Hey Bay area tomatoes, unless you have been hiking the El Camino (the one in Spain and France) or trekking the Himalayas, you know that in just 10 days THE SUPER BOWL will be in our area. SO, in case you don’t want to immerse yourself in the activities surrounding the big game, here are some alternative ideas.  Museums will be quiet on SB weekend and here are a few you may have missed. Or thanks to the lovely precipitation, it’s the perfect time to head to the snow (that’s where you will find me!)  Rather stay in the bay? Head East (since the big event will be south!) and check out the Flea Market/Antiques Fair in Alameda. 

MUSEUMS You May Have Missed! 

Walt Disney Family Museum 

We are all kids at heart, and since most of us were raised with Mickey Mouse as our Saturday morning sitter, this museum holds nostalgia, new information and simply a good time.  The various galleries take us on a tour through the world of Walt Disney. Galleries include his boyhood beginnings, the road to Hollywood, the transition into feature films, Disneyland and so much more. The current featured exhibition (through September 2016) is Mel Shaw – An animator on Horseback. This is a retrospective featuring over 120 works including conceptual artwork from such influential films as Fantasia (1940) to The Lion King (1994).  I guarantee visiting this museum will bring joy to your soul and a smile to your face. Get more details.

Asian Art Museum

The year of the monkey is here!  What exactly does that mean? And what is your birth year? Monkey, ox or perhaps a boar? A visit to the Asian Art Museum will answer your questions and enlighten you about the influences of Asian art. You can learn brush painting, take yoga classes and currently view several curated exhibitions such as  “Looking East, how Japan inspired Monet, Van Gogh and other western artists” and “Japanese Laquerware”. January 31^st is the big New Year Celebration, what a wonderful place to celebrate and their 50^th Anniversary Golden Gala takes place on February 11^th with unique performances, dinner and dancing!  Get more details.

Anderson Collection at Standford University

This private assemblage of modern and contemporary art is a spectacular collection housed in a building designed specifically for the Anderson Collection. 121 pieces were generously gifted by Harry W., Mary Margaret Anderson and Mary Patricia Anderson Pence. This gift represents the core of their collection and is one of the world’s most outstanding collections of art. The flow of the museum lends itself beautifully to all of the sculptures, drawings, ceramics, artist-made papers and more. From Abstract Expressionists to California Funk Art to Bay Area Figurative Art, the collection holds a variety of art based primarily on the personal choices of the Andersons. A video tells the story of how the Anderson’s began collecting and their personal story is enchanting.

Don’t forget to have lunch next door at Cool Café, located in the Cantor Art Museum. For more details.

Feb. 7. Alameda Point Antiques Fair

I am assuming that if you live anywhere in San Francisco or environs, you are familiar with the Alameda “Flea Market”. HOWEVER, have you been?  The first Sunday of the month is reserved for this enormous outdoor faire. If football isn’t your thing, perhaps searching through the over 800 dealer booths will make your heart soar. All of the items are 20 years are older (hello baby boomers – you will LOVE it!). When I see the vendors looming before me, my palms get sweaty and my heart starts racing. Where to begin is the palpitating question. Bring cash, but there are ATM’s available of course. And the early bird gets the best deals. Open at 6:00 a.m. so go armed with a carafe of coffee, comfy shoes and a good attitude! Ends at 3PM. Get details.