The Divine Docent

After looking at some of Larry's treasures again at the Asian Art Museum this week...



...I went to the second floor where the docent above was leading a half dozen visitors through the Japanese wing.



Usually, I'm annoyed by docents and scurry to another room when they are prattling about art, though not as annoyed as my painter friend David Barnard who brings earplugs to museums. This docent was different, though, with a clear voice that was just above a whisper coupled with an intensely present aura. She let the group provide cues on the direction of discussions, and it was a bit like walking with a knowledgeable friend in an interesting conversation, rather than the usual dull, insistent docent lecture.



Her name is Pamela Fischer, and her passion for Japanese art is infectious. By the way, Sunday, August 4th (tomorrow) is free admission day at the Asian Art Museum, and if Ms. Fischer happens to be there, do tag along.

Freeloading at the Asian

Last Sunday I tagged along with Kian, Luca and James as they looked at Korean royal placenta jars on Free First Sunday at the Asian Art Museum.



We bumped into docent Pamela Fischer above leading a large group around the Korean Joseon Dynasty exhibit, and after giving me a piercing look, she said, "Stick around. I want to talk to you." Apprehensive that she was upset about her photo being featured on the internet without permission (click here), I was relieved to find she was instead "immensely flattered" by her Divine Docent recognition. She will be giving another tour of the Korean exhibit at 2PM this Sunday, and it should be a smaller, more intimate group, since it is not a Free Sunday. You can even watch the 49ers game on TV at 10AM before soaking in some cultural wisdom.