date high and wide coiffure and a wide cap to match over a traditional dress with bows en échelle. She also wears a fichu that blends in with the bows of her bodice. Her bodice ends in tight elbow-length sleeves with lace engageantes that emerge below the sleeves of her coat. Her hand rests on an easel supporting an oval-shaped silhouette portrait recently unveiled by a black velvet drape, seemingly to make her a figure in arts and culture. This image is the replica of the state portrait of Madame Adelaide exhibited by Madame Labuille-Guiard at the Salon of 1787 and preserved in the Museum at Versailles.

Well, now that you know a little bit about each one, we want to tell you why they are here. Each portrait will be displayed at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens in our exhibition, Rembrandt, Rubens, and the Golden Age of Painting on loan from the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, KY. The exhibition opens January 22 and will remain open until April 15. The ladies are dressed to impress and we want to show them a good time. Come by and pay them and our other portraits and paintings a visit. We can't wait for you to meet them!

Sources: jstor, Speed website, Memphis Daily News

Change is in the air!

2012-01-06T10:08:00.002-06:00

With each new year, individuals create new ideas, indulge in new desires, make new resolutions, and find new motivation to get things done. How long does each one of us stick with this "new" attitude? It varies from person to person and with situations and realizations beyond our control. But, every now and then, there are those who take it beyond the first few months of the new year and make changes that affect their entire life. Then, sometimes, people's original plans turn into something completely different, but it was what they really needed in the first place. The Rolling Stones' song comes to mind: You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you might find....you get what you need!

So, at this point you are probably asking yourself "What does this have to do with the Dixon Gallery and Gardens in Memphis, TN?". Well - quite a bit! A new overall attitude is what you can expect from the Dixon this year, along with new programs, new faces, and in some cases a new look. We hope that you love them all, but with those you don't love, we hope it leads to something different that we hadn't thought about including. Which, in turn, can give you many more options and opportunities to learn and enjoy at the Dixon. Either way, we know that it is going to be a lot of fun working it out and we can't wait to hear what you think about it all! Art History Courses, Creative Writing and Digital Drawing Workshops are just some of the exciting new programs that are happening in the next few months!

An Erica McCarren's original digital painting

Just as with any other year, changing temporary exhibitions will come and go. This month, however, brings a change in our residence as well. Selections from the Kattner Collection of American Painting will be on view in the galleries that usually house our beloved permanent collection. Selections from our collection will be on view at the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, Kentucky during this time, while we exhibit work from their collection in Rembrandts, Rubens, and the Golden Age of Painting.

Rembrandt van Rijn (Dutch, 1606 -1669)
Portrait of a Forty-Year-OldWoman, possibly MarretjeCornelisdr. van Grotewal, 1634
Oil on panel 27 7/16 x 22 in. Collection of Speed Art Museum

It's always nice to try something new. But we wouldn't be the Dixon if we didn't stick with some of the traditional things that make us who we are. So prepare yourself for change, but also love what makes you you! Join us to experience the old and new Dixon in 2012!

As the new year approaches

2011-12-30T15:51:00.000-06:00

....and your calendar begins filling up with all of the new responsibilities and obligations that are bound to come up during the first few months, we, at the Dixon, have a small favor to ask. Don't let the hustle and bustle of modern life distract you from the simple joys of living. The simple things are what makes life so great and its the simple things that we offer at the Dixon.

A stroll through our galleries to look at beautiful works of art. A lecture or workshop where you can learn about something new. A special Saturday morning or afternoon spent with your children making and learning about art. A Thursday evening spent with friends drinking wine and sharing experiences. Watching the progress of different flowers grow and mature in one of the most beautiful gardens in Memphis. These simple things get pushed to the back burner once the pressures of life get in the way. We don't want you to miss out on enjoying what we have in store for you this year.

2012 will be another exciting year for the Dixon. We will introduce new programs, such as our art history courses, and bring back old favorites, like the Dixon Gardening School. We will have some amazing exhibitions this year beginning with Rembrandt, Rubens, and the Golden Age of Painting in Europe from the Speed Art Museum, Louisville, KY and This Must Be the Place, contemporary photography by local artists. Our exhibition of flowers will delight visitors from all over and Art After Dark, Family Day and Munch and Learn will all have exciting topics and activities in store for a range of age groups and interests.

Shakespeare in the Gardens, Symphony in the Gardens, Art on Fire and all of our special events will return next year. Kiddos can enjoy the After School Art programs and Spring to Art Camp, along with each Mini Masters program and Family Studio, tours and field trips, special workshops and more!

We want you to be a part of it all and take advantage of these simple joys in life that far too often are taken for granted. Join us in 2012 for what we know will be another great year at the Dixon!

The Dixons: A Stroll Down Memory Lane!

2011-12-16T15:55:00.018-06:00

With the holidays quickly approaching, we can't help but get sentimental when thinking about how much we owe to the man and woman that made the Dixon Gallery and Gardens possible, Hugo and Margaret Dixon! The Dixon history is unknown to many and we want to take a quick stroll down memory lane to offer insight into how the galleries and gardens that grace Park Avenue were started, and the individuals that started them.

Mrs Margaret Dixon in the snow at the Dixon home -
which now houses our permanent collection

Married in 1926, the Dixon's moved to Memphis in 1939. They purchased 17 acres on Park Avenue. At the time, Park was a gravel road and Audubon Park had not yet been established. They hired John Staub’s services as architect and soon began construction of the Georgian-style mansion. Mr. Dixon’s only request of Staub was that his home be built of old brick obtained from a cotton warehouse that was being torn town. Like many of Staub’s designs, the Dixon’s new home was influenced by historical designs; in this case several houses by the Greek Revival architect Robert Mills. The house was completed in either late 1941 or early in 1942. The gardens were laid out by the Dixons with the help of Hugo’s sister, Hope Crutchfield, who had studied landscape design. They are influenced by traditional English, French and Italian gardens. It was at this time, as Mr. & Mrs. Dixon began to furnish their home with appropriate furniture and decorative items, that they became interested in collecting works of art.

