The World According to Federico Uribe, this summer’s immersive installation of colorful, assembled-object sculptures, offers appealing options that beckon like a shimmering spot to swim. This summer, bring friends and family often to the Woodson Art Museum – always admission free – to plunge in, creating deep reservoirs of new memories, overflowing with joy.

With this headline, I’m quite certain I have your attention. Who doesn’t love all three?! Indulge your curiosity and senses June 2 through August 26 with a visit to the Woodson Art Museum, always admission free, and join in a gallery walk with Federico on Saturday, June 2, at 1:00 p.m.; he might have something to say about babies and puppies, too.

After five months, four interviews, three rounds of negotiations, two plane trips, and one incredible job offer, I decided to stay at the Woodson Art Museum.

Spring is my favorite time of the year. The weather warms up, leaves begin to bud and, best of all, a variety of new birds makes their way back to our area. As an avid birder, I always look forward to the spring migration count which took place on Saturday, May 12.

A “Happy Birthday” chorus lilted through the gallery as a 2-year-old was feted by fellow class participants, including twins who declared that they were “old and big” (in a program for children 18 months to 4 years). A newly minted big sister returned with her mom and shared news of her little brother’s arrival. And the following day, the Woodson Art Museum welcomed the youngest Art Babies participant in recent memory . . . a 3-week-old cherub snuggled close to a proud, elated, sleep-deprived first-time-mom.

The long-awaited arrival of spring in north central Wisconsin signals exciting changes in our activities, environment, and my energy level. Here’s a suggested way to embrace the spirit of spring: visit the Woodson Art Museum during photographer Ian Plant’s residency next weekend, May 12 & 13.

Each of us on the Woodson Art Museum staff does a sort of time-travel two-step, dancing between the present, while preparing for future exhibitions. I truly consider it a privilege to get these tantalizing glimpses into the future. Here’s a sampling of the wonders to come.

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.

At the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, standards of excellence are not abstract. They are the principles that guide the Museum’s operations, commitment to professionalism, and programming day in and day out.

The Woodson Art Museum’s current exhibition, Rarely Seen: Photographs of the Extraordinary offers large photographs of unusual and exotic scenes from around the world. I enjoy walking through the galleries, seeing visitors leaning in to study the details within the photographs or intently reading labels to learn more about the location or subject. I wonder how many of our visitors are adventurers, seeking out rare and exotic locations during their travels. Are they studying the photographs hoping to find inspiration for their next trip?