The American Visionary Arts Museum is unlike any other art museum I have ever been to. The works are all by artists with no formal art training, but they don't really fit into the folk art category because they do not follow a tradition. The pieces use unusual materials in startling ways. They made us laugh, or ponder, or just gaze in amazed wonder. There was a life-size man made of electrical wire, a huge (maybe 15 foot?) model of the Lusitania made entirely of toothpicks, glue, and paint, a bench covered with whoopie cushions, a selection of paintings done with make-up. Some were hands off, but some invited participation. As we left, we noticed the welcome mat (which we had just stepped over on the way in) was made from toothbrushes!

We spent Halloween with friends in the area and their four-year-old daughter. Trick-or-treating really is more fun with an enthusiastic youngster. That little butterfly was so tired she had to be carried, but still she'd point to another inviting house and say, "That one." Evelyn and Leslie had great fun putting together their costumes. Leslie got lots of comments on her Purple Atlantic Jellyfish costume.

We've had a great time in Baltimore, including a lovely visit with my Aunt and Uncle who drove in to see us. There is much more to see and do in this city and this area. We will have to come back another time.