I’d rather be in Paris!

“It’s the art, it’s the food, it’s the architecture! I’d rather be in Paris ’cause I don’t understand the language. It makes life simpler.” Dona Bergen of Mars Hall Gallery just can’t get enough of Paris. It’s the place to be for an artist and gallery owner, like no other place.

Come along on a photographic journey to Paris, Dona is your guide.

Outside Musee d'Orsay

Outside Musee d’Orsay

We begin our journey at the Musee d’Orsay, the French museum of Fine-Arts, devoted to the period ranging from 1848 to 1914. Here Dona is holding a picture of Don McLain, an artist and dear friend who recently passed away. He had always wanted to see Paris, Dona kindly keeps him in mind on this trip.

Behind the Clock, Musee d'Orsay

Behind the Clock, Musee d’Orsay

A view through time, clock at Musee d’Orsay.

Dinning room, Musee d'Orsay

Dinning room, Musee d’Orsay

Having lunch in this incredibly ornate, over the top gorgeous room will cost you no more than the other restaurants on the premises. (Dona’s inside secret!)

Outside Musee d'Orsay

Outside Musee d’Orsay

Waiting in line at Musee d’Orsay

Villa Picaso

Villa Picasso

Checking in at Villa Picasso.

Sculpture by Henry Moore

Reclining Figure, sculpture by Henry Moore

Henry Moore happens to be Dona’s favorite sculptor and one of the top five 20th century international sculptors.

Pont des artists

Pont des artists

The pont des artists (bridge of artists) where Dona discovered Maurice Michel Lode. Artists line the bridge to sell their work in summer.

Book of works, Maurice Michel Lode

Book of works, Maurice Michel Lode

Rue de Furstemburg

Rue de Furstemburg

Picture of Rue de Furstemburg. Maine artist Ron Weaver had a show here in 1989. His painting of this scene hangs in Mars Hall Gallery. The gallery had a memorial show and gathering a few months ago for Ron.

Rue de Furstemberg by Ron Weaver

Rue de Furstemberg by Ron Weaver

The painting occupies a central wall in the gallery, the work is dynamic, strong, pleasing.

Sculpture by Etienne Martin

Sculpture by Etienne Martin

Sculpture by Etienne Martin in the Tuileries Gardens. The Tuileries is a public garden located between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde.

Pyramid at La Louvre

Pyramid at the Louvre

Paris car

Paris car

Just love this little car, it’s so Europe, so Paris!

Don't send bail

Don’t send bail

“I’d rather be behind bars than go home, don’t send bail.”

Au revoir

Au revoir

Au revoir mon ami Paris!
Until next time.

Photos by Dona Bergen her traveling companions.

Karen Olson

About Karen Olson

Karen Olson is a photographer, writer, and artist working in metal. Her blogs offer a global perspective, a celebration of art and culture. She 'lives like a tourist' in Midcoast Maine where she makes her home and finds inspiration for art and life in her travels. Follow her creative passion with Renuko Style at renukostyle.com and Coastal Collage, a Bangor Daily News Blog at coastalcollage.bangordailynews.com Karen's photography portfolio can be found at seeingartineverydaylife.com