As I approach the four-month mark here at the museum, there is much to celebrate both in my personal life and professional life. At the museum, this four-month mark has brought me to my very first Birds in Art. Growing up in Wausau, Birds in Art is an integral piece of how the city comes to life in the fall. Everyone know that as the school year started, art featuring our fine feathered friends would grace the walls and floor space of the Woodson Art Museum. What I was unprepared to witness was the gathering of the community that was truly the highlight of the celebration. I don’t believe you can capture the magic of this exhibition and the lifelong friendships that are formed through it until you are able to witness it in person. It is the one time each year that patrons, artists, and community members alike can get together, celebrate the art forms they love, and build lasting relationships with folks from far and wide. For those who were able to attend this year, or who helped create some of that magic, I am so grateful for the contributions everyone made and the way the community showed up to help us kick off this annual event.
Top left: Mary Apikos giving her Artist in Action talk on Friday evening. Bottom left: The winning barrel golf team from up north. Right: A variety of patrons exploring the galleries during opening weekend.
I would love to say that Birds in Art was the most spectacular event in my life at the start of the fall season, but I would be lying. Shortly before the opening, my partner and I took a trip to Traverse City, Michigan for what he labeled “one last big vacation before Birds in Art takes off.” I thought this trip would include relaxing by the lake, eating delicious food, and traveling to some of the city’s well-known wineries. What I didn’t know was that he had ulterior motives for planning the trip in the first place. On our first day spending time at our hotel, in front of the lake, he proposed, and we got engaged with Lake Michigan as a stunning backdrop!
A few images from our trip featuring a photo at a local winery and a close up of the engagement ring, with the beach background.
While the trip did include fabulous food, marvelous views, and delicious wine, it also included a new season of life and exciting new events to plan for. Next year may be year two of my Birds in Art experience but it will once again be overshadowed by the magic of a wedding ceremony and celebration with friends and family. Maybe in year three Birds in Art will finally take center stage!
Handprint art made with sand and shells from the beach where we got engaged.
