Wanted: Two Left Shoes
Posted on December 24, 2013
By Kathy Kelsey Foley, director Like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates, when you combine a holiday potluck lunch, white-elephant gift exchange, and the Woodson Art Museum staff, you don’t know what you’ll get! Our fun-loving and creative team came together over the noon hour on Monday, December 16, to celebrate... Read More
Finding Spaces for Growing Up
Posted on December 18, 2013
Elementary and middle-school years are tough – filled with identity confusion, hormones, and self-doubt. What are our skills? Interests? Priorities? These questions may take a lifetime to answer, but I found myself addressing them, at a young age, at museums. Anyone who works with or knows me is well aware... Read More
The Final Edit
Posted on December 11, 2013
Woodson Art Museum Director Kathy Foley is an outstanding writer. With great command of the English language and years of experience writing just about every document imaginable in the non-profit, corporate, and museum world, she knows how to write effectively for any audience. She’s the only person I know whose... Read More
Tidbits from the Dream-Catcher File
Posted on December 04, 2013
I have a “dream-catcher” journal on my bedside table to capture those fleeting thoughts that bubble up from the sleepy, subconscious realm and would otherwise be gone without a trace. I ask Woodson Art Museum greeters to jot down visitors’ comments and anecdotes for a purpose much like that dream-catcher... Read More
Make a Gift a Mother Is Sure to Love
Posted on November 27, 2013
Recently, during the opening of Huchthausen: A Glass Retrospective at the Woodson Art Museum, artist David Huchthausen gave a talk about how he “stumbled upon” and began exploring the glass art form during his first college days in Wausau. He attributed his discovery to his mother, because she encouraged him... Read More
Jewelry Artist Turned Curator Admires Exhibition
Posted on November 20, 2013
Years ago, as a student at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, I developed an appreciation for lapidary – cutting and polishing stones. After working with stones in the art metals department, I decided to take a few jewelry classes so that I could mount the stones in silver.... Read More
Serendipity, Again
Posted on November 13, 2013
By Kathy Kelsey Foley, director Visiting glass artist David Huchthausen’s loft was among the highlights of last April’s Museum members trip to Seattle. David describes himself as the consummate accumulator . . . and for those of us who had the privilege of taking in the almost overwhelming density of... Read More
Volunteerism and Cultural Engagement
Posted on November 06, 2013
Ask any Woodson Art Museum staff member and they will sing the praises of volunteers – their dedication, knowledge, and kindness make them ideal ambassadors for the Museum in our community. Greeters, gardeners, docents, and SPARK! friends engage visitors, beautify grounds, brighten our entrance, and support the Museum’s mission to... Read More
Winding Roads & Stuffed Gorillas
Posted on October 30, 2013
If you want to get fifth-graders’ attention, a big stick that shoots fire certainly helps. Paul Rhymer, looming large still clad in his mask and leather gloves after blasting flames and pouring molten metal into molds, was holding court. “You don’t always know where different experiences will take you,” the... Read More
Birds, Birds, Everywhere Birds!
Posted on October 23, 2013
Have you noticed bird imagery is everywhere? Just today I received an email featuring bird-themed bags designed by Kate Spade. In fact, an entire line of bags, belts, mittens, earmuffs, and jewelry, features owls. http://www.katespade.com/geek-chic/ks-gifts-geek%20chic,en_US,sc.html That email reminded me how often I encounter images of birds. Certainly, I am surrounded... Read More
