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Cows On Parade
by Vae Hamilton
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Each fall artists Mary Dobbin, Kate Worm and Vae Hamilton do their art-outing together, usually to New York City. This year, the trio chose to explore the art of the Windy City. The main draw was the rumor that herds of scandalous, tacky cows had invaded the city in celebration of the anniversary of Mrs. O'Shea's bovine kicking over the infamous lantern that burned down much of downtown Chicago. Art Cows is a unique public art exhibit featuring life-size cows transformed into works of art by hundreds of Chicago artists. The nearly 300 cows are on display in public spaces and buildings throughout the City of Chicago.
Each cow sculpture cost between $2,000 and $3,000. They are made from a fiberglass/polyester product and weigh only 40 pounds before the artist starts adding materials. This exhibit began in June of this year and the cows were to be auctioned off October 31st. You can see the cows and learn more about them at Welcome to Art Cows Chicago (www.cowsonparade.net).
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bought four of the cows, including this "Marilyn Monroe floozy cow." It's rumored to have sold for $70,000. |
Vae and her daughter, Von, and 4-month-old grandson Chase, met Kate and Mary in Chicago as they had been visiting the great grandparents in Macomb, IL. They stayed on the Near North Side within walking distance of the Magnificent Mile, Rush Street, The Museum of Contemporary Art and the Art Institute and high tea at the Drake. As soon as the group assembled, they went right to the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Pop Art exhibit of Interiors by Roy Lichtenstein. The permanent collection and film showing were spectacular.
After a stop at one of the Atlas Galleries on Michigan Ave, viewing the show by Thomas McKnight and learning about the "hot art-spots" from Tom Pharaoh, we devoted the rest of the day to the Art Institute. There was only time to explore the contemporary sectors the first day. There is a significant Renoir collection here, but we were also fascinated with many Chagall, Picasso, Duchamp (there were not only the three brothers, but also a Duchamp sister, Suzanne), O'Keefe, Mattisse, and the list goes on and on. As for this artist, I could sit in front of one of the two Rothkos for an hour and be in paradise.
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After saying good-bye to Vae, Von and Chase, Kate and Mary taxied to the Chicago Cultural Center near the Art Institute. Faith Ringgold, a well-known African-American artist, exhibited many huge paintings which were narratives of being both female and black in Paris and in the United States. The paintings are done on huge quilts. This was a very personal and inspiring exhibition. Kate and Mary enjoyed an international drumming demonstration also at the Cultural Center and then walked on to the Art Institute for the second day of viewing. The Chicago Art Institute is reported to have the most impressive French Impressionist collection second only to the Metropolitan in New York City.
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Leaving the Art Institute by mid-afternoon, the women traveled to River North, a well-known and upcoming gallery district a couple of miles from downtown. Supper that evening was followed by the play Fosse, the 1999 Tony Award winner for best musical. Pepped up by the kinetic dancing, Kate and Mary made the long walk back to their hotel at midnight. Sunday morning brought cold rain and wind as well as an end to a terrific weekend in Chicago. The women returned to North Carolina to a balmy 78 degrees--a wonderful welcome home.
Photos Copyright © 1999 by Vae Hamilton. All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission