Hello friends! We made it to February! Sorry for missing a week. That said, welcome (or welcome back) to my blog!
On Sunday, January 23rd, I ventured out to the port city of Newark, New Jersey, for a tour of the renowned Newark Museum of Art. What made this visit interesting was the fact that I was touring it with Vampires! The tour was the main event for Day Three of the New Jersey Vampire Ball. The event’s organizer, Madame X, is a friend of mine. Ready to learn more? Don’t get bitten!
On the Highway on a Sunday
At approximately 8 am, I left my home in Connecticut and got on the highway, going southwest to New Jersey. I was wearing my gothic finest, including a red dress shirt, a black top hat with a red band, and my leather overcoat.
I made two stops along the way, once to use the toilet and once to get a beverage. After the second stop, I entered New York, then crossed the George Washington Bridge. I followed the GPS the rest of the way, arriving at the parking garage nearest the meeting place at around 9:45.
Breakfast with Nightkind
I arrived at the Central Cafe in Newark just in time for brunch. About a dozen nightkind were seated at the back of the restaurant, with more joining as the meal progressed. I was greeted by the lovely Madame X, chief organizer of the New Jersey Vampire Ball. I then took a seat with Angela and Ro, two ladies about my age.
We all ordered food and had a great conversation amongst ourselves. I learned that Angela and Ro, who are good friends with each other, are planning a trip to Thailand together. What fun!
Madame X brought in sparkling wine for a champagne toast. Together, we toasted fellowship, community, and Madame X herself for her role in organizing the event. With breakfast concluded, we paid our checks, put on our coats, and made our way to the Newark Museum of Art.
The Tour Begins
We took a group photo on the front steps of the historic Ballantine House. Baron Dario, our photographer, wasted no time in snapping the photo. We all looked pretty darned undead, if I do say so!
It was time to tour the museum. Those who bought VIP tickets to the Ball had their tickets pre-paid. I bought my own ticket for a fair price. Many of us took advantage of the complimentary coat check.
While milling about in the entrance hall, I ran into Bob Plant, a portrait photographer that I knew from the greater costume scene. Bob photographed us throughout the tour, but especially inside the Ballantine House, which I will cover. I will link his gallery of photos from the tour here.
Contemporary Indigenous Art
The first exhibit we passed through contained contemporary and traditional African art, such as handmade corsets traditionally worn by men. They were beautiful, but also looked functional.
Another remarkable piece in this exhibit was a set of Native American regalia made with a mix of traditional materials, such as eagle feathers, and contemporary ones, such as plastics. It was truly masterful. The set was appropriately made by an indigenous artist.
The Ballantine House
We then passed from the museum’s main building into the Ballantine House, which, for me, was the biggest highlight of the tour. The mansion was built in 1885 and is a stunning example of classic Victorian architecture. The house contains many works of art. Some rooms, such as the dining room, were set up as art exhibits of their own.
It was inside the Ballantine House that my friend Bob Plant photographed us all. He took a group photo of us on the main staircase, which came out great.
When I remarked to Madame X about how lovely the house was, she said to me “I knew you would love it.” She knows my tastes well!
Far Eastern Art
On the museum’s second floor was their renowned collection of contemporary and classical Asian art. The highlight of the contemporary Asian art exhibit, for me, was the kinetic ouroboros sculpture. That was truly remarkable!
The main feature of the Eastern Art exhibit was a traditional Tibetan Shrine. The shrine was consecrated by the Daliah Lama in 1993. It was a sight to behold. I truly felt someplace different when inside it.
Next to the shrine was a section dedicated to art surrounding the protectors of the Buddhist faith, such as Shiva, with sculptures, masks, and ceremonial tools. It was all breathtaking.
Gift Shop and Tour Conclusion
At the conclusion of our self-guided tour, we visited the museum gift shop to pick up some mementos. I bought a Newark Museum of Art patch for myself, while a fellow nightkind bought two spy pens – one for himself and one for me. How generous!
With my coat recovered from the coat check, it was time to make my way back home to Connecticut. I hugged Madame X and thanked her very much for organizing the event. I connected with a few other people on social media before heading out the door.
On the way home, I graciously gave my new friend Louisa a lift from the museum to Newark Penn Station. She was very appreciative of the help.
Final Thoughts
I always enjoy visiting a new place and touring museums, but it is infinitely more fun with company! The company of people at the museum was lovely.
This event was my first foray into the greater vampire community, which I will detail to some extent in future posts. They make for interesting company, that’s for sure!
As always, thanks for reading!