Mike's adventures in art: A trip down the rabbit hole

If you are looking for some tips on how to experience art in the Seattle area, you are in the right place. In this weekly post, KUOW Arts Reporter Mike Davis gives you tips on what to do around Seattle over the weekend so you can have your own adventures in arts and culture.

VISUAL ART

Museum of Museums is my pick of the week. I had a sneak peak of two upcoming exhibits and, if you are looking for an adventure in art over the weekend, this is the place to be.

"Gum Baby," an installation by artist Tariqa Waters, exists somewhere between "Alice in Wonderland" and "The Wonderful Land of Oz." This new exhibit, which also features glasswork by Waters, is a fully immersive experience that requires visitors to begin by remove their shoes. I won’t spoil it here, but I will say – on my visit, I almost couldn’t find it! But once I did, I was pleasantly surprised and took a wonderful trip down the rabbit hole.

"Soft Touch" is a survey of tactile and soft-sculpture art. Most of the pieces are not only meant to be touched but designed specifically for interaction. From shaggy rugs with sprawling arms to hug you, to relaxation stations where snuggly sweaters connect you to seats, these pieces encourage people to physically engage with art.

Exhibits open for the winter season starting at 12 p.m., Friday, Feb. 3, 900 Boylston Ave., Seattle, Washington 98104

FILM

The Grand Illusion Cinema is proof that even though movie theaters may (or may not) be disappearing from downtown, people still love seeing movies, and Seattle neighborhoods have plenty of theaters. This one-screen theater in the U District is a film lovers dream, showing carefully curated classics that you won’t see anywhere else. I recently went to a sold-out midweek showing of the 1990 romcom "Wild at Heart," starring Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern (with a great performance from Willem Defoe). Armed with a box of Junior Mints from the cold freezer and a classic soda, I was in cinema heaven.

"Wild at Heart" plays at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2.

"Trouble Every Day" (in 35mm) plays Friday, Feb. 3 to Thursday, Feb. 9.

THEATER

"Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations," is at the Paramount and, if you haven’t seen it, you are running out of time. The play tells the story of The Temptations as they rose to fame in the 60s and has been dazzling audiences with nostalgic performances of the groups classic Motown hits.

Showing through Sunday, Feb. 5 at the Paramount Theater, 911 Pine St., Seattle, WA 98101

STREAMING

"Thoreau at Home," at the 18th and Union Art Space is available to stream until Sunday, Feb. 5. Yes, my picks are typically adventures outside the home, and of course I understand the irony of experiencing "Thoreau at Home" in your actual home, while Thoreau spends much of the show screaming about people needing to be outside. But I also understand some people are not ready for crowded theaters. And for those English majors who enjoyed studying classic literature, you will definitely get a kick out of this play and the stream also includes a post-show talk.

Showing via on-demand stream through Sunday, Feb. 5.