Unless you live in a cultural desert (or just spend way too much time watching reality television), you know that Picasso is coming to the Seattle Art Museum. To celebrate this HUGE score (it will be the first time that a comprehensive collection of Picasso’s work has been on display in the Pacific Northwest), SAM’s public relations machine is working at full capacity- they’ve already announced scores of special events, celebrations, lectures and more now through January 17, 2011, when the exhibit packs up its bags and heads home.
No matter how much you value supporting the arts, the $23 ticket can definitely be tough on a tight budget. But if you’re willing to put in a little extra work, there is a way to see the Picasso exhibit for FREE! Starting this Friday, October 8 (the opening day of the exhibit) through Monday, October 11, SAM is letting the first 100 guests wearing blue (because, you know, the whole Blue Period thing) in for FREE. Yes, you’ll have to get there a little early, wait in line and make sure you’ve done your laundry, but this exhibit promises to be very much worth the effort. (We’re spreading the word early in case you need to let your boss know you might be coming down with something that day.) As a bonus, SAM will be hosting entertainment throughout the day, so you can watch artists work and musicians perform while you wait.
Even if you can’t be one of the first 100 guests this weekend, you should still try and check out the event. Admission on Friday and Saturday evenings boasts a $3 discount, and if you can hold on until next month, you can get a ticket for First Thursday (November 4th) for only $12. Plus, admission to the Picasso exhibit includes a SAM card, which grants you special discounts to a variety of downtown restaurants and retailers. And if you STILL need to be convinced of how awesome this is going to be, why don’t you whet your whistle and download the free audio tour now?