The Dixon residence as it looks now

In the beginning they preferred English portraits and landscapes that complemented the design of the house. Their first acquisition was William James’ View of Venice, an obscure English artist no doubt influenced by the Italian master Canaletto. They also purchased works by Romney, Gainsborough, Raeburn, and Reynolds. Mrs. Dixon’s favorite colors were green and white, and many of the works reflect her taste. As was the custom of the day, the Dixon’s would have a painting sent to their home on a trial basis. After living with the painting for awhile, they would decide whether they would purchase the work or have it returned. Eventually, through their travels and collecting experiences, they met the Impressionist scholar John Rewald, who helped them refine their collecting tastes. Eventually the focus of their art collecting would become French art of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Hugo and Margaret Dixon

Throughout the years, Hugo and Margaret were both active in civic and cultural affairs. Hugo was president of the Board of Trustees of the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and president of the Memphis Branch of the English Speaking Union. In 1947, he was king of the Memphis Cotton Carnival. Later, he became president of the Cotton Council International. Additionally, Hugo helped keep Memphis on the Metropolitan Opera tour circuit for many years. Margaret was a founder and the first president of the Memphis College of Art. She was also a board member of the Crippled Children’s Hospital and a member of The Memphis Garden Club. (The Memphis Garden Club is who to thank for our holiday decorations every year.)

Hugo Dixon

Because the Dixons had no children, and therefore, no immediate heirs, they were concerned about the future of their beloved home and gardens. They established the Hugo Dixon Foundation in 1958 so that their estate would remain intact for the benefit of the entire community. After Margaret’s death in February 1974, and Hugo’s fatal automobile accident in November of the same year, the foundation established and now helps support The Dixon Gallery and Gardens, the lasting legacy of two outstanding and generous individuals.

We want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday and we hope that learning a little more about the Dixons has inspired you to become more involved in continuing the legacy of Hugo and Margaret. This holiday season is a great time to begin or expand your relationship with the Dixon and help us inspire new audiences!

Membership....the Gift that keeps on Giving!

2011-12-12T13:41:00.000-06:00

The holidays: a time to give and share, to be together, to spread warmth and love. Then why does gift giving bring on a case of the sweats, even on the frostiest of days? It wasn’t always this way. I still remember getting butterflies just thinking about all of the festivities, light little lovely flutters of cheer and sparkle. The flutters are still there, but now (especially when a trip to a mall is involved) they are more similar to a desperate stampede of the large, grassland, wildabeast-esque taxonomy. At what point did the holidays change from excitement to survival mode?

As best I can pinpoint, I believe for me it was when I started giving gifts that weren’t purchased by my parents. Money of course is a concern; why else do we turn into the afore-mentioned desperate stampede for a deal at 4:00 in the morning? More than spending however, is a need to give the perfect gift, something that is not only overwhelmingly loved by the receiver but shows exactly how much they are loved, and packed with more meaning than words could ever express. Perfect. After years of crunch-time crafts and gift anxiety, I have finally discovered two things.

No 1. Stop worrying about the “perfect” gift, it’s like the elusive jackalope – probably not out there and everything else would be anticlimactic if you did find it.

No 2. Experience local.

For me, stress comes from focusing on what you give or get. Joy comes from the experiences shared. Giving something special from local artisans, markets, restaurants, and shops has not only created exciting experiences for me in the shopping, but it has created memorable experiences in the sharing. Honoring someone through a donation to a local organization only widens the ripples of sharing experiences by giving back to the community. Gift memberships are all in one. When you give a membership, you are giving unlimited unique experiences and endless opportunities to find something magical and meaningful all year long.

You are giving inspiration. You are giving wonder. You are giving enlightenment. You are giving discovery. You are giving reflection. You are also giving these gifts to all of those who are similarly reached by the organization through your support. It is truly the gift that keeps giving.

If you’re reading this, then the Dixon Gallery and Gardens has created some of those experiences for you. Share what words cannot by giving the gift of the Dixon this holiday season.

Warmest of wishes from our family to yours, Karen Strachan

Holiday Open House at the Dixon and......let it snow, let it snow!

2011-12-06T16:23:00.033-06:00

We had an amazing Holiday Open House Weekend. Our tree was lit during perfect weather at the tree lighting ceremony Saturday night. The seasonal music set the mood and the hot chocolate hit the spot as we celebrated the beginning of the holiday season.

Sunday was the official Holiday Open House. Yummy holiday treats were served and special craft tables were set up throughout the galleries for the entertainment of our smallest Dixon supporters.

One very special Dixon supporter was present as well. Santa Claus allowed each visitor (young and old) to whisper their holiday wishes in his ear. With Santa being the jolly guy that we have all come to know and love, he took photos with each one to make the day extra special.

The galleries were open! Each guest had the opportunity to see the exhibitions and admire the holiday decorations throughout the museum. Our Room of Wonders continued to be a big hit for the kids and the musical accompaniment, located in From Houdini to Hugo: The Art of Brian Selznick, dazzled audiences throughout the event!

Nothing makes holiday decorations stand out more than snow. Wednesday morning's snowy weather made the Dixon a sight for sore eyes as the snow settled beautifully on the Christmas tree and museum. The rest of the property was just as stunning. We can't wait for you to get in the holiday spirit at the Dixon!

Be sure to check out the Dixon website for information on our holiday hours - so you can see the tree and holiday decorations for yourself! Check back for more Holiday Open House photos and join the Dixon to be a part of next year’s festivities!

Decking the Halls....and so much more, at the Dixon!

2011-11-30T16:36:00.005-06:00

The holidays are quickly approaching, and the Dixon is celebrating in a big way. Our annual holiday decorations are going up and if you are not in the holiday spirit before arriving, you will be before you leave.

The Memphis Garden Club goes the extra mile to make each year's decorations more festive and beautiful than the last. This year is no exception.

With decorations in Garrot Court, Catmur Foyer, the residence, and the Winegardner Auditorium - we can't wait for you to see all of the work that has been done by the volunteers and staff to make the Dixon your one stop holiday photo op.

Enjoy our exhibitions, programs, and events surrounded by the merry and jolly ornamentation that you will only see at the Dixon!

Remember to check out our holiday hours on the Dixon website. www.dixon.org/visit and plan your trip to the Dixon this holiday season. Enjoy!

One of our Best Family Days Ever!!!

2011-11-16T15:04:00.001-06:00

A great time was had by all last Saturday at our Brian Selznick Family Day! The band(The Wuvbirds), magician(Larry Clark), activities, and games were all in tune with the illustrations now on view in From Houdini to Hugo: The Art of Brian Selznick.

