Much to my disappointment when I woke up this weekend, it was a rainy, gloomy day. My plans to go hiking or wander around a new town were squashed, so I quickly brainstormed what would be best in the inclement weather. The first thing that came to mind was the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College. A museum would be the perfect activity to venture out and stay dry.
Before heading to the museum, I stopped for lunch at a small Japanese restaurant, Tokyo Express. A mere five minutes from the museum, the place was convenient and delicious. I’m a sushi addict, and Tokyo Express definitely lived up to my standards of quality and affordability. I had both the Spicy Tuna and Green Sleeve rolls, which I highly recommend.
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My lunch from Tokyo Express (left); at right, A Winter View From Newburgh (1856) by Louis Remy Mignot - Advertisement -
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The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center was easy to locate and surprisingly empty for a rainy Saturday. One of the main attractions of the museum is the chance to walk around Vassar’s scenic campus, even in the rain. There are two exhibits that showcase paintings and sculptures; I’m particularly more interested in paintings. There is an option for a guided tour, but my friend and I decided to go alone. The exhibit was well laid out and had many impressive pieces in its collection. Landscapes of the Hudson Valley, Warhol’s pop art, the abstract work of Picasso, and religious depictions from Italy made for a unique and comprehensive museum experience.
My personal favorite part was specifically the landscape paintings of the Hudson Valley. Winters in Newburgh, the Tappan Zee, and other important landmarks were depicted in the 1800s prior to industrialization. I looked at each picture trying to imagine what it truly felt and looked like during these times.
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Picasso’s Tête de femme (Head of a Woman), 1953-1954; at right, my matcha tea from Krafted Cup |
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The museum was an excellent cultural experience and even better for a college student on a budget, it was free! After our tour, my friend and I stopped at the Crafted Kup to grab something to drink and mull over our thoughts on the museum. Lately, I’ve stepped out of my coffee comfort zone and have been drinking matcha tea. Matcha is a frothy, green tea latte. With my matcha in hand, we ventured in and out of the local shops. These eclectic stores were a fun way to finish off our day.
With the weather as unpredictable as ever these days, if your hiking or day trip plans get foiled, I definitely recommend a trip to the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center and a warm cup of coffee!
