Category Archives: Blog

This Project Means “A Lot”

Posted on May 29, 2019

While not as exciting as the work done to the lower level gallery, Art Park, or even the Museum’s roof, there’s no mistaking the importance of a tip-top parking lot.

What do you remember about the first museum you visited? I remember an early – perhaps not my first – museum experience as though it were yesterday. Earlier this month, Wisconsin-born artist Mark Wagner – who grew up in Edgar – undertook a multi-day residency in tandem with the inclusion of his collages in Cut Up/Cut Out, now on view at the Woodson Art Museum. To our delight, we learned, the Woodson was his first museum! If you’ve been thinking about taking the plunge and engaging in a “first museum experience,” now’s the time to do so.

Showing and Sharing: Reconnecting at the Art Museum

Posted on May 15, 2019

This past weekend I visited family in Cincinnati; the trip was part Mother’s Day celebration, part long-overdue reunion. My family visit to the Cincinnati Art Museum reinforced my belief that museum visits are moving and memorable social outings worth celebrating and sharing with others. It’s fitting that I reflect on the power of museum visits this week, as May 11-18 marks Museum Week and Arts Wisconsin’s Creative Economy Week.

The Art of Deconstruction

Posted on May 08, 2019

We have a new puppy in our household – Hawkeye, a 3-month-old Brittany. Although he hasn’t begun teething in earnest, it won’t be long. A puppy, deconstructing paper and more, has one thing in common with the artists whose meticulously cut artworks are featured in the Cut Up/Cut Out exhibition, on view at the Woodson Art Museum through June 2. Surprising materials. Hawkeye chews acorn caps, wood chips, and rocks. In addition to vintage maps, books, and leaves, Cut Up/Cut Out artists intricately cut a saw blade, tire, and an oil barrel – transforming these items into lacey, intriguing wonders infused with thought-provoking themes.

Cherished Challenges

Posted on May 01, 2019

I often share my excitement about featuring the Woodson Art Museum’s paintings, sculptures, works on paper, and decorative arts in exhibitions. Because the care of those treasured artworks is vital, I consider the continuing research and education to ensure I’m using the latest techniques and proper conservation supplies equally fascinating and challenging.

Art Friends

Posted on April 24, 2019

Last week across the globe, devices pinged, news alerts broke, and satellite transmissions bounced around the atmosphere drawing most to digital images; images of 850-year-old craftsmanship, handwork, and artistry succumbing to one of earth’s elements – fire. Interpretations are numerous and various attempting to explain why individuals worldwide stopped to share – at a minimum a view and for most, mourning of – the partial destruction of Notre-Dame Cathedral.

From Line Drives to Line Drawings?

Posted on April 17, 2019

Although I took in a fun afternoon of baseball with friends, I missed my chance to watch someone who is the best at what they do.

CIA @ the Woodson Art Museum

Posted on April 10, 2019

Are you thinking you misread the title of this week’s Woodson Wanderings post? The CIA did, indeed, take over the Woodson Art Museum today; but not the Central Intelligence Agency. Today was the Mosinee School District’s Careers in Action Day and the Woodson Art Museum once again welcomed high school juniors interested in exploring museum careers.

Showing Bests Telling

Posted on April 03, 2019

Finding ways to excite and intrigue students means getting creative. In my experience, the popular writing adage “it’s better to show than tell” applies when developing content for guided gallery experiences.

Carve Out Cut-Above Spring Breaks at the Museum

Posted on March 27, 2019

School calendars and cold temperatures don’t need to define or confine springtime excursions to one spring-break week. By scheduling multiple micro-vacations, you can be a tourist in your own hometown and invite friends and family to Wausau for weekend getaways. Plan multiple getaways to the Woodson Art Museum for cut-above visits.