That’s a Wrap
Posted on December 18, 2019
With Christmas a week away, I fear another day of shame for me, watching my wife and kids open presents with my dumpster fire of a wrapping job.
Where Once There Was a Square, Now There Is a Story
Posted on December 11, 2019
Three new exhibitions opened Saturday at the Woodson Art Museum – Above the Fold: New Expressions in Origami, FaunaFold, and Alchemy Unfolding – transforming the freshly de-installed galleries from blank boxes into immersive spaces, a metamorphosis not unlike those generated by origami artists who create captivating, multidimensional designs from squares of paper.
Baking it Forward
Posted on November 27, 2019
The holidays are fast approaching. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, just twenty-seven days until Christmas.
I’ve always loved this time of year, especially the traditions and family gatherings. My definition of family has evolved over the years to encompass many close friends with whom we celebrate.
Baking was among my family’s annual traditions and it’s something I’ve continued. I use several of my grandmother’s and mother’s recipes and have added my family’s favorites as well as newly discovered taste treats.
Eye of the Beholder
Posted on November 20, 2019
I like art; most often, it’s a visceral connection. I enjoy being with art and experiencing it. I relish casual and informal “conversations” with artworks. I then imagine why a particular work “speaks” to me. Being curious by nature, though, I often also research works – learning to better appreciate the art. Research may include internet searches, tapping the collective wisdom of fellow curators, asking others in a gallery why they like the artwork, or asking an artist friend’s opinion. What results is a breezy, personal comment on art, reflecting the “eye of the beholder.”
Back to School
Posted on November 13, 2019
The reason why I’m enthusiastic is not because I’m studying to learn how to start a business or work on Wall Street, but to be a better Woodson Art Museum employee.
This Spud’s for You
Posted on November 06, 2019
Prepping for student art projects doesn’t usually require bushels and boxes of potatoes. This week’s artist residency, though, is shaping up to be extraordinary.
Artist Tom Hill’s residency, “Produced in Produce & Worked with Wire,” November 5-10, focuses on wire sculpture, incorporating root vegetables into the mix.
Who knew that potatoes, coupled with a bit of creativity, could pack such a punch of personality? Tom Hill, as it turns out, knows quite well that adding a bit of twisted wire can transform a spud from a dud into a memorable character filled with flair.
Flexibility & Seasonal Changes
Posted on October 30, 2019
When planning for the Woodson Art Museum’s members travel adventure to Denver, which wraps up today, we knew weather could be a factor. Did we fully appreciate the potential for temperature extremes or precipitation?
Hats off to the good-natured attitudes of my fellow travelers and to our docents and artist-hosts throughout our Denver stay. It’s been an exceptional trip, yielding lasting friendships and memories of amazing Colorado sun and blue skies as well as a taste of winter to come.
Extending & Expanding Hospitality
Posted on October 23, 2019
I see parallels between hosting guests and website redesign. When, prepping for company – whether a houseguest or Woodson Art Museum website visitor – we try to visualize ourselves in their roles, making them feel welcome, anticipating needs, ensuring it’s safe and easy to navigate, and sprinkling bits of delight along the way.
In the months since a major redesign of the Woodson Art Museum website, we’ve made tweaks, as needed, and pointed out a few upgrades incrementally, in separate blog posts and social media highlights. Now, I’m taking the opportunity to offer a “whole-house” website renovation tour, highlighting amenities of which we’re particularly proud.
Just the Beginning
Posted on October 16, 2019
Fifteen years ago, at a long-range planning meeting, I set a goal to offer access to selections from the permanent collection on the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum’s website. Funny thing about goals; they can be elusive.
I’m happy to share this link that provides access to more than 700 artworks from the Woodson Art Museum’s collection. As promised, this is just the beginning. I’m now working on adding a few hundred works soon. Look out team, we’ve just begun.
Enjoy.
The Power of Positive Reviews
Posted on December 04, 2019