Author: Jane Weinke, curator of collections/registrar
Celebrating Collections
Posted on October 24, 2018
“You’ve come a long way baby,” is a phrase that came to mind as I began writing this Woodson Wanderings blog post.
Why that sentiment? As I considered the Woodson Art Museum’s collection, looking for a clever way to present the recent acquisitions, my mind wandered to the “Wish List,” consulted by the Collections Committee when making acquisitions. A six-member subcommittee of the board of directors, the Collections Committee guides all gifts and purchases for the Museum’s collection. The Wish List, developed dozens of years ago, was pages long and featured the names of both contemporary and historic artists whose artwork would enhance the collection and set the world standard for avian art.
Feathered Favorites Continued
Posted on July 11, 2018
As promised in my June 20 Woodson Wanderings blog post, here’s a sneak peek at another upcoming exhibition from the Woodson Art Museum’s inspiring collection.
Feathered Favorites
Posted on June 20, 2018
The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum’s collection is amazing. With more than 14,000 works available for exhibitions, the combinations and themes are endless. A frequent question, “do you have a favorite?” still takes me aback. I’ll admit some works appeal to me more than others, but mostly I find something intriguing in each artwork.
Perfect Staging
Posted on April 18, 2018
While I recently watched a broadcast of Jesus Christ Superstar, sang along, and marveled at the costumes and stage designs, it struck me that theater performances are organized much like art exhibitions.
Old People Don’t Bounce
Posted on March 07, 2018
My family and co-workers will attest that I have periods of clumsiness. Sometimes the incidents are resolved with a bandage and other times, not. After a recent ice-related fall, several doctors and X-rays, a removable brace, two fiberglass casts, and restrictions to not lift anything heavier than a toothbrush, I’m on the mend.
Mixing Traditions – Old and New
Posted on December 13, 2017
As the holidays approach, many of us likely are busy with traditional activities. Over the years, I’ve found that some of those once-exciting tasks, including Christmas shopping and decorating the house and a tree, have become less important. There remains one holiday custom – cookie baking – that I still hold dear.
Permanently Placed
Posted on November 01, 2017
As promised, this week I’m continuing a two-part blog focused on the Woodson Art Museum’s permanent collection. Gifts from artists and donors account for the majority of the artworks; the Museum also purchases artworks thanks to specific grants. All potential acquisitions are carefully reviewed by a Collections Committee – eight members representing the Board of Directors, staff, and community – and a Collections Management Policy along with a Collecting Plan guide decision making. Each work is diligently researched and the findings shared with the committee.
Counting Collections
Posted on October 25, 2017
Recently, I had a conversation with a longtime volunteer who asked how many objects comprise the Woodson Art Museum collection. His question was prompted by the number of artworks in Birds in Art that are accompanied by additional labels designating them as recent acquisitions. I smiled and replied how difficult that question is to answer.
Celebrating Family
Posted on June 28, 2017
The Wagner family spent nearly every Fourth of July at Thunder Lodge, a summer home on Deer Lake near Tomahawk, Wisconsin. From the late 1950s through 2011, generations of Wagners and friends spent the holiday swimming, biking, waterskiing, enjoying cookouts, and going to town for the fireworks.
Spring Fever
Posted on April 05, 2017
I don’t like to rush the seasons, but I do admit to longing for spring. I appreciate that the sky is brighter, the lawn greener, and blooming flowers add color to the landscape. These are encouraging sights after a long, snowy winter.
April is a time of change at the Woodson Art Museum, too.