We gave visitors a chance to have their questions answered by Brian Selznick during his virtual visit, which was great!

We had nothing to do with the weather, but that was pretty great too. There were even areas to create sidewalk chalk art, and bunny rabbits for petting....not for magic tricks.

The Room of Wonders was full the entire event and the galleries and gardens were aflutter with children and adults completing the scavenger hunt and admiring the detailed work of Brian Selznick.

Kids made Frindles, drew pictures, had their faces painted and much more during one of our most loved family events.

We hope all of our visitors realized that there is a little magic in all of us and we can't wait to see what you discover at the next Family Day. See you next time!

Thank you to all of our volunteers, Le Bonheur and MCA for your hard work.

Spotlight on the Permanent Collection

2011-11-11T10:47:00.000-06:00

It’s been a fun week for us in the curatorial department at the Dixon. Since the Birmingham Museum of Art hosted the American Ceramic Circle’s annual conference, a couple of the country’s great porcelain aficionados came by the Dixon to take in and study our renowned Stout Collection of Eighteenth-Century German Porcelain. So I thought today would be a good day to discuss one of my favorite porcelain objects in the Dixon’s collection.

A lot of times I’m asked what my favorite work in the Dixon’s permanent collection is, and it’s a really tough question to answer. I have SO many favorites! But one of my very very top favorites is this work of Meissen porcelain, Harlequin and Columbine Dancing, created by the legendary porcelain manufactory around 1744. I have always loved images of the commedia dell’arte in fine art, and immediately fell in love with the Dixon’s many porcelain objects pertaining to the subject.

Meissen, Harlequin and Columbine Dancing, c. 1744, Hard paste porcelain

Collection of the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, Gift of Warda Stevens Stout, 85.22

The commedia dell’arte, or Italian Comedy as it is sometimes called, arose in the open-air markets of Padua in the 16^th century as an improvisational theater group. Known for their rough and bawdy sense of humor, commedia troupes saw actors playing stock characters that would come up with short skits that dealt with love, lust, and local politics. By the 18^th century, the popularity of the commedia idea had grown so much that there were over 60 commedia groups in over 4 countries, including France and Germany.

Commedia subjects were extremely popular with artists in the 18^th century, including Jean-Antoine Watteau, as well as the modelers at the many porcelain manufactories throughout Europe, specifically Meissen. At Meissen, modeler Joachim Johann Kandler was particularly creative in shaping his individual figures and groups, using bright colors as well as humorous gestures to convey the personalities of each of the stock characters.

Created around 1744, Harlequin and Columbine Dancing features two of the most common and enduring characters in the commedia dell’arte. Harlequin (right) is one of the zanni, or servants, in the group. He is lusty, witty, greedy, and above all mischievous. In fact, the modern term “zany” comes from his role as a zanni and perfectly describes Harlequin’s character. Harlequin traditionally wore a diamond-patched costume, but porcelain modelers, like those at Meissen, often modified that to include playing cards on his clothes to allude to his role as a chancy or shifty character.

With Harlequin in this group is Columbine, a flirtatious, coquettish female servant who is in many ways Harlequin’s female counterpart. She is witty, lusty, and light on her feet, and she, like Harlequin, often becomes entrenched in zany plots aimed at bringing two lovers together or swindling some of the wealthier characters in the stories. Here, Columbine and Harlequin are shown dancing, an activity both characters were known for being skilled at.

With vibrant colors and playful expressions, porcelain figures like Harlequin and Columbine Dancing quickly became popular for porcelain aficionados in the eighteenth century. The Dixon is fortunate to have several commedia figures and groups in both the Stout and Hooker porcelain collections.

One of the Meissen experts that stopped by the Dixon this weekend, a wonderful man named Malcolm Gutter, was particularly fascinated by the Stout’s commedia subjects and remarked on how absolutely special they are. Come by and see Harlequin and Columbine Dancing for yourself on view in the Stout Gallery at the Dixon. I hope you love it as much as I do!

Julie Pierotti

Associate Curator

From Houdini to Hugo: The Art of Brian Selznick

2011-11-02T10:41:00.003-05:00

Our new exhibition, From Houdini to Hugo: The Art of Brian Selznick, is an amazing showcase of illustrations by author and illustrator Brian Selznick. The illustrations are accompanied by the book, allowing visitors to put each image into the context of the story and see the other illustrations that are not presented in the show.

So, who is Brian Selznick? After graduating from Rhode Island School of Design, Selznick wrote and illustrated his first book, The Houdini Box (1991), while working at Eeyore's books for Children in Manhattan. Since then, he has illustrated many books for children, including Frindle by Andrew Clements, The Doll People by Ann Martin and Laura Godwin, and Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride by Pam Muñoz Ryan.

He received a 2002 Caldecott Honor for his illustrations in The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins and was awarded the 2008 Caldecott Medal for his innovative, cinematic The Invention of Hugo Cabret, a 526-page book told in words and pictures — nearly 300 pages of pictures! — that he both authored and illustrated, and which has been made into a film, Hugo, directed by Martin Scorsese that will be released in theaters this month.

Our creative and talented staff in the Education department put together the Room of Wonders, an interactive gallery that will take children out of the tangible world, and into the realm of the impossible with activities and exciting ways to engage with art.

We didn't stop at the Room of Wonders, there are other exciting kid-friendly/family oriented events planned this month. Enjoy something new and fun with the family on Saturday mornings with our monthly program, Family Studio (Saturday, November 5, 10:30 am - 2:30 pm). Drop in at the Dixon to create magnificent works of art, play a game, solve a puzzle, or explore the world of art through children’s books with your family. We have projects and tools for all ages. This month's Family Studio has extended hours to fit more activities based on From Houdini to Hugo.

The fun doesn't stop there! Our popular Family Day is coming up next week (Saturday, November 12, from 10 am - 2 pm) and we will have more of what you love - games, activities, contests, face painting - plus many more exciting extras to look forward to, all with a Selznick twist! You don't want to miss this last Family Day of 2011, full of wonder and magic, surrounded by beautiful art and gardens.

Join the Dixon now and experience even more fun for you and the whole family, in conjunction with From Houdini to Hugo: The Art of Brian Selznick between October 23 and January 8!

