Elaina Johann, administrative manager
Working at the Woodson Art Museum is highly cyclical. Each week’s milestones can be relatively predictable, which helps keep me on track, measure growth, or offer reassurance that we still have time. However, for the most part, it can be broken down into two sections: April through September for Birds in Art preparation, October through March for planning, big projects, and catching my breath (which still involves some Birds in Art).
With us now fully in the Birds in Art section of the year (the submission deadline for entries was last Monday) I can reflect on how the other half of the year treated me.
One bright spot in the last six months was planning for our next Museum trip. The Museum host travel opportunities for our members and friends that take us to both major art hubs and smaller towns both offering varied artistic discoveries. In recent years we have traveled to Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico, Minneapolis, Sheboygan, and were even happily surprised by the small town of Nashville, Indiana made known by the Brown County Art Colony.
With my coworkers Holly Van Eperen and Shannon Pueschner, we have pieced together a full itinerary exploring towns in south central and western Wisconsin in Tapestries of the Driftless. Starting on October 14, the three-night, four-day trip will use Madison as our home base as we set off each day to explore what the Driftless Region has to offer.
When planning these trips together, we first start with a location and then each conduct independent research. Because of our varying interests and past experiences, each of us bring a distinct perspective to planning these trips. Together, we build a well-rounded trip that focuses on what our members want—a robust continuing education travel experience that incorporates experiences you couldn’t get on your own, good company of fellow like-minded travelers, and opportunities to enjoy exceptional food.
Once we have an idea of the art and cultural institutions we want to visit, then comes time to scout out the locations. Conduction reconnaissance with the mentality of group travel is key to the success of a trip. We have to consider the challenges of maneuvering a coach but through narrow city streets, and while that charming café may seem perfect for lunch, it simply can’t accommodate all 24 of us. All of these details are taken care of by the Museum, so when you sign up for a Woodson Art Museum trip, there is nothing for you to worry about, except enjoying yourself and gaining some new knowledge.
Spots are still open for Tapestries of the Driftless, but do not delay, we fill up fast! Check out the itinerary and we hope it piques your interest. Holly, Shannon, and I have a bit more up our sleeves that we hope to surprise you with!
