It’s a Wonderful Life
Posted on February 03, 2010
Is anyone really comfortable with photos of themselves? I don’t mean the beautiful fashion model, airbrushed creations, or even proper portraits, but specifically the impromptu, or even somewhat choreographed, snapshots. During the past thirty years, my photo has been taken many times to promote the Museum and its exhibitions. My... Read More
Keeping Memories Alive
Posted on January 27, 2010
In Search of Norman Rockwell’s America closed this past Sunday and the overwhelmingly positive response to the exhibition reminded me once again of the powerful ability of artworks to trigger memories. The stories that visitors shared with staff in conversation and through notes posted to the comment board reinforced the... Read More
Where No Curator Has Gone Before
Posted on January 20, 2010
Community outreach is part of what I do as a museum educator. Saturday, January 9th, I was at EVERCON!* If you have done outreach, you understand the need for a portable dolly, something that can haul multiple plastic bins. Bins filled with the hands-on activity for the day. My bins... Read More
Visiting Grandpa in the Gallery
Posted on January 13, 2010
In Search of Norman Rockwell’s America continues to attract large crowds. On Saturday, January 2, more than 400 visitors enjoyed the exhibition during a five-hour period. You never know who might visit the Museum. One day last month I was told that a woman and her family were in the... Read More
The Way Things Work
Posted on January 06, 2010
We put together five exhibition events calendars each year, and in a sick sort of way, I find the process rejuvenating and exhilarating. The process doesn’t vary much from calendar to calendar, but getting to work and play with the themes, artworks, and mediums that each exhibition holds out injects... Read More
Half a Decade (Well Almost)
Posted on December 30, 2009
In a couple days we’ll welcome the New Year, closing the chapter on the 00s. Time to reflect, be thankful, and make resolutions for the upcoming year. 2010 marks my fifth year at the Woodson Art Museum (actually I started in August of 2005 – but for the sake of... Read More
Cookie Time
Posted on December 22, 2009
It’s the time of year when I become a slave to tradition. The Wagner family had many Christmas rituals: cutting a Christmas tree, sledding at Thom Field, visiting relatives near and far, and the dreaded Christmas baking. If ever there was a time when my sister, brother, and I could... Read More
Versatility
Posted on December 16, 2009
We like to keep Woodson Art Museum visitors on their toes. What do I mean by this statement? When you visit an art museum, you generally know what to expect . . . artworks on gallery walls. And you’ll certainly find that when you visit the Woodson. You’ll also find... Read More
Treasuring Memories
Posted on December 10, 2009
Have you ever witnessed a moment when someone couldn’t express their grief through words, but could create an artwork in memory of a loved one lost? I’ve had the privilege of witnessing such a moment. Three years ago Amy Kitsembel from Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services contacted me to... Read More
Mr. Rockwell Comes to Wausau
Posted on December 02, 2009
Norman Rockwell, in the form of Indianapolis-based character actor Sam Harper, is in the middle of a week-long Woodson Art Museum residency. Harper’s resemblance to Rockwell is uncanny. As Mr. Rockwell, Sam not only has the demeanor of the great American artist, but also has mastered his idiosyncrasies. Thus far,... Read More