New Family/ Dual membership levels and above will receive the following:

20% off any one item at Booksellers of Laurelwood
Advance opportunities to see the premiere of the film "Hugo" at Malco Theatres
Already a member? Give a Gift Membership and receive a free dessert (with purchase of an entrée) at The Booksellers Bistro

Meet the Dixon Garden Staff - Ian!

2011-10-27T09:40:00.000-05:00

Name: Ian Anderson

Position: Nursery & Plant Collections Specialist

Hometown: Montgomery, AL

How long have you worked at the Dixon?

I started as an intern February of 2010.

The best thing about living in Memphis is……

The diversity of people and cultures here.

What’s your favorite public garden outside of Memphis?

The Atlanta Botanical Garden; they have a canopy walk that is amazing.

What experience initiated your interest in horticulture and gardens?

Both my Grandmother and my Aunt maintained a beautiful garden in Ft. Wayne Indiana. I was influenced by their gardens, but I think visiting Johnny Appleseed’s grave is what stuck in my head. Ft. Wayne is where John Chapman “Johnny Appleseed” is buried.

Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names?

I have one fat tuxedo cat named Harvey, one skinny tuxedo cat named Spottswood, one tiny Maltese dog named Winifred, and one guinea pig named Guinifred. They are often blogged about at http://winiferdintheburbs.blogspot.com

What’s your favorite plant?

Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra). It’s a Southeastern native. Its seed heads can be steeped in water to produce a brew that is similar to lemonade in taste. Its botanical name is the first plant name I ever committed to memory.

What do you like most about working at the Dixon?

Though the Museum and the Garden make for a good mix here, I’m garden biased. There is always something new to grow. The gardens offer a learning experience every day.

Meet the Dixon staff - Melissa!

2011-10-12T11:03:00.003-05:00

Name: Melissa Bosdorf

Position: Gallery Secretary

How long have you worked at the Dixon?

I’m in my 7^th year here.

The best thing about living in Memphis is……

I love a lot of things about Memphis: The people are warm and friendly, the River, Beale Street, the beautiful trees and plants that grow here, but mostly because it’s my home town. I grew up here, and have long-time friends here…It’s my home.

What famous artist (deceased or living) would you want to be for one day and why?

Hard to say…first I thought Van Gogh, but he was a bit nutso. I adore Claude Monet’s work; guess I’d have to say him. He put such thought and work into his paintings. I’d love to have that much dedication.

How old were you on your first visit to a museum (art, science history)? How did it shape your interest in museums?

I was about 6 or 7 when mom and dad took us to the Pink Palace. I remember going into the room where they had all the taxidermied animal heads and the big polar bear, I was in awe of all of it. The bug collection kind of creeped me out, but I loved going through all the exhibits. I thought that must be the biggest, most beautiful house anyone ever built! It gave me an appreciation for older things.

Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names?

I don’t have any pets now. We had a dog named Spooky, part German shepherd, part English shepherd, part Collie. He was so friendly that I used to kid that if we ever had burglars, he would take his football to the window and want to play.

What was your favorite piece in Jean-Louis Forain: La Comédie parisienne?

I love both of the mosaics. They are so colorful and I love the movement.

What do you like most about working at the Dixon?

I think that we’re all part of something that benefits the entire community, young and old, and enriches all of our lives. Also, I love coming to work in the spring. I drive a little slower and enjoy the daffodils and all the other plants coming to life for the season.

Jean-Louis Forain: La Comédie parisienne is closing!

2011-10-07T15:08:00.000-05:00

This summer has been filled with Forain, more Forain, and even more Forain! With the closing of the show only 2 days away, I thought it would be nice to recap how it all started and how Forain got here in the first place.

The prep work for this extraordinary exhibition began much earlier than this summer for this once in a lifetime retrospective on the French artist. The Dixon Gallery and Gardens acquired the bulk of our Forain acquisitions in 1993 and became an "essential destination" of Forain's corner of the Impressionist movement. However, it wasn't until 2008 that the Dixon began conceiving a show based solely on this artist. After months of planning and preparation had taken place for a traveling exhibition of Forain's works, in 2009 the Petit Palais in Paris requested 10 works by Forain in the Dixon's collection. This request along with much communication and many meetings with the Petit Palais, staff, and board of the Dixon is what eventually led to the partnership with the Petit Palais in exhibiting this show.

The partnership with the Petit Palais was not the only historical collaboration underway for that summer. The Brooks and the Dixon had always desired a partnership in some aspect. and the Forain retrospective was a perfect match to compliment their exhibition, The Impressionist Revolution.

2010 and the first half of 2011 were a busy time here, as staff members prepared for the most important and biggest exhibition in the Dixon's history. Not only were there installation and traveling concerns for the paintings, drawings, and other Forain works, but there were also issues surrounding programming and related events to accompany the show. Every department in the museum had to bring its share of suggestions and plan how each idea would compliment the other along with the proceedings for each. Ideas for Cafe Forain, Forain After Dark, Forain Family Day and Forain Sunday Lectures and all other educational programs were birthed in these months, along with each program's fruition, including an invitation only Gala that was the talk of the town weeks before and prior to the event. And now each program, event and idea has begun to come to a close.

Jean-Louis Forain: La Comédie parisienne never lost steam, drawing record audience numbers and media coverage, and although slowly but surely our events and programs have ended (September 18 was our last Forain Sunday Lecture. Last night was the finale of Forain After Dark. Cafe Forain will be closing on Sunday, October 9), our audience has continued to support the show and the Dixon, and for that we are grateful.

Our closing weekend already started with an exciting visit from the French Ambassador to the United States, Excellency Mr. François Delattre on Friday, October 7. This weekend will offer visitors a chance to see the opening lecture by Forain's granddaughter and curator of the show, Florence Valdes-Forain, with a screening of the lecture in the auditorium from 10 am - 4pm on Saturday, October 8. On Sunday, October 9, enjoy tours by Valdes-Forain at 2pm, Associate Curator Julie Pierotti at 3pm, and Dixon Director Kevin Sharp at 4pm.

We hate to see him go, but we have enjoyed him while he was here. Say farewell and send him off in style this weekend!

Meet the Dixon staff - Chantal!

2011-10-05T11:28:00.003-05:00

Name: Chantal Drake

Position: Communications Associate

College/University:
University of Alabama at Birmingham, BA
University of Memphis, MA

How long have you worked at the Dixon? 10 months and counting

The best thing about living in Memphis is……

Shelby Farms/Levitt Shell! There are so many great things to do and places to go for free!

