Having just completed my first docent training at the Woodson Art Museum, I can say one thing – I’m exhausted and ready for the holiday. Monday was a busy morning for docents and staff who were introduced to new materials and two new wooden-box-related exhibitions in our galleries. Roger Zimmermann, founder of the Wisconsin Valley Woodturners, who worked closely with curator Andy McGivern to organize the Think Inside the Box exhibition, also participated in training docents and staff. Roger came prepared to teach and passed around woodturning tools and wood samples as well as his own turned-wood artwork as teaching aids. 
Sharing his knowledge of woodturning techniques, he explained the process of turning a piece of raw wood into a finished product. Docents responded enthusiastically to this expert craftsman whose works are included in Think Inside the Box.
The staff and docents won’t be the only ones who benefit from local woodturners. Museum visitors can observe woodturnersworking on lathes, Friday through Sunday, November 25-27, 1-3pm.
Two exhibitions, Boxes and Their Makers and Think Inside the Box, feature the creative designs of contemporary woodworkers and remain on view through January 22. The works featured challenge traditional notions about the form and functionality of the box and offer exciting reinventions. See these boxes to appreciate the aesthetics of the works as well as the time and effort invested in creating such meticulously crafted pieces. Optical illusions even make their way into Think Inside the Box with mentions of anti-gravity powder and holographic mirrors. Take time to check out the Museum’s two new exhibitions and meet area woodturners this weekend or during Celebrate Woodturning, 5-7pm, Thursday, December 1, a special Night Out @ The Woodson.
– Catie Anderson
Happy Thanksgiving from the Woodson Art Museum!
