"Imagination is more important than knowledge" ~Einstein

Today was our long awaited field trip which meant we could set our alarms for MUCH, MUCH later (hello 0800 and not 0530).  First step was the American Visionary Art Museum where we had a docent lead tour. Although none of the exhibits had changed since I was there the last time, it is always great to get some insight into the artist's background.  What I learned that the artists in the museum have no formal training.  Many have suffered from some kind of major loss and/or mental illness.  For some their artwork is an opportunity to grieve and for others their inspiration comes from the voices within or their higher power (for many God).

While there was a ton of great artwork I would have to say two things really stuck out.  The first was a series of cartoon strips drawn by Mars Tokyo which depicted a lot of the struggles she had with anxiety and an eating disorder.  I wish I could post an example here, but for the life of me I cannot find an example online. 

The second was a series of work done by Debbie and Mike Schramer.  This couple came together and worked through their depression by creating whimsical tree houses.  The amount of detail and use of everyday items found in nature is amazing! 

After a quick lunch we headed over to a Narcotics Anonymous meeting - a first for all the students.  It was a PACKED house and to be honest things were a bit too chaotic for my taste.  There was lots of chatting going on in the background which made it hard for me to concentrate on the readings and those who were sharing their stories.  But, c'est la vie.