A Student, an Art Museum, and a Hope Diamond
Posted on November 12, 2014
Who doesn’t love a good story? Would you rather listen to a story that illustrates a point or be pummeled with piles of statistics?
Stories stir, numbers numb, and jargon jars.
That’s the pithy point, the gold-nugget takeaway unearthed by author Andy Goodman during a recent “Power of Storytelling” workshop in Milwaukee for dozens of non-profit organization representatives.
Planning Ahead
Posted on November 05, 2014
Almost every day local, state, or national news reports tell of damaging storms, industrial accidents, or gas and oil spills – all classified as disasters. I shudder at the thought of something similar happening near the Woodson Art Museum.
40 Is the New 39
Posted on October 29, 2014
The Museum and Birds in Art are embracing turning the big 4-0. Sustained success is a source of pride; and like a fine wine, the exhibition will continue to improve with age.
Curatorial Pearls
Posted on October 22, 2014
At this time of the year, Birds in Art is in full swing. It’s always been the Woodson Art Museum’s most popular exhibition. When I pass through the galleries, I’m constantly impressed by the many visitors who make their way to the Museum to take in our annual avian exhibition.... Read More
Partnerships that Play Dividends
Posted on October 15, 2014
Three years ago, the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra and the Woodson Art Museum struck up a partnership.
CWSO executive director Ann Huntoon and I wanted to connect the sister arts – musical and visual – while adding venue opportunities for Symphony members and advanced students and another dimension for visitors to Thursday evening Museum hours during Birds in Art.
Ann and I quickly learned that our professional lives crisscross in a number of interesting ways:
Memorable Artists “in Action”
Posted on October 08, 2014
Sometimes during staff meetings, if I’m not paying close attention or, at the other end of the spectrum, appear overly enthusiastic about an idea or program, I’m elected to lead it. This blog post is an example of the latter and an example of how my zealous attitude and punchy optimism allowed me to craft one of the most memorable Birds in Art experiences this fall.
Seventy artists journeyed to the Woodson Art Museum in early September to celebrate the opening of the 39th annual Birds in Art exhibition. While their schedule of receptions, lectures, and demonstrations for the public fill up the time from Thursday to Saturday evening, Sunday affords opportunities for optional activities. This year, we invited artists to participate in an extra special visit to the International Crane Foundation (ICF) in Baraboo.
Best Indoor Birdwatching
Posted on October 01, 2014
What secret sauce whets someone’s appetite to pursue a passion for art, birding, or both? Maybe it starts when a child assembles and customizes a birding journal cover. Perhaps it continues through careful observation while sketching basic body shapes and then characteristic details of crest, mask, or beak – all while seated in Woodson Art Museum galleries or on a tree stump in the field.
Internship Surprises
Posted on September 24, 2014
As I flip through carbon copies of old, typewritten letters, I am in awe. Why are these letters – among hundreds – part of the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum’s collection? The correspondence between artist Don Richard Eckelberry and his many friends and colleagues accompanies thousands of the artist’s watercolors and sketches, thanks to the bequest of the late artist’s wife. One of my first internship projects is to help preserve these letters written throughout the early years of World War II until 2001. I’m pleasantly surprised to be working with such important, historical items in addition to artwork.
Help SPARK! Solutions
Posted on September 17, 2014
Sunday afternoon’s SPARK! program for individuals with memory loss and their care partners at the Woodson Art Museum, September 21, 1-2:30 pm, fittingly follows Saturday’s nationwide walk to raise awareness for Alzheimer's care, support, and research.
I continually witness sensory-rich, interactive SPARK! programs at the Woodson break through and ease the isolation and depression that those with dementia often experience. SPARK! participants gather to view artwork and engage in related multisensory activities that incorporate movement, music, scent, and tactile objects. During a recent visit, one participant rose from his wheelchair to dance with me, displaying deft footwork! Subsequent group discussions and hands-on art making often evoke reminiscing, laughter, and feelings of belonging.
Barry’s Bobolink: In the Field with a Master Artist
Posted on September 10, 2014
The whole bird vibrates. Side-lit by sun, a bobolink spills song across new meadow grass on old farmland in Westminster, Massachusetts in May. Notes vector out from half a head of open beak and half a buffy helmet, aquiver with sound. With wing-pumping, reverse-tuxedo verve, this bird makes “going out on a limb” look good.
I am in the field with my teacher, Barry Van Dusen, in mid-spring – out early in the day, out ready in the field where things are just beginning. It’s my first bobolink. And I’m completely happy.
