A Year in Review

by Andy McGivern, curator of exhibitions

In my role scheduling upcoming exhibitions at the Woodson Art Museum, I’m always looking ahead. It’s fun to look back, too, because 2013 was such a good year for the Museum. We had a terrific and varied lineup of exhibitions enlivened by dynamic artist residencies. Museum renovations brought improvements to the main entrance, visitor services area, and galleries, and some wonderful artworks were added to the collection including three new sculptures on the grounds.

Here are a few photos highlighting some of what was offered at the Museum in the past year.

Calvin Nicholls shares techniques he developed
to create his paper sculpture.

Jason Ramey discusses and demonstrates
wood bending using a steam box.

Ramey assists students (including me)
in a wood-bending workshop.

Sherrie York teaches students linocut printing before
they try designing and making a print of their own.

Students ink a woodblock during Sherrie York’s
residency, “Let the Good Times Steamroll.”

York and area students place fabric over a large, inked
woodblock that is about to be pressed with a large roller. 

Nancy Laliberte and Gil Dellinger paint
en plein air near the Wisconsin River.

Jan Stommes paints in the courtyard of St. John's Episcopal Church during Paint the Town: A Plein-Air Paint Out
held on the opening weekend of Celebrating Summer: Plein-Air
Painters of America.

Paul Rhymer works with Dave Jones
during a Rhymer workshop.

Paul Rhymer pours molten bronze during one of
many school and public demonstrations
throughout his weeklong residency.

David Huchthausen leads one of two gallery walks
discussing the glass artwork in his 40-year retrospective.

If 2013 is an indication, the future looks bright for the Woodson Art Museum. We have a great lineup of exhibitions scheduled – Magic, Upcycled Style, Pop Art, and more – along with some amazing artist residencies. Visit often to experience all that we have planned to foster the visual arts in central Wisconsin and beyond.