What famous artist (deceased or living) would you want to be for one day and why?

Elizabeth Catlett – she is in tune with herself and her culture beautifully and it shows in every piece she does. Her work is powerful and poetic. To have that much insight into yourself and others is something I would love to have, along with her talent and feistiness.

How old were you on your first visit to a museum (art, science, history)? How did it shape your interest in museums?

The first visit I can remember is when I was 16 – I went with the art club in high school. Yes – I was a member of the art club! I remember thinking, ‘hmmmm, a place to go and look at things I like – cool’

Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names?

My 5 yr old son has an American Staffordshire that he named Mutant (after the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)

What is your favorite piece in Jean-Louis Forain: La Comédie parisienne?

In the Wings

What do you like most about working at the Dixon?

The events! From Art After Dark to Family Day – they don’t get much better anywhere else in the city!

Wind down with Wine Down!

2011-09-30T10:13:00.002-05:00

Wine Down is as much a part of the Dixon's history as Art on Tap! The opportunity to taste a variety of wines and eat an abundance of appetizers is heightened by the surroundings of beautiful images and beautiful gardens! Join us tonight!

The Wines available for tasting tonight are:

Georges DuBoeuf Flower Label Julienas

Sebastiani Sonoma Chardonnay

Memsie "Water Wheel" Red Blend, Bendigo, Australia

Sebastiani Pinot Noir Sonoma

Secco Italian Sparkling Wine

Sebastiani Zinfandel Sonoma

That's Entertainment!

This fall's entertainment is Holly Cole and the Memphis Dawls. The Memphis Dawls are a female based group formed out of Memphis, TN. The Dawls will hold you captive with their full sound and heart breaking harmonies. The group consists of Holly Cole on guitar and vocals, Jana Misener (Giant Bear, Sultana) on cello and vocals, and Krista Wroten (Yazoo Shakes, Amy LaVere) on violin, accordion and vocals.

Covering genres from classic country to modern rock, their sound is something that will never go out of style and both sensuous and unique. Mark Jordan of the Commercial appeal states that the Dawls are "utterly unlike anything else happening on the scene today." Since the release of their debut Ep earlier this year, their local appeal has grown tremendously. Holly and the Memphis Dawls look forward to taking their music on the road in early 2012.

Hors d'ouevres!

Hors d'ouevres will be provided by Just for Lunch.

Meet the Dixon Staff - Emily!

2011-09-28T15:31:00.003-05:00

Name: Emily Harris Halpern

Position: Director of Communications

College/University: New York University, Tulane University

How long have you worked at the Dixon? Two years and almost two months

The best thing about living in Memphis is…diversity! People, culture, landscape, food and entertainment; potential to make a difference in the community; large green trees; my neighborhood, Vollintine Evergreen; spending time with my family.

What famous artist (deceased or living) would you want to be for one day and why?

There are too many to list, but here are two:

Cindy Sherman: Made her debut in New York City’s Lower East Side in the mid-1970s. As a photographer she challenged so many conventions and concepts, made huge impacts on ways of seeing, art making, and the history of art, and looks like she had a lot of fun doing it.

Yves Klein: Lived in Paris, 1928-1962; Pioneer of performance, conceptual and pop art. Managed to drive 3000 people to a gallery opening containing no art at all, but only cocktails. Created his own color, International Klein Blue, and pushed people to think and dream.

…and probably Warhol, for a few hours!

How old were you on your first visit to a museum (art, science, history)? How did it shape your interest in museums?

As a child, I actually visited the Dixon very frequently on Sunday afternoons with my Dad (no joke!) Since then, pretty much every aspect of my life has been centered around working with art, artists or for an art organization. An introductory art history course during my senior year of high school at St. Mary’s sparked my understanding of how greatly art effects and reflects places, people and politics. The lives of artists seemed so revolutionary and inspiring! That course led me to take classes in undergrad, pursue internships at galleries and museums, such as the Ogden Museum in New Orleans, and then to a graduate program in arts administration and museum studies at NYU.

Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names?

A 60-lb pit mix named Kiki who is everyone’s best friend.

What is your favorite piece in Jean-Louis Forain: La Comédie parisienne?

Sur la plateau and le dialogue (dramatic but intimate scenes of off-stage at the ballet; mostly hues of deep green and gold)

What do you like most about working at the Dixon?

Connecting people with joy, creativity and inspiration. Helping realize challenges and achieve goals for the greater good. Meeting and collaborating with amazing people from Memphis and all over the world. And working at one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.

Petanque, Badminton, Croquet - OH MY!

2011-09-22T09:57:00.001-05:00

Here's a rundown of the games that YOU can play tonight at the Dixon:

Croquet is a lawn game, played both as a recreational pastime and as a competitive sport. It involves hitting plastic or wooden balls with a mallet through hoops (often called "wickets" in the US) embedded into the grass playing court.

Croquet is popularly believed to be viciously competitive. This may derive from the fact that (unlike in golf) players will often attempt to move their opponents' balls to unfavorable positions. However, purely negative play is rarely a winning strategy: successful players (in all versions other than golf croquet) will use all four balls to set up a break for themselves, rather than simply making the game as difficult as possible for their opponents. At championship-standard association croquet, players can often make all 26 points (13 for each ball) in two turns.

Croquet was an event at the 1900 Summer Olympics and roque, a variation on croquet, an event at the 1904 Summer Olympics. The World Series of Croquet is held annually.

Pétanque is a form of boules where the goal is, while standing inside a starting circle with both feet on the ground, to throw hollow metal balls as close as possible to a small wooden ball called a cochonnet (literally "piglet") or jack. It is also sometimes called a bouchon (literally "cork") or le petit ("the small one"). The game is normally played on hard dirt or gravel, but can also be played on grass, sand or other surfaces. Similar games are bocce and bowls.

The current form of the game originated in 1907 in La Ciotat, in Provence, in southern France. The English and French name pétanque comes from la petanca in the Provençal dialect of the Occitan language, deriving from the expression pès tancats [ˈpɛ taŋˈka], meaning "feet together" or more exactly "feet anchored".

The casual form of the game of pétanque is played by about 17 million people in France, mostly during their summer vacations. It is also widely played in neighboring Spain.

