I can’t tell you how many hours of my teenage life were spent watching “Pop-Up Video.” I would say “wasted” instead of “spent,” but since I was and remain a connoisseur of random facts about almost anything, I wouldn’t use the term “wasted.” Considering I still remember that Diane Keaton once directed a Belinda Carlisle video, Meredith Brooks refused to reveal how old she is, and AC/DC’s Angus Young loves to paint landscapes, it wasn’t all for naught.
For those who are too young or don’t remember, “Pop-Up Video” was a show on VH1 that played music videos and included various facts about the musician, subject matter, or maker of the video that would emerge in little fact bubbles throughout. The show wasn’t meant to be too serious, and remained fun, lighthearted, and informative way to enjoy music videos (when there still were music videos).
I like to think of the Museum’s “pop-up” events in the same vein. If you peruse the Museum’s calendar of events created by staff for every exhibition period, you will see numerous educational programs that are planned months in advance. However, sometimes inspiration strikes, ideas form, and opportunities arise after the calendar’s print deadlines. These spontaneous events like the special edition of “Creative Explorers” that happened this morning, or Birds in Art artist Spencer Tinkham’s upcoming residency from November 14 through 17, are often some of best received and memorable events the Museum offers.
Pumpkin printing activity from this morning’s pop up Creative Explorers program.
Artist in Residence Richard Burke talking to Wausau East students during a visit this morning.
The reason why they continue to be successful is because people like to be surprised by things they weren’t expecting. Now it’s true that not everyone wants a surprise party for their birthday, I think a little of the unexpected is appreciated by people from time to time. From my view, it makes perfect sense to continue developing these “pop-up” moments for Woodson Art Museum members and visitors so we can continue to surprise and delight.
Upcoming “pop-up” visiting artist Spencer Tinkham demonstrating a carving technique
Now, what can we do that relates to “Behind the Music”?!?
