On the cusp of the summer solstice, if you’re searching online reviews for ways to savor the season, scroll no further; plan to visit the Woodson Art Museum with family and friends.
With Father’s Day just days away, there’s no need for a last-minute gift card or tool purchase with expedited shipping. Pack a picnic, linger in the sculpture garden, and explore the galleries, always admission free.
Artist unknown, Virginia, Map Quilt, 1886; gift of Dr. and Mrs. C. David McLaughlin; photo by Schecter Lee
Like many dads, mine loved maps, plotted many road trips, and would’ve been intrigued by this summer’s exhibition, Handstitched Worlds: The Cartography of Quilts. Continually pursuing hands-on projects, the tinkerer in him would’ve appreciated Makers’ Mediums, featuring studio materials and artists’ tools, and Mini Makes, created by the staff’s Wee Build Workshop. Strolling through Avian Celebrations, a new exhibition from the Museum’s collection, I know he’d tell stories of birds’ antics he witnessed while fishing from his dock.
Father’s Day also reminds me of a visitor, Linda Ramthun, who invested time for shared experiences that deepened and enriched her relationship with her father-in-law. Looking at and talking about artwork in Woodson Art Museum galleries became a tradition they both so treasured that she initiated creative ways to extend the art-sparked conversations at home. Details of her tale are included in a blog post and a StoryCorps interview.
Perfect for summer road trips, the Woodson Art Museum remains #1 of TripAdvisor’s “Top Attractions in Wausau” with a five-star rating, 257 reviews, and another Travelers’ Choice award, previously called the Certificate of Excellence.
Here’s a sampling of these and other online reviews by this spring’s visitors from near and far.
• This is a wonderful art museum with many fabulous pieces of art. It is not huge, but it’s so worth the visit. Especially if you love nature paintings, sculpture, etc.
• Definitely had a very great time there. Saved a few parts for a different day. Plan on returning when the gardens are in full bloom to see the full beauty of it all!!
• Beautiful grounds. Friendly and knowledgeable docents who have a gift for storytelling. A wonderful selection of art, including Gromme, Audubon and Sherrie York.
• A great asset to the Wausau area.
“We’re just in heaven when we come here,” visitors from Three Lakes told a volunteer greeter on June 1.
Via Digital Guestbook comments, recent visitors shared what inspired them during their time here:
• Awesome art and people!
• The beauty inspired us to make beauty in our own space.
• I love the entire experience. I consider this museum to be the best we have in Wisconsin.
• Beautiful depictions of birds, light, and nature.
• Beauty of building and grounds.
• Great spaces and diverse collections.
• I thought that it was great to see the skill levels of all of the artists with the different mediums. Everything was beautiful!!! :)
• Interesting.
• Love it.
• Peaceful relaxing.
• The architecture and work from so many artists.
• Everything is PERFECT! The building is equally as beautiful to the art inside. The staff are amazing and answered every question we had. We are blown away by this museum!
• The detail in the work.
• The showcase of artists and their inspiration/process to create.
• Inspiration for crafters and children in Makers’ Mediums.
• Unique educational exhibits.
• Everything is so well maintained.
• Wood carved and painted exhibits, absolutely fined detailed and craftsmanship, very stunning.
• Everything! We are birders from Maine. We have purchased the catalogs for years!
• Awesome layout, great atmosphere, and local pride.
Whether a traveler or local resident, you’ll find plenty of ways to savor the season, solo or with others, this summer at the Woodson Art Museum.
