Weekend Outlook: Matisse Masterworks, Motors, and More

Matisse: Masterworks from the Baltimore Museum of Art

Need a splash of color to give your spirit a pre-spring jolt? Art-lovers may want to schedule a day at the museum this weekend at the recently opened exhibit Matisse: Masterworks from the Baltimore Museum of Art. With 50 works of painting and sculpture, 30 prints, and the artist’s renowned book Jazz, this exhibit offers a rare opportunity to view one of the most comprehensive caches of the artist’s works in the world.

From landscapes to nudes, still lifes to interiors, this exhibit draws almost entirely from the famed Cone Collection at The Baltimore Museum of Art, a comprehensive collection that traces Matisse’s shift in style over time. Sisters Claribel and Etta Cone, whom Matisse fondly referred to as “my two Baltimore ladies,” frequently traveled to Paris in the early 20th century, visiting Matisse and Picasso in their studios before they were famous and purchased their art. Heirs to the Cone family’s textile business, the two women filled their apartments with art and over time they amassed a unique collection as early patrons of the avant-garde. The sisters formed a particularly close relationship with Matisse, acquiring more than 500 of the artist’s drawings, paintings, sculptures and prints over 40 years of his career.

“Endlessly creative, wildly influential, and unapologetically interested in joy and beauty, Matisse redefined the use of color, form, and balance—he is arguably the father of modern art,” says exhibition curator Erika Holmquist-Wall. “We are honored to present his work to the Twin Cities community on such a large scale.” The MIA’s Family Day: Marvelous Matisse will take place on Sunday, March 9, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. View the special exhibition, which is free on Family Day, and be sure to pick up the activity book designed just for kids. From 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., families can make their own art by creating portraits, sculpture, and postcard collage in the style of Henri Matisse. Enjoy jazz dance performances, in the spirit of the artist’s book, Jazz, presented by the Ballet Royale Minnesota and Twin Cities Ballet at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Other weekend activities:

Gadgets and Gizmos

Want to know how your household gadgets and gizmos actually work? Join other enthusiasts at the Bakken Museum for its free Second Saturday event filled with electronic toy take-aparts and other creative, interactive challenges. The museum opens at 10 a.m., but the events begin at 11 a.m. and goes through 4 p.m. Founded in 1975 by Early Bakken, inventor of the first wearable transistorized pacemaker, The Bakken Museum is located in a mansion on Lake Calhoun and is dedicated to exploring science, and the history of electricity and magnetism.

Twin Cities Auto Show

While the roads may still be filled with ice and deep potholes, that doesn’t mean we can’t dream of cruising in the bright sun with the top down. Soon. For the motor enthusiast, this weekend’s opening of the Twin Cities Auto Show at the Minneapolis Convention Center might be just the ticket to pass the time until spring. From Acura to Volvo and every model in between, visitors can view the latest models of sports cars, SUVs, hybrids and more. This Saturday, March 8, Minnesota Timberwolves standouts Corey Brewer and Ricky Rubio will be on hand at the Lexus display between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. for photo opps with fans. The Auto Show runs from March 8 to 16. Visit twincitiesautoshow.com for show hours, and ticket discounts.