Pétanque is played by two, four or six people in two teams, or players can compete as individuals in casual play. In the singles and doubles games each player has three boules; in triples they have only two. A coin is tossed to decide which side goes first. The starting team draws a circle on the ground which is 35-50 centimeters in diameter: all players must throw their boules from within this circle, with both feet remaining on the ground. The first player throws the jack 6–10 meters away; it must be at least one meter from the boundary.

Badminton is a racquet sport played by either two opposing players (singles) or two opposing pairs (doubles), who take positions on opposite halves of a rectangular court that is divided by a net. Players score points by striking a shuttlecock with their racquet so that it passes over the net and lands in their opponents' half of the court. Each side may only strike the shuttlecock once before it passes over the net. A rally ends once the shuttlecock has struck the floor.

The shuttlecock (or shuttle) is a feathered projectile whose unique aerodynamic properties cause it to fly differently from the balls used in most racquet sports; in particular, the feathers create much higher drag, causing the shuttlecock to decelerate more rapidly than a ball. Shuttlecocks have a much higher top speed, when compared to other racquet sports. Because shuttlecock flight is affected by wind, competitive badminton is played indoors. Badminton is also played outdoors as a casual recreational activity, often as a garden or beach game.

Sound like fun? Join us for games, gardens, galleries and....gin! Gin cocktails will be for sale along with a variety of wines, beers, sodas and food selections from Cafe Forain!

Meet the Dixon GARDEN Staff - Jesse

2011-09-16T10:33:00.005-05:00

Name: Jesse Howley

Position: Manager of Grounds Horticulture

Hometown: Perry, OH

How long have you worked at the Dixon? 2 years

The best thing about living in Memphis is…… midtown.

What’s your favorite public garden outside of Memphis? Honestly, I haven’t been to many. When we lived in suburban Washington, D.C. for a couple of years, I really enjoyed visiting Brookside Gardens in Silver Spring, MD. It’s a free garden and has introduced a number of great plants to the market. Plus, it has probably the finest paperbark maple I’ve ever seen (one of my favorite trees).

What experience initiated your interest in horticulture and gardens? My entire life, my mind has seen things, but my hands could never quite cooperate in making them. Building beautiful outdoor spaces doesn’t require highly tuned fine motor skills… just a vision and the knowledge to make it work. It also gives me the opportunity to have a directly positive impact on a little piece of the environment.

Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names? Sally, my 9 year old All-American mutt, and Charlie, an orange Tabby cat, but you never know what other critters may be in temporary residence – currently we have Black Swallowtail chrysalides on the kitchen counter.

What’s your favorite plant? There are just too many great plants to choose a single one… my favorite changes frequently with the whims of the season. Right now the Sweet Olives are blooming – truly one of the plant world’s most heady and memorable fragrances.

What do you like most about working at the Dixon? I enjoy being a part of making improvements to the Gardens that generations of visitors will get to enjoy.

Meet the Dixon Staff-Bryony

2011-09-14T11:33:00.004-05:00

Name: Bryony Petch

Position: Art to Grow Outreach Instructor

College/University:

Newcastle University, UK

Northumbria University, UK

How long have you worked at the Dixon? 5 months

The best thing about living in Memphis is……It’s the birthplace of Rock and Roll and Ugly Mug coffee.

What famous artist (deceased or living) would you want to be for one day and why?

Henry Moore, I think it would be really satisfying to work on such a large scale with industrial materials to create such beautiful figures.
How old were you on your first visit to a museum (art, science history)? How did it shape your interest in museums?

I remember been taken to museums from a very young age, my favorite were the National Museum of Film and Photography Bradford and National Railway Museum York. I loved seeing the Royal trains, every detail down to place settings in the buffet car were perfect! I enjoy now what I have always loved about museums which is seeing something extraordinary and beautiful whether it been art, science or trains.

Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names?

Horatio the Hamster, named after CSI Miami Horatio Kane (he has red hair). Unfortunately he couldn’t come on the plane when we moved to Memphis so he lives with my brother back in England.

What is your favorite piece in Jean-Louis Forain: La Comédie parisienne?

Young Woman on a Yacht 1883.

What do you like most about working at the Dixon?

Beautiful surroundings and lovely people.

Their names say it all!

2011-09-09T14:27:00.001-05:00

Sommersault, Pacifico, Lazy Magnolia, Blue Moon, West Coast Amber, Watermelon Wheat, Black Magic, Isle of Skye, Indian Summer….and more…

Escape to the Dixon tonight to wander through the glorious world of beer, stroll through the gardens, and explore the shows. Or just enjoy the perfect temperature, full moon, and lively sounds from Almost Famous with a full glass in hand.

Santé!

And see you tomorrow, when we’re all back from our mini-vacation.

Art on Tap 2011 event and ticket information

Meet the Dixon Staff - Julie

2011-09-07T09:43:00.000-05:00

Name: Julie Novarese Pierotti

Position: Associate Curator

College/University: Ole Miss (BA); Vanderbilt (MA)

How long have you worked at the Dixon? 3 ½ years

The best thing about living in Memphis is ….the emphasis on all of the arts—fine art, music, dance, theater, culinary arts. Memphis is, in my opinion, the cultural center of the South!

What famous artist (deceased or living) would you want to be for one day and why? Tamara de Lempicka—she lived a fabulous life!

How old were you on your first visit to a museum (art, science history)? How did it shape your interest in museums? I was probably too young to remember my first museum experience, but I do have vague memories of going to the Catherine the Great Wonders exhibition and its fabulousness. I also remember being terrified by the dentist mannequin exhibit at the Pink Palace.

Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names? I think everyone knows by now that I have a 2 ½ year old Papillon named Lizzie and that I’m completely obsessed with her!

What is your favorite piece in Jean-Louis Forain: La Comédie parisienne? The Tight-Rope Walker from around 1880 (Collection of the Art Institute of Chicago). It is so dramatic, so spectacular, so FORAIN!

What do you like most about working at the Dixon? I absolutely love helping people experience and appreciate art.

Meet the Dixon staff - Margarita

2011-08-31T15:21:00.000-05:00

Name: Margarita Maria Sandino Garcés

Position: Curator of education

College/University: Los Andes University- Bogotá, Colombia

How long have you worked at the Dixon? Three years and nine months

The best thing about living in Memphis is: No traffic! Compared to Bogotá, a city of 7.3 million people, the streets of Memphis seem empty at times.

