Central Wisconsin is a great place to live. It took me a while to realize this after moving here. On developing a network of friends and colleagues and learning that most of them grew up in the area, moved away, and then decided to return, I realized it said a lot about the region.
At the Woodson Art Museum, we continually benefit from the strength of this community. Not only our visitors and members, but also the support of partners including area businesses, private foundations, and especially the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin. For those that don’t know, the Community Foundation has been a trusted ally of many local non-profits, offering guidance, forming connections, and distributing grants. I can’t even begin to name the number of Museum projects that have received support from the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin.
Author and illustrator Yuyi Morales signing a book for a young fan during her Community Foundation-supported artist residency
Artist Tom Hill works with an area student during his Community Foundation-supported artist residency
One of the bigger projects supported by the Community Foundation: The Museum’s Glass Box Studio
In my fifteen years at the Museum, one person has been our main contact, doing the all-important work behind the scenes. That person is the recently retired Sue Nelson, the former VP of Program & Donor Services at the Community Foundation, who not only oversaw the Foundation’s grant program, but also coordinated non-profit learning and connection opportunities, and developed more relationships with donors and local organizations than I can fathom. On top of it all, she always did it with a smile and an engaging nature. Although she would be the first to credit the Museum or other area organizations for their fine work, it’s people like Sue who help facilitate the resources necessary to provide services for the community and make it a great place to live.
Matt, Sue, and Kathy celebrate Sue’s retirement
When I heard about a retirement party for Sue to be held at the Community Foundation, I called up another longtime fan, Woodson Art Museum Director Emerita Kathy Foley, to see if she wanted to attend the party together. Kathy jumped at the chance, and we enjoyed our time visiting with Community Foundation Board and staff members, as well as celebrating Sue. No surprise, but it was great to see so many community leaders and non-profit leaders at the party as well-a testament to Sue’s long, successful career and a job well done.
