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

Museum Program Highlights Blindness Awareness Month

Posted on October 16, 2013
How can individuals with low or no vision more fully experience the visual arts? How can those with sight respectfully support the independence of those without sight? Explore these questions and more during a multisensory event this Saturday afternoon at the Woodson Art Museum. “A Taste of Life Without Sight,”... Read More

The Joy of Birding – One Click at a Time

Posted on October 09, 2013
Each fall, the Woodson Art Museum presents its Birds in Art exhibition. The Museum’s galleries are filled with over 120 paintings, sculptures, and works on paper – the country’s best indoor bird watching. Cat Bird Over the years, I’ve developed quite an appreciation for our fine-feathered friends and have decided... Read More

Unplugging . . . Temporarily

Posted on October 02, 2013
Make no mistake, I have fully embraced the digital age. Like a dog that has learned new tricks, I have “mastered” – well, acquired adequate skills – email, internet searches, social media posts, blogging, and texting. I love being connected to our daughters via texts. At times, their witty messages... Read More