What famous artist (deceased or living) would you want to be for one day and why? It would definitely be a woman, and my favorite of all times is Berthe Morisot. Imagine being an artist, impressionist non the less, changing the art world and hanging out with talented and interesting people like Edouard Manet and Edgar Degas.

How old were you on your first visit to a museum (art, science history)? How did it shape your interest in museums?

I was five years old and went to the National Museum of Colombia. A place that holds archaeology, ethnography, history and art collections. My mother took me to see the pre-columbian mummies. She thought it would be a good idea to reveal that they were that way because they didn’t eat their lunches and dinners (I wasn’t a good eater back then). I was scared, but mostly fascinated! I will never forget that feeling of amazement. It may not be a coincidence that years later I became and anthropologist and worked at the National Museum alongside my lifetime friends, the mummies.

Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names?

We have a female cat, maybe 12 years old. Her name is Frankenstein.

What is your favorite piece in Jean-Louis Forain: La Comédie parisienne?

I have a favorite in each gallery, but if I have to choose one it would be Forain’s design of The Secrets at the Ball. I really like the colors, the woman’s dress and I love secrets!

What do you like most about working at the Dixon?

The place is absolutely gorgeous! And I get to work with very unique people.

Meet the Dixon staff-Jenny

2011-08-26T10:47:00.001-05:00

Name: Jenny M. Duggan

Position: Visitor Services

College/University: Crichton College (BA, English) and University of Memphis (MA Literature and MFA Creative Writing)

How long have you worked at the Dixon? 11 years

The best thing about living in Memphis is……

The Dixon! And living in Midtown

What famous artist (deceased or living) would you want to be for one day and why?

I would want to be Monet because he lived in 19^th century France, and I would like to know how he created his astounding and beautiful visual effects. If I were a writer in that time period, I would want to be Jane Austen or E.M. Forrester.

How old were you on your first visit to a museum (art, science history)? How did it shape your interest in museums?

I was about 5 or 6. I remember going with my father to the Pink Palace and seeing the mechanical dinosaur and the planetarium. I kept the metal ring with the purple stone in it as a memento for years afterward. As a child, I loved learning about historical topics and seeing the wax works that depicted them. Because I have always loved art it was just a natural progression for me.

Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names?

I have a cat named Oya. It means “no” in Swahili. My boyfriend who was learning the language from a coworker named her when she was a kitten, because I would say no to her so often.

What is your favorite piece in Jean-Louis Forain: La Comédie parisienne?

My favorite piece in the show is The Buffet. I love the way Forain shows people in their typical element with the intrigues and storylines taking place behind the scenes.

What do you like most about working at the Dixon?

I love that Margaret and Hugo Dixon decided to give Memphis this beautiful gift. I also love talking to people and witnessing their lives being enriched by wonderful exhibitions and the beauty of the gardens.

Meet the Dixon Staff - Nora

2011-08-24T16:28:00.003-05:00

Name: Nora Tucker

Position: Librarian

College/University: University of Tennessee, Knoxville for Library Science. University of Memphis for Museum Studies.

How long have you worked at the Dixon?Fall of 2010

The best thing about living in Memphis is……Friendly people and so many arts.

What famous artist (deceased or living) would you want to be for one day and why?

Annie Leibovitz because she photographs musicians who invite her into their world.

How old were you on your first visit to a museum (art, science history)? How did it shape your interest in museums?

I grew up in a Chicago suburb and took frequent outings to the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum. I’m sure I had visited both by the time I was in third grade. The mummies at the Field Museum were mystical beyond belief. The art in the Art Museum took on different meanings as I grew older. I’ll never forget turning the corner in the modern art area and seeing Joan Miro’s fanciful shapes dancing on a huge canvas!

Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names?

Four dogs: Lucy and Hugo are Jack Russell Terriers. Daisy is a yellow lab mix that looks just like Daisy in the Blondie comic strip. Ziggy is the cutest dog that ever lived: a Border Collie Jack Russell or a “Border Jack.”

What is your favorite piece in Jean-Louis Forain: La Comédie parisienne?

The two mosaic pieces. I’ve never seen mosaics appear so soft and flowing!

What do you like most about working at the Dixon?

I love the time from driving into the “wonderland” atmosphere to the genuinely friendly staff to the visitors that enjoy their experience so much. I am so pleased to be associated with The Dixon.

Meet the Dixon Staff - Nancy

2011-08-19T11:35:00.008-05:00

Name: Nancy Parish Trenthem

Position: Executive Assistant

How long have you worked at the Dixon? 4 years

The best thing about living in Memphis is……

the funky, cool vibe – THE MEMPHIS MOJO! Big enough to

have culture and small enough not to take 2 hrs. to get

across the city.

What famous artist (deceased or living) would you want to be for one day and why?

Edward Manet. How great it would be to live in Paris and be a great artist, yet not be destitute as most of the Impressionist painters were.

How old were you on your first visit to a museum (art, science history)? How did it shape your interest in museums?

My interest in art heightened greatly when I worked for Avron Fogelman and two original line drawings by Picasso were on the wall behind my desk and a large Chagall circus painting on another wall.

Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names?

I have three cats but my favorite babylove is my young male cat, Martini.

What is your favorite piece in Jean-Louis Forain: La Comédie parisienne?

The Buffet

What do you like most about working at the Dixon?

A very pleasant, easy going boss and fabulous art and tall trees for my eyes to feast on.

Meet the Dixon Staff - Laura Gray

2011-08-17T11:46:00.002-05:00

Name: Laura Gray Teekell

Position: PR Associate

College/University: BA, History, Rhodes College, MA, History of Art and Connoisseurship, Christies Education/University of Glasgow

How long have you worked at the Dixon? Since January…

The best thing about living in Memphis is……

The people and the food—I enjoy being here (in Memphis and more specifically at the Dixon) because I am surrounded by and connected to people who care about Memphis and in doing so, highlight the good things that are happening across the community (specifically in the arts and culture sector) and continue to make it a better place to live.

What famous artist (deceased or living) would you want to be for one day and why?

Oouufff. This is the best/worst question. Ideally, it would be someone who can be credited with thinking or creating something that was completely new for their time—like Leonardo Da Vinci for his across-the-board genius, but that is pretty subjective and people are always influenced by something or someone before them…but that being said it would most likely one of the Old Masters—Durer, Michelangelo, Bosch (because his stuff is nuts), El Greco or Bernini. Or in Modern painting, Manet or Picasso. OR any one of the Royal French furniture makers from the second half of the 18^th century, just because.

