Author: Jayna Hintz, curator of education
Hats off to Colleagues
Posted on March 04, 2015
My Woodson Art Museum colleagues and I wear many hats each day. Wearing stacks of hats isn’t necessarily a bad thing; after all, our days and lives are full and encompass many different aspects. As busy professionals, we rise early and stay up late to get things done.
Milestone Musings
Posted on January 21, 2015
As I welcome another year of life and learning, I’m reframing my definition of milestones from a focus on achievements and events to the journey between each phase of life.
TAC Is Changing . . . .
Posted on December 10, 2014
Change can trigger progress, causing things to move forward and develop. This fall brings change and progress to the Woodson Art Museum Teen Art Council or TAC.
Help SPARK! Solutions
Posted on September 17, 2014
Sunday afternoon’s SPARK! program for individuals with memory loss and their care partners at the Woodson Art Museum, September 21, 1-2:30 pm, fittingly follows Saturday’s nationwide walk to raise awareness for Alzheimer's care, support, and research.
I continually witness sensory-rich, interactive SPARK! programs at the Woodson break through and ease the isolation and depression that those with dementia often experience. SPARK! participants gather to view artwork and engage in related multisensory activities that incorporate movement, music, scent, and tactile objects. During a recent visit, one participant rose from his wheelchair to dance with me, displaying deft footwork! Subsequent group discussions and hands-on art making often evoke reminiscing, laughter, and feelings of belonging.
Ideas Create Ripples of Impact
Posted on August 06, 2014
An idea cast forth into the world can cause ripples that continue to touch many lives. My life was changed in 2009 when Helen Ramon, program officer at the Helen Bader Foundation, initiated a call to Wisconsin museums to develop programs for older adults. For me, a Woodson Art Museum educator, that "challenge" led to the opportunity to learn about an innovative program for those with dementia and their care partners called “Meet Me at MoMA” at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Ideas, methods, and best practices based on MoMA’s program subsequently were implemented at eleven Wisconsin museums. These museums formed an alliance and named their respective programs "SPARK!". Each museum tailored the program to fit the needs of its visitors and its specific environment.
Permission to Play
Posted on June 25, 2014
When was the last time you gave yourself permission to play? Last Thursday evening, during the preview for the Purely Prints exhibitions, Woodson Art Museum members took a moment to play, engaging in a fun printmaking process.
One of my favorite printing methods that I’ve used for over a decade with children now has found its way into the adult realm. Who could resist a pan filled with shaving cream and some colorful drops of food coloring? Resembling a white frosted cake with sprinkles, it’s calorie free and releases your creativity.
Wear Your Words
Posted on May 14, 2014
Wear Your Words on view at the Woodson Art Museum features teens’ social-action statements – upcycled garments from recycled materials. Through this and a recent Art Speaks exhibition of teen artwork created from repurposed furniture, the Museum continues to keep the voices and vision of young area artists in the public eye.
Teen Voices & TAC Visions
Posted on April 02, 2014
As the Woodson Art Museum’s Teen Art Council (TAC) advisor/mentor I’m proud to share the voices and visions of young artists that are integrated into Museum exhibitions and programs.
Mary Kluz: Unsung Woodson Art Museum Hero
Posted on February 18, 2014
This is a shout out to educational assistant Mary Kluz who for more than 16 years has cut hundreds of shapes, from intricate dinosaurs to simple geometrics, every month for Toddler Tuesday at the Woodson Art Museum. I develop six themed-based patterns . . . it’s Mary who cuts 100... Read More
Treasuring Memories
Posted on January 08, 2014
Holidays often are difficult for anyone who’s experienced the death of a loved one. Sometimes people find holidays, anniversaries, and birthdays can cause a resurgence of grief or feelings of loss. These are the reasons the Treasuring Memories program was developed in 2008 in collaboration with Aspirus Comfort Care and... Read More
