Working in the Presence of Art

I’ve heard it so many times: “Wow, you get to work here. You get to see all this artwork daily!?” Yes, I do and it isn’t something I take for granted. There is something very therapeutic and energizing about being surrounded by beautiful things. The most mundane tasks seem just a little more enjoyable in their presence. And when the weather is less than enjoyable or my mood is less than jovial – a dose of art helps to readjust my outlook.

I wonder if I’m in better mental health because of where I work? I’d venture to say “Yes.”

Even though I work at the Woodson Art Museum, it’s not like I get to hang out in the galleries with the art all day. As Maceo Parker sings: “I’ve got work to do!”

In fact, I’m kind of jealous of colleagues who get more time with the art then I do – mostly the curators and the guards.

Sometimes I daydream about being some kind of “mad” curator, locking myself in a vault with all the art, and displaying and rearranging art for my sole enjoyment.

As entertaining as this mental image is (I’m holding back chuckles as I write), the root of my love of art comes from the interaction we have with it.

I love the wonder and awe Museum visitors have when they realize Kua is bronze and not driftwood; the discovery and delight my 9-½-month-old son has every time he visits Art Park; and the constant quest for knowledge that every changing exhibition means for me.

For these reasons and many more, I so enjoy working in the presence of art.

It's a Goose!

The Woodson Art Museum’s outdoor sculpture collection has grown slowly but steadily since the first installation in late 1983. It seems like just yesterday that a small crew of staff and local tradesmen, including quarrymen and crane operators, worked in cold November winds and snow showers to install Kent Ullberg’s Eagle Rock Monument in the 12th Street courtyard. As a first effort, it provided valuable lessons that made installing seventeen subsequent works much less difficult.

Eighteen bronze and stone sculptures are now thoughtfully placed around the grounds. From nearly every vista, beautiful sculptural creations enhance the landscape. A duo of towering whooping cranes greets and draws visitors to the main walkway, while a friendly wallowing rhino attracts young and old alike to climb atop its broad back for a picture-perfect moment. Many works are easy to spot; others, like the mountain lion overlooking the Woodland Pond, are tucked away to surprise and delight.

The new kid on the block is Yard Boss, Walter T. Matia’s life-size bronze African goose, placed to charm visitors as they walk along 12th Street. Its head, just visible over the brick wall, will surely bring a smile to your face, but as you draw near, your delight could turn to fright as the goose’s imposing demeanor is revealed. Fear not. As is true of its real-life counterpart, the yard boss’s bark is worse than his bite.

Matia has skillfully sculpted the African goose in a guard-dog stance with a combination of arrogance, danger, and comedy. The bronze sculpture is certain to become a photo favorite. Matia has taken the essence of the bird and created an endearing character that I have affectionately named “Walt” – it just seems to fit.

Yard Boss takes up guard duty at the Woodson Art Museum thanks to the artist’s generous gift.

The Way We Write

It’s been almost twelve months since six Woodson Art Museum staff members launched “Woodson Wanderings.” We believe that we undertook our blog with a practical sense of responsibility to deliver informative weekly content and also with the mindset that it is better to under-promise and over-deliver than the negative alternative.

While actual comments on the blog site have been few and far between, we know we have readers and even a few followers. Each of us has heard from both occasional and regular readers . . . and although I don’t want to sound “needy,” let’s be honest, feedback is always good as well as appreciated.

So what have we, the six rotating writers, learned over the past year?
-- Deadlines, even once every six weeks, roll around faster than you might think.
-- Although our day-to-day activities are varied and often surprisingly unusual, it’s not always easy to settle on a topic.
-- The lead sentence is the hardest one to write . . . okay, the entire entry can be a challenge.
-- It’s easier to edit than it is to actually author.
-- Does anyone really “like” to write?!

We’ve likely learned other things about ourselves and one another and for sure we can each attest to the old adage that “what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.”

I am enormously proud of my partners in this venture. Each deserves an enthusiastic shout out.

Here’s to Marcia, Andy, Jane, Erin, and Jayna!









I know that writing doesn’t always come easy। Throughout the year, everyone has kept their cool as well as a sense of humor। And everyone has refined their personal style, too.


As we embark on year two, I offer up this rogue’s gallery of who we are and where we write as well as my promise that we’ll keep “Woodson Wanderings” weekly, fresh, and even occasionally saucy.

Thanks for wandering with us.

Photos clockwise: Jane Weinke, Marcia Theel, Jayna Hintz, Erin Narloch, and Andy McGivern.

Just Thinking Ahead

Many of us go through life planning for just a few days ahead or perhaps into the next week. Some folks may schedule appointments a few weeks or months out or may plan a vacation six to eight months in advance.

As curator of exhibitions, I’m mostly planning two to three years in advance. Traveling exhibitions are offered years before they appear on a museum’s walls. In order to secure exceptional exhibitions, I diligently and continually search for exhibitions that are a good fit for the Woodson and our audiences.

A few of months ago, I received a call from Peter Korn, director of the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, Rockport, Maine. He’s organizing an exhibition called Boxes and Their Makers and looking for interested venues. After reviewing the material and sharing it with our exhibition selection committee, I received the go-ahead to book it for the Woodson for winter 2011 – 2012.

Once I confirmed our presentation of Boxes and Their Makers, I met with Roger Zimmerman and Pat Peckham, members of the Wisconsin Valley Woodturners, to discuss an exhibition of work by central and northern Wisconsin woodworkers. Both Roger and Pat found the possibilities intriguing, especially the opportunity to work on an exhibition twenty-seven months in advance.

Together, Roger, Pat, and I established criteria for our locally organized exhibition and, with the help of the Woodson’s summer intern, we came up with the title Think Inside the Box. The premise is for woodworkers to create enclosed containers that house an object or decorative design that gives each box a special character.

Now, if I could just find the perfect exhibition for the summer of 2012.