One of the greatest joys of working at the Woodson Art Museum is seeing smiling faces and hearing happy chatter as you walk through the galleries. Over the four days of the Birds in Art Opening Experience, starting with the Members Preview on Thursday and Friday, September 7 and 8 there were 1,677 smiling faces including those of 58 exhibiting artists and their numerous guests. We can’t thank you enough for your enthusiasm for the 48th edition of the exhibition and the Museum!
![Artist stand in a group for photo](https://www.lywam.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Blog-91323-artists.jpg)
2023 Birds in Art attending artists
![2023 Master Wildlife Artist Paul Rhymer talking about his artwork, Corvid 19: Murder Suspects](https://www.lywam.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Blog-91323-Paul-Rhymer.jpg)
2023 Master Wildlife Artist Paul Rhymer talking about his artwork, Corvid 19: Murder Suspects
![Paul Rhymer received Master Wildlife metal from Walter T. Matia](https://www.lywam.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Blog-91323-master-metal.jpg)
Paul Rhymer receiving his Master Wildlife medal from fellow Master Wildlife Artist Walter T. Matia
![Paul Rhymer gives Master Wildlife Artist Talk "A Recovering Taxidermist's Journey Toward Art" on Saturday, September 9](https://www.lywam.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Blog-91323-Rhymer-Talk.jpg)
Paul Rhymer giving his Master Wildlife Artist Talk “A Recovering Taxidermist’s Journey Toward Art” on Saturday, September 9
![Lucrezia Bieler presents her paper cutting talents at Saturday's Artists in Action](https://www.lywam.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Blog-91323-Lucrezia-Bieler-AIA.jpg)
Lucrezia Bieler presenting her paper cutting talents during Saturday’s Artists in Action
![Kris Parins talks in front of her artwork during a Members Preview Gallery Chat](https://www.lywam.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Blog-91323-Kris-Parins-GC.jpg)
Kris Parins talking in front of her artwork Feathered Friends during a Members Preview Gallery Chat
![](https://www.lywam.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Blog-91323-Karen-Bondarchuk-GC.jpg)
Karen Bondarchuk speaking in front of her artwork Endürer during a Members Preview Gallery Chat
![Tom Hill talks in front of Marcel Witte's artwork during a Members Preview Gallery Chat](https://www.lywam.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Blog-91323-Tom-Hill-GC.jpg)
Tom Hill talking in front of Marcel Witte’s artwork Cooling Down during a Members Preview Gallery Chat
![Spencer Tinkham shows off his carving skills during a Members Preview Artist in Action](https://www.lywam.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Blog-91323-Spencer-Tinkham-AIA.jpg)
Spencer Tinkham showing off his carving skills during Saturday’s Artist in Action
![](https://www.lywam.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Blog-91323-Sherrie-York-GC.jpg)
Sherrie York talking in front of her artwork Exposure Risk during a Members Preview Gallery Chat
![](https://www.lywam.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Blog-91323-Sarah-Drummond-AIA.jpg)
Sarah Drummond explaining printmaking techniques at Saturday’s Artists in Action
![](https://www.lywam.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Blog-91323-Nicholas-Wilson-AIA.jpg)
Nicholas Wilson demonstrating his carving skills during a Members Preview Artist in Action
![](https://www.lywam.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Blog-91323-Mary-Apikos-AIA.jpg)
Mary Apikos presenting her drawing techniques during a Members Preview Artist in Action
We also want to thank our many vendors and partners that make Birds in Art go off without a hitch. Thanks go to these local vendors and their staffs that helped make the Opening Experience a success.
- 6th Street Filling Station, Wausau
- Accentu, Wausau
- Bealightful Acres, Central Wisconsin Area
- Caravan Wine Shop, Stevens Point
- Clay House Pizza Kiln, Weston
- Digi Copy, Wausau
- Friends of Rib Mountain State Park
- Hilton Garden Inn Wausau
- Jason Riddle, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
- Kasuns Smokehouse, Wisconsin Rapids
- Lamers Bus Lines, Wausau
- Monk Botanical Gardens, Wausau
- Mosinee Brewing Company
- Northfork Fin & Filet, Arbor Vitae
- Purple Basil, Wisconsin Rapids
- Reindl Printing, Merrill
- Smokehound BBQ, New London
- Stone Press, Marshfield
- Sweet Cakes by Alexus, Iola
- Travelers Pub, Travis Hoffmann, Schofield
![staff stands for group photo](https://www.lywam.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Blog-91323-staff-phot.jpg)
Woodson Art Museum staff members Allison Slavick, Amalia Wojciechowski, Holly Van Eperen, Matt Foss, Daniel Knoedler, Emily Fritz, Shannon Pueschner, Rachel Hausmann-Schall, and Bryce Cebula
A very big thank you also goes to my co-workers. You all did a stellar job!
Are you interested in learning more about the Museum’s membership program so you can join for the Preview Experiences next year? Visit our website for details.
We hope to see you all again next year!