Author: Andrew McGivern, curator of exhibitions
Like a Kid in A Candy Store
Posted on October 18, 2017
As a child growing up on Wausau’s west side, I remember hot summer days when my friends and I would walk or bike nearly two miles to go swimming at McDonald Pool. On our way to the pool, we would stop at Kemp’s corner store to buy penny candy. Decisions, Decisions. Last winter, I had a similar experience.
Bad Hair Day & Molting Makeover
Posted on July 26, 2017
If you’ve visited the Woodson Art Museum during the past year, you’ve likely noticed near the main entrance the nearly thirty-foot-tall sculpture of a pair of dancing sandhill cranes made of tree saplings, tie-wraps, and plastic bags.
Indoor Birding and Art Appreciation
Posted on June 14, 2017
Being the Woodson Art Museum's resident expert – and I use that term loosely – on all things birds, I recently took on an Art 101 program designed as an indoor birding expedition among paintings, sculptures, prints, and drawings in the south galleries.
Birds Spring into Art
Posted on May 03, 2017
With spring comes hope. Hope for warmer weather, a new growing season, and time to get outside to enjoy nature. Spring also brings the return of migratory birds that fled to warmer climates last fall.
Our Newest Master Sculptor
Posted on March 22, 2017
A key component of the Woodson Art Museum’s flagship Birds in Art exhibition is the Museum’s Master Artist recognition for achievement within the avian-art genre. This tradition began with Wisconsin’s Owen Gromme in 1976 and over the years has highlighted the work of an international cast of thirty-six artists.
The Ephemeral Nature of Snow
Posted on February 08, 2017
Wisconsin winters can be unpredictable. Throughout twenty-seven years of coordinating the Woodson Art Museum’s monumental snow sculpture project with the Team USA trio, we’ve experienced capricious weather.
Life-List Highlights
Posted on November 16, 2016
Both within and beyond the Woodson Art Museum galleries, I enjoy bird watching and learning about our feathered friends. Like many fellow contemporary birders, I post my sightings to eBird, a website and mobile app. Whether or not you’re a birder, visit the Woodson Art Museum on or before November 27 to experience Birds in Art, a must-see highlight for your exhibition life list.
With Thanks!
Posted on October 05, 2016
There are moments in life that catch you off guard in unexpected ways. During the opening weekend of Birds in Art, I experienced such a moment.
Honoring Our Mothers
Posted on August 24, 2016
My mother-in-law, Esther, celebrated her 97th birthday last week. At her party, Esther was surrounded by her loving family, honoring another birthday milestone. She is fortunate to still live at home, cared for by family members who help ground her when she struggles with memory loss.
Art Park: A Grandparent’s Go-To Spot
Posted on July 13, 2016
As a new grandparent, I’d forgotten – since our parenting days so long ago – how nice it is to have places to take a toddler. Art Park, the Woodson Art Museum’s interactive family gallery, is designed and built by the Museum’s educators and facilities staff to offer ever-changing intergenerational, art– and nature–based activities for drop-in fun.
