Feuerlander: Regions of Vulcan opening

Despite fits and starts, I think I am finally going to be able to do this. Some operator error, but more problems with finding the hotel's hotspot than anything. Perhaps because of lack of sleep; who knows. So I don't think my earlier post today ever posted. It is out in cyber space somewhere. The opening ceremony was nice; musical interlude; full of remarks, in German, French, and English, me. And FIRE! Pots of it outside the museum with a worker in his flame retardant gear stoking it. So we could not only see it but smell it too. Made it very real inside. Large and receptive crowd; exceptional exhibition. Have good film of the exhibition spaces to share (once I figure out how to do that). Saw old friends from previous visits (Milena Karabaic, Bernd and Margie Hubert, Rita Muller) and met many new ones. Thomas said he needed more walls; and I understood completely. There are never enough wall when you want to show great art. 203 pictures; 11 countries are partnering in the exhibition, and some of those partners are here, from France, Spain, and Poland. The exhibitions are in 2 different locations. A number of the artists whose work is in the contemporary section at the LVR-Industriemuseum were here today, and very proud. The historical section is in the Peter Behrens building, an impressive Bauhaus style building from 1926 that also holds their storage depot, where 1000s of objects live before going on display. The majority of the Westmoreland's 29 paintings are in this section, divided into 13 areas. They are hung well, making wonderful relationships to (within each section. An especially moving juxtaposition was our Mildred Olmes hanging with a painting from Belgium that was like a Madonna and Christ. Cynthia Cooley and Ron Donoughe's paintings are in the contemporary section. Thomas and his team seriously outdid themselves with such an ambitious undertaking. I hope many will have the opportunity to see all of these works together, a reality that will not happen again.

Being picked up for dinner in 1/2 hour, so need to put my feet up. So all for now. Signing off from Oberhausen.
BJ