Category Archives: Blog
Art Cluster Students Explore Op Art
Posted on January 09, 2019
The Wausau School District’s Art Cluster Program provides a multi-day art enrichment experience for fourth and fifth-grade students with a keen interest in the visual arts. The students begin the program with a visit to the Woodson Art Museum where volunteer docents offer a guided visit through the galleries and educators introduce students to a hands-on art project inspired by artwork on view. This year’s 160 Art Cluster students experienced Victor Vasarely: Op Art Master.
Gifts, Gratitude & Commencing into 2019
Posted on January 02, 2019
Fittingly, I learned something from my daughter’s recent graduation – one of three in our family this past semester. As commencement speaker, she was instructed to wear the stole of gratitude during the ceremony and then give it to someone who’d played a significant role in her college education. Reflecting and looking ahead into 2019, the Woodson Art Museum wants to bestow its “stole of gratitude” upon our visitors – more than 62,000 in 2018 and many more to come. Exciting exhibitions – filled with learning opportunities aplenty – are in store.
On the Level: My Last Blog
Posted on December 19, 2018
After nearly four decades, I’ve decided to hang up my hammer and level, set aside my tape measure, and experience this thing called retirement.
I’m proud of what we have accomplished during my tenure and I’m happy to let others carry the Woodson Art Museum banner into the future.
Perspective
Posted on
December can be a difficult month in which to maintain perspective. Those of us in the northern hemisphere appreciate the many festivals and holidays of lights, as daylight is fleeting and the darkness descends. I recently shared a light-hearted story – with some of the Woodson Art Museum’s youngest program participants – about a snoring bear awakened too soon from his hibernation by well-meaning but rowdy friends. Bear’s initial, grumpy response was softened by Mouse’s offer of friendship . . . and snacks.
‘Tis the Season
Posted on December 12, 2018
I’m uncertain how many years my friend Pat and I have baked Christmas cookies together, but it’s many. Although we share a love of baking, lately we’ve discovered it’s less about the process and more about making time and sharing. As we care for family, spend hours at work, and tend households, time for friendship seems fleeting. Our baking weekend is planned months in advance and is eagerly anticipated. More so, now, because Pat’s daughter, daughter-in-law, and families join in the fun. Yes, two grandchildren are part of the festivities.
It gets hectic, we burn cookies, we are distracted, but it’s fun. The laughter at the successes and failures is equal. We take time – time to share, to love, to cry, and mostly to be together.
So, as in past Christmastime blogs, I share a recipe.
The Woodson Art Museum Does a Lambeau Leap for Joy
Posted on December 05, 2018
Yes, “that” Lambeau.
Museum assistant director Matt Foss and I attended a luncheon at the Lambeau Field Atrium today to accept a grant check from the Green Bay Packers Foundation!
We are thrilled, honored, and humbled to be among the recipients of a 2018 Green Bay Packers Foundation grant. In addition to the greatly appreciated funds, which support Please Touch: A Tactile Art Exhibition, debuting soon, there are surely considerable “bragging rights” that accompany this grant.
Worth Remembering
Posted on November 28, 2018
Learn more about artist Jane Kim's RGB(ird) painting and why indigo buntings aren't really blue.
Birds Are “Here, There and Everywhere”
Posted on November 21, 2018
My two year-old son is a Beatles fanatic. Our daughter, who also adores the Fab Four and loves Birds in Art, was quick to note that several songs in the Beatles catalogue include the word “bird” in the title. I’ve tried to explain to her – with moderate success – that in these cases, really none of those songs are actually about birds.
To Woodson Friends
Posted on November 14, 2018
While exhibitions and recurring programs come and go, interactions with artists truly mark the time for Woodson Art Museum staff.
Fall Back
Posted on November 07, 2018
Daylight saving time ended Sunday. I was raised in the northern hemisphere and in a family that embraced “spring ahead and fall back.” We adjusted the clock hands to the correct position – at bedtime before the morning it changed to avoid the embarrassment of missing Sunday church service. We dialed the telephone for the official time recording to ensure accuracy and uniformity.