What) "Visionary art as defined for the purposes of the American Visionary Art Museum refers to art produced by self-taught individuals, usually without formal training, whose works arise from innate personal vision that revels foremost in the creative act itself." The art of farmers, postmen, the mentally ill, art done secretly in the attic - all get equal billing at the Baltimore American Visionary Art Museum. A refreshing look at creativity and art made far, far outside the art world.”

    Don't miss the Giant Whirligig & Sculpture Plaza. The 55-foot tall central wind-powered sculpture was created by Vollis Simpson, a 76 year-old farmer from North Carolina who made his first whirligig to power a washing machine while he was stationed in the South Pacific during World War II. The museum also features a 16 foot model of the Lusitania made entirely from toothpicks, and is host to the incredible Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race. (1)

    Where) 800 Key Highway   Open Tues - Sun from 10am - 6pm   Adults: $15.95

    Why) If I was ever asked to describe myself as completely as possible using only 100 adjectives then I might choose "visionary artist" (in the sense described in the quotation above) as words 58 and 59.  Let's see, I am self taught, grew up on a farm and tend to work secretly but most importantly, I think, is the fact that I revel in the creative act itself.

    I guess this all means that every so often I like to go out and see what other visionary artists have done and are doing.

We arrived an hour before the Museum opened but there was lots of art to see around the building.

This is the Giant Whirligig mentioned above. Perhaps it would be have been more impressive in a strong breeze.

This sculpture was very similar to one by Tom Every that we almost saw in Wisconsin.

This corner wasn't part of the art but I enjoyed its beauty just the same.

Golden Hand by Adam Kurtzman was my favourite piece.