Paris, Part V 

La Madeleine's on Lemmon
Mondays, May 6 and May 20

Before we stop  with our Biography of Paris series for the summer, we'll have two sessions, May 6 & 20. If need be we'll finish up the revolution, and  then continue on to examine Napoleon's impact on the city. Early discounted registration is due April 22. For complete details, please visit:  Paris V.

There are some great exhibits in Fort Worth  that will soon be closing.   In Fort Worth, there's the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition which closes April 28. We went to see it last weekend. It's great! Wonderfully  and thoughtfully presented, this exhibit will be of interest to all who love the Titanic.  Details at: http://www.fwmuseum.org/Titanic%20The%20Artifact%20Exhibition

At the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, be sure to make time to see Bernini, Sculpting in Clay on view through May 5. This is an unusual exhibition devoted to the models for some of Bernini's most iconic works. If you love this master of the Baroque, go see it: http://bernini.kimbellart.org/

Dallas: If you enjoy more modern masters, then visit the Chagall: Beyond Color exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art  on view through May 26. Details: http://www.dma.org/View/CurrentExhibitions/dma_488367

Paris: Biography of a City, Part III

The information for Paris: Biography of a City, Part III, is available. Please visit: http://www.marcoarttours.com/ParisPt3.html. These illustrated slide lectures will take us on into the 17th and early 18th centuries. Come see what the Louis' are up to, and the decision to depart from Paris. Even if the king leaves Paris, the grand old city keeps going. Join us for these fun evenings at the La Madeleine's on Lemmon Ave.

Early discounted registration is due March 4.Price: $75.00/person early discounted registration if received by March 4 ($85.00/person thereafter).

Bernini: Sculpting in Clay!

Get a preview of the Bernini exhibit at the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth. Check it out:
http://www.star-telegram.com/static/labs/Bernini/index.html. You can take a look at the gallery.

I saw the exhibit last Friday, and I was highly impressed. I would say that the Kimbell has hit a major home run with this unique show.

Come prepare for a visit to the Kimbell by taking Brush Up on Bernini! Check out the March dates: http://www.marcoarttours.com/Bernini.html Early discounted registration is due March 1. 

Portrait of Spain: Masterpieces from the Prado

The Museum of Fine Arts Houston is the exclusive U.S. venue for this blockbuster exhibit of approximately one-hundred works from the Prado Museum in Madrid which is one of the top museums in the world. The masterpieces on display depict the story of Spanish painting from the 16th through the 19th centuries, and reflects the changes in all areas of Spanish society. The top artists from each period will be highlighted, and include: El Greco, Goya, Murillo, and Velazquez. The Spanish royal family were known as discerning art collectors during this period. Accordingly, many of the superb royal treasures by such artists as Rubens, Tiepolo, and Titian will be featured in the exhibtion. This is an extraordinary not-to-be-missed show. Tour length: an estimate of tour length would be approximately 1.5 hours.

Price for Portrait of Spain (not including Picasso): $87.00/ person including the ticket, guided lecture tour, and museum booking fees. No refunds after February 1. . Travel to and from Houston is on your own as we have always done.

The MFAH's rule is that group bookings must be made at least one month before the tour to the MFAH.

Registration form, please click. Make payment to Dr. Martha Fielder, and mail to: Dr. Martha Fielder, Marco Art Tours, 1412 El Campo Drive, Dallas, Texas 75218. Questions: call us at 214-321-9051 or email us. Travel to and from Houston is on your own as we have always done. We will meet at the MFAH at the designated time to see the exhibit. Please remember that you are not on the list until you are registered. If you wish to pay by credit card, please visit: http://www.marcoarttours.com/Prado.html

SMU Classes Beginning

SMU Fall Classes begin Thursday, Sept. 6.

For History Lovers, try, The Medici: The Godfathers of Florence.

For Art History, Great Museums of Florence & Tuscany.

For Anglophiles: Britannia Rules! The Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

Register through SMU: https://contsturegister.smu.edu/wconnect/ShowSchedule.awp?&Search=INSTRUCTOR&Target=NDUwODAyNjYw%20%20%20%20&Title=Courses%20Taught%20by%20Martha%20Fielder

Age of Impressionism at the Kimbell

Last lecture on Age of Impressionism: French Paintings from the Clark, will be on Sunday, June 3. Advanced registration required. Visit: http://www.marcoarttours.com

Best Quips of Casablanca

Either claim one now, or after Monday night, share your favorite quip from Casablanca. If someone gets yours first, go ahead chime in.