How old were you on your first visit to a museum (art, science history)? How did it shape your interest in museums?

I remember visiting the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in DC when I was…not sure how old—I was really into animals and dinosaurs and seeing stuff that I had never seen or didn’t exist in the natural world anymore. Just found it fascinating, I remember thinking that this was not a “boring” museum.

Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names?

Moose is a black lab mix, he is almost 7 (sniff, sniff), and he’s awesome and very human-like.

What is your favorite piece in Jean-Louis Forain: La Comédie parisienne?

I love the Café Riche series and In the Wings. I also love Toff with a Bouquet and the drawing of Clemenceau.

What do you like most about working at the Dixon?

I love the Dixon’s collection, the history of the house and the Dixons, and being surrounded by such beautiful gardens that people really care about and care for! Really, I like the people and how everyone is trying to do great things here—and that we’re succeeding!

Meet the Dixon staff - Tanya

2011-08-12T11:18:00.002-05:00

Name: Tanya Miner Dumas

Position: Visitor Services

College/University: University of Memphis-BA/ CBU-MA

How long have you worked at the Dixon? 11 years

The best thing about living in Memphis is…… The changing of the seasons, the people. The community of faith that is displayed in Memphis by Memphians/ the U of M-Go Tigers!

What famous artist (deceased or living) would you want to be for one day and why?

Helen Turner. I love the femininity of her work, the colors, her love of the outdoors is apparent in her paintings

How old were you on your first visit to a museum (art, science history)? How did it shape your interest in museums?

Probably on a visit to Florida with my family-a wildlife museum

Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names?

I have no pets.

What is your favorite piece in Jean-Louis Forain: La Comédie parisienne?

I like all of it. I don’t have a favorite.

What do you like most about working at the Dixon?

The interesting people that I meet every day in my position from all over the world and the nice people that I work with on a daily basis.

Meet the Dixon staff - Erica!

2011-08-10T11:32:00.005-05:00

Name:Erica McCarrens

Position:Children’s Program Coordinator

College/University: Memphis College of Art

How long have you worked at the Dixon? 2 years (1 year full time staff)

The best thing about living in Memphis is……Everyone knows everyone. Everybody is somebody.

What famous artist (deceased or living) would you want to be for one day and why?

Louise Elisabeth Vigee Le Brun. She lived such a fancy life as an artist during the Rococo period. Despite her busy schedule of painting fabulous portraits of Marie Antoinette and other royals, she seemed very devoted to her daughter. (Which is something I can really relate to.)

How old were you on your first visit to a museum (art, science history)? How did it shape your interest in museums?

At 4 years old I went to the Art institute of Chicago. They had an interactive exhibit, and all I remember of that was colorful blocks. But I wanted to go back again and again.

Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names?

I have two dogs, Trotsky and Elsa. Trotsky is not very bright, and Elsa never misses a chance to make fun of him.

What is your favorite piece in Jean-Louis Forain: La Comédie parisienne?

I feel like The Toff and I have a bond. I’ve drawn him at least 50 times for various reasons. But my most favorite is a little painting in the Orgill Gallery, Dancer in her Dressing Room. The color and lighting are breathtaking. It’s amazing that such a little painting can hold so much beauty.

What do you like most about working at the Dixon?

The fact that my mantra from childhood “when I grow up, I’m going to work in an Art Museum!” has actually come true. Of course it doesn’t hurt that I absolutely love all the kiddos and their fantastic caregivers that come to the museum. Oh! Oh! And my coworkers are the smartest, most wonderful people ever.

Meet the Dixon Staff - Glenn

2011-08-05T12:04:00.001-05:00

Name: Glenn Overall

Position: Bookkeeper

College/University: UCLA/State Tech

How long have you worked at the Dixon? 11 years

The best thing about living in Memphis is……Golf in the winter. Living closer to my
family. The Grizzlies.

What famous artist (deceased or living) would you want to be for one day and why? Andy Warhol…just to hang with the celebs of those days. Oh the stories I could tell.

How old were you on your first visit to a museum (art, science history)? How did it shape your interest in museums?

I was a teen and visited the Detroit Institute of Art. I wasn’t very cerebral in those days so it was not a life changing event.

Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names?

Two dogs: Tex and Bella. Tex is afraid of people and loves dogs. Bella loves everyone and everyone loves Bella. They both like to eat my house. No joke!

What is your favorite piece in Jean-Louis Forain: La Comédie parisienne?

There are too many favorites to pick one. I lean toward his more ominous paintings for some reason.

What do you like most about working at the Dixon?
The art, the parties, my co-workers and the Dixon members.

Meet the Dixon staff - Maria

2011-08-03T10:58:00.001-05:00

Name: Maria Griffo

Position: Education Intern

College/University: SUNY Purchase College

How long have you worked at the Dixon? A month and a half

The best thing about living in Memphis is…… my church!

What famous artist (deceased or living) would you want to be for one day and why? I would like to be Vincent Van Gogh, and only for one day, because I want to know what was going on in his mind just long enough to understand it, then be lucid enough to understand it after!

How old were you on your first visit to a museum (art, science history)? How did it shape your interest in museums?

Oh goodness… super young. I grew up in New York City and remember going to the Museum of Natural History when I was 5 or 6 for a field trip. Field trips definitely shaped my interest in museums. I loved getting out of the classroom to really experience the thing that prior to the trip was just two-dimensional or pictures in a book. I especially loved my art class in high school that required us to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art on our own and find plenty of famous paintings (most memorably David’s “Death of Socrates”) and reflect on them. Since the Met was pay as you go anyway, I would use my school train pass, get up to the Met and pay whatever change was in my pockets to go see the treasures inside often.

Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names?

I grew up in a house full of pets but, tragically, for the first time in my life do not have pets due to landlord stipulations.

What is your favorite piece in Jean-Louis Forain: La Comédie parisienne?

Relief in the Trenches, 1918. Hands down. The first time I saw it, I was transfixed. I’ve never been to war, but something in it captures the fleeting nature of life and the scent of death on the battlefield.

What do you like most about working at the Dixon?

As an intern, seeing the inner workings of a non-profit has been wonderful, and that it is arts-based is even more spectacular.