I have always been drawn towards educational visual aids. In fact, I am more interested in looking at maps, periodic table of elements, and bedrock cross sections than I will ever be looking at the majority of the paintings at the MIA or the Walker. I still enjoy these museums quite a bit, but only a few visits a year is needed to fill up my artsy quota. I am convinced that the geology visual aids and mineral samples lining Pillsbury Hall at the University of Minnesota were a contributing factor to declaring Geology as my undergrad major.
As a "grown-up" I find myself wanting to fill my limited wall space with framed maps and chemistry tables. I have denied this desire and stuck to traditional home decor so as not confuse, plus my DH now has a say in this matter and I don't think he'd share this aspiration, though I have yet to ask. As I type this I glance at my living room artwork tastefully matching the throw pillows on my couch and I yawn. If I really want to fill my house with pics of Steve Jobs and diagrams of the local rock outcrops than now is the time to act, right? I know I'd encourage this small pleasure in my friends and family so why not myself?