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Museum purchase with funds provided by
Nan Schaffer and Julie Kreiner
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In 1995, The Heavyweight, a life-size bronze hippo by Burt Brent was the sixth large-scale sculpture acquired for the Woodson Art Museum’s garden and quickly became a visitor favorite. I suspect there are two reasons for its popularity. One, most certainly, is its endearing pose. The huge animal appears to have collapsed into the mud, perhaps to escape the heat of the day, or maybe from its immense weight. Another, and I imagine the most appealing factor, is that it’s the single sculpture that can be touched. In fact you can sit on it, slide down it, stare into its soulful eyes, or just feel its texture and folds.
If you ever have shared these experiences you already are aware that at certain times of the day, the metal absorbs the heat of the sun and gets very warm – perhaps too warm. I cannot say it better than the attractive sign placed near The Heavyweight.

PS I am the only sculpture at the Museum that can be touched. That makes me special.”



Why not come and see the new shade structure during Family Fest, August 9-16? The week-long art-making festival will be held on the grounds adjacent to The Heavyweight and focuses on developing healthy habits including – exercise, nutrition, sun safety, and creativity – through art. Check out the schedule on our website.
We are grateful that support for the shade structure was provided in part by the Orville and Geraldine Peterson Family Trust of the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin.