Saturday, February 9, 2013

An Amazing Adventure

Generally playing hooky is something that's frowned down upon (especially if you're the boss) but I think if it is for a good cause and to have an adventure every once in a while then maybe it is justified. This is exactly what I did yesterday. I took the day off to go to Chapman University and attend a ceremony awarding a posthumous doctorate to Huell Howser. The ceremony also honored the first recipient of Chapman University's California's Gold scholarship to be awarded to students who embody the spirit of the show through demonstrating a positive outlook on life and their community. Huell donated most of his earthly possessions to the school, many of which were on display during the event.

I know it seems like a really dorky thing to go to, but despite my fashionable exterior I am really just a big dork at heart! I was clearly the youngest one by far at this event and as I pulled up droves of elderly people were making a pilgrimage to the college, walkers and wheel chairs in tow. I found the crowd, despite their age, to be full of life and energy and rather delightful.

If you don't live in California, you probably have no idea who Huell Howser is, but you might want to read on to see some neat pictures of art and the city of Orange. Below I have included such pictures from my adventure. The first few depict the campus and a rainbow which manifested itself midday. Another highlights the fire steamer featured in one episode. I actually didn't realize that the Dalmatian on the steamer had his nails painted until I looked at these photos today. I don't think William would care to have his nail painted!





One of the things that I did not know about Huell, but which really piqued my curiosity was that he was an avid collector of found art. Found art is just what it sounds like, art that people find and display undisguised although often manipulated to celebrate the hidden beauty of things not traditionally considered to be art.  Famous examples of this include Marcel Duchamp's ready-mades and later Robert Rauschenberg's combines. Huell collected objects of aesthetic interest on his travels across California including ( in the order of the photo) the remnants of the original Hollywood sign, brass washers, frames used in a chemical bath process, architectural details from buildings, molds for rubber toys and a left over remnant of an advertising sign.






Some of the "celebrities" of California's Gold also made appearances and were available for autographs. Many of those who appeared on his show and at the event  do what I think falls under the umbrella of folk art or outsider art which is rather fascinating. For example, there was a lady who collects bunny memorabilia and has a house brimming with said artifacts. She has 29,000 in total. (I actually went there about 6 years ago!) One of my favorites in attendance was the "Lint Lady" who makes art out of lint which she collects or that people send her. Below are some of her pieces including a box of chocolates made from lint and lint sushi.



After the event I took a stroll through historic downtown Orange. This is a truly beautiful city which offers an array of charming antique stores and restaurants in the midst of some intriguing architecture. I am including a few pictures of my findings from downtown Orange including the fanciest Starbuck's building I've ever seen. My photography session was cut a bit short due to the fleeting light and the low battery on my camera!





Last of all, in memory of Huell, I am including a photo displayed at the exhibit. I liked his T-shirt that reminds us all that "LA's the Place." Yesterday I was able to discover a small piece of the larger puzzle that is LA. Each piece of the puzzle helps one to figure out why LA really is such a fascinating place to live, not because of all the glitz and celebrities, but because of little hidden pockets of California's Gold.


8 comments:

  1. What an awesome way to play hooky ;) I support it! That sushi art is just amazing, too.

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    1. Thanks for your support! The sushi art is crazy amazing! I can't believe she is able to get such a variety of colors. Despite my colorful wardrobe, my lint always comes out grey!

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  2. not dorky at all!! i love that you took a day off to do that. amazing pictures, too, Katie! xox

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    1. Thanks for looking at my photos phiphi! Yes, it is always great to take a day off to do something amazing!

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  3. I loved looking at your photos! It sounds like you had a wonderful day, and the campus and surrounding area look beautiful! California does have so many wonderful things to offer other.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by to admire my pics M. It really was a wonderful day and a great opportunity to admire California. I should play hooky more often :-)

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  4. Beautiful photos, Dalmations are such cheery dogs they always put a smile on my face.
    LA is my favourite place in the whole world, I would go on holiday there every year if I could.

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    1. Yes, Dalmations certainly are cheery. Plus you can't go wrong with the black, white and red color scheme. You should come out to LA more often!

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