Appreciating Backyard Gems

Posted on November 04, 2015
Birders know better than most the fleeting nature of outdoor birdwatching opportunities. An after-hours Woodson Art Museum tour this week introduced local birders to year-round in-gallery birdwatching opportunities.

Hello . . . Dolley Madison

Posted on October 28, 2015
A recent visit to James Madison's Montpelier gave me an expanded appreciation for Dolley Madison, the wife of the fourth president of the United States.

Sharing the Mic

Posted on October 21, 2015
Woodson Art Museum staff members spend a lot of time telling the Museum’s “story.” The story may change depending on who’s telling it, what project or message is the focus, and, of course, who the audience comprises.

A New Nest

Posted on October 14, 2015
When I walk through the Woodson Art Museum’s galleries featuring the 40th anniversary of Birds in Art, one piece catches my eye. Memory by Minnesota artist Wendy Brockman depicts a bird’s nest entangled with bittersweet. Something about the piece makes me view it closer and reflect.

Birds of a Feather

Posted on October 07, 2015
Here's my take on a spotting-scope-like view of a few delightful paper birds perching in the commemorative birch tree grove, Birds of a Feather: 40 Years Together, in the the west gallery lobby area, where visitors are invited to jot or draw Birds in Art memories. Let us hear from you  . . . what do you remember or impressed you most from a Birds in Art visit?

Birds, Art & Poetry

Posted on September 30, 2015
A visitor's guest blog post includes a poem and Birds in Art reflections. How does Birds in Art inspire you? Museum programs blending literature and the visual arts are offered Thursday, October 1, through Saturday, October 3, when 2014 Wisconsin Poet Laureate Max Garland leads an Art 101 presentation, a poetry reading & open-mic opportunity, and a Writing & Art Workshop.

Corvids & Owls

Posted on September 23, 2015
While passing through the galleries on Friday afternoon, I talked to an older gentleman who was admiring a woodcarving by Wisconsin artist Todd Wohlt. It’s a sculpture of nine blue-breasted bee-eaters emerging from a block of cherry-colored bubinga.

Icing on the Cake

Posted on September 16, 2015
Who doesn’t like cake?! A rhetorical question. Everyone likes cake, and cake with ice cream is even better. Layer on to that an oh-so-clever Woodson Art Museum staff member – Shari Schroeder – who suggested that we add an anniversary cake to this past weekend’s 40th anniversary Birds in Art festivities. Voila! A cake decorated with edible paper on which was printed four collages featuring details from the artworks of all seventy-four artists in attendance.

Under Wraps

Posted on September 08, 2015
Adorn a gift with pretty paper and a bow, construct a gate at a garden entrance, conceal an item in a brown shipping box, or rope off a gallery to fuel curiosity and anticipation. I embrace the joy of anticipation. I’m not a “present peeker;” I’ve never sneakily removed tape to prematurely divulge a birthday surprise.

Big Occasions

Posted on September 02, 2015
My wife, Jeana, and I recently became grandparents for the first time. Our son, Justin, and daughter-in-law, Sarah, had a healthy baby boy and, as you might have guessed, we’re filled with joy. They live in the United Arab Emirates and we flew over to meet baby “Abey” (Abraham) and spend time with our expanding family.