Artists Houses at Dallas Arboretum

This is the season of Dallas Blooms at the Dallas Arboretum. As you go make your trip to luxuriate amidst the beauty of nature, be sure that you take time to visit the Small Houses of Great Artist exhibit. It's enchanting. My personal favorite was Monet's house complete with Japanese footbridge. It brought to mind fun memories of Monet's home at Giverny.

Dallas Blooms is on until April 8. The Dallas Arboretum is located at 8525 Garland Rd. Dallas, Texas 75218. Open daily, 9am-5pm.

Impressionist Exhibit at the Kimbell

Take a look & read about the exhibit on Impressionism from the Clark Institute: https://www.kimbellart.org/News/News-Article.aspx?nid=144. It opens March 11. Come spend Wed. evenings, starting March 28, from 7:30-9:00 for four weeks to learn about this exhibit. Know before you go! Get prepared for our visit to the Kimbell on a Sat. morning. Details about registering for the lectures/course at: http://www.marcoarttours.com/KimbellImpressionismClark.html. This will be at the La Madeleine's on Lemmon Ave. in the private event room. Hope to see you there!

Queen Elizabeth II: The Diamond Jubilee Lectures

Come learn about the early life of Queen Elizabeth II. We will study her as a young princess, her marriage to Prince Philip, and continue up through the birth of their children. This is a perfect time to take a look back at the life and times of the woman who within a few years will eclipse Queen Victoria as the longest reigning British monarch. Join us for three fun and very interesting evenings at the La Madeleine's on Lemmon Ave. May 15, 22, and 29. Early discounted registration is due May 7. Please check out the details: http://www.marcoarttours.com/ElizabethIIDiamondJubilee.html

Lecture Series on Queen Elizabeth II

Coming in the summer 2012, a lecture series on Queen Elizabeth II as she celebrates her Diamond Jubilee. Dates tbs. Please check http://www.marcoarttours.com/.

Caravaggio& His Followers in Rome Exhibit

Know before you go and see the Caravaggio exhibit before it leaves. The last lecture will be Wed., January 4, 2012 at the La Madeleine's on Lemmon Ave from 7-9:00 p.m. Advance registration is required. Details: http://www.marcoarttours.com/Caravaggio.html

The Mitford Sisters Lectures

A new chapter for Marco Art Tours began tonight with a lecture series on The Mitford Sisters at the La Madeleine's on Lemmon Ave. Great group! Lot of fun. A big thank you to my sister, Elizabeth, for helping me with media.

Want to join us for the remaining two lectures, visit: http://www.marcoarttours.com/MitfordSisters.html

The House of Windsor, Part II: The Ex-King & The Wartime King

SMU Class begins July 13. Focuses on the two brothers Edward VIII and George VI, and their wives, Wallis Simpson, and Elizabeth. Register through SMU: www.smu.edu/informal

Read more: http://www.dallasnews.com/trav​el/headlines/20110707-british-​royalty-to-be-topic-of-smu-ses​sions.ece

D-Day, June 6, 1944: The Invasion of Normandy

As we are all busy on this hot summer day, stop and take a moment to remember those brave young Americans who went ashore at Normandy on June 6, 1944. It is because of their courage and sacrifice that we are free.

The sculpture to the left represents The Spirit of American Youth at the American Military Cemetery at Normandy.

To read more about the D-Day Invasion and Normandy, take a look at:
http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/no.php

Great Video of VJ-Day in Honolulu from Jim Carvell

Jim Carvell, who has been in our WWII classes at SMU, sent me this wonderful video. Enjoy it. Thank you Jim!

Great video of a Spontaneous Victory Parade in Honolulu in 1945.Take a look at this video-absolutely fabulous! Notice the cars and jeeps, youth. The guys in khaki or gray shirts and black ties are Navy officers or chiefs. The rest are Army or Marine. How young they all were to do what they did.This guy really captured a moment in history! (You can listen to Jimmy Durante singing "I'll be Seeing You" in the background, too)This is a super video of a time past - we need to remember and be THANKFUL.Check out the color fidelity. It's not bad for 1945. Nothing will ever compare with Kodachrome film.Click here for the video: http://vimeo.com/5645171 http://vimeo.com/5645171>

SMU Fall

Thanks to all of the quick responses to my informal poll. I think the Civil War & the Mitfords have it. Thanks!

Berlin has been added to the Germany tour in August. Prices are being updated over the weekend. Visit: http://www.marcoarttours.com

SMU - Feb. 9 - Campus closed

SMU Classes have been cancelled for the evening of Feb. 9 due to inclement weather. Stay warm & safe!