Conley Publishing - Special Sections
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/489247
By Joe VanDeLaarschot Daily News Staff At the Museum of Wisconsin Art, not only can you view art — you can make it. In April 2013, MOWA moved to the east bank of the Milwaukee River in West Bend. The building itself is a work of art. "As the only museum in the world dedicated to collecting and maintaining works from Wisconsin, MOWA provides an insight to the human condition that is unavailable anywhere else," MOWA Director of Public Relations and Social Media Christina Wright said. "The public can wander throughout the building and see the work of many artists using many different methods, but the public can also create their own art in the MOWA Masters Program." By taking part in the MOWA Masters, participants learn new techniques and meet the artists behind the works they love. "People can learn first hand from professionals about how to make your own piece of art using a wide range of differ- ent formats and methods," Wright said. "MOWA celebrates the value, diversity and uniqueness of the visual arts and artists of Wisconsin. This is achieved by collect- ing, conserving, documenting, exhibiting and promoting aesthetic understanding of the visual arts of Wisconsin." Graeme Reid, MOWA's director of col- lections and exhibitions, said the museum is the most accessible museum in Wisconsin. "We're easy to find, being located next to a major highway, and we have plenty of free parking," Reid said. "We exhibit art that spans over 180 years in subjects and styles that appeal to everyone. We're the only museum in Wisconsin that annually shows art by 250 of its members from 5 to 80. No other museum is as easy to get to, get into and be a part of." Wright said MOWA is also unique with a one-day admission charge of $12, which also makes a visitor a museum member — eliminating daily admission charges for a year. "At MOWA, we don't nickel and dime our members for programs and events like artist studios, Baby Loves Art and Coffee Talks, which are unique to our museum," MOWA Executive Director Laurie Winters said. "Our focus is on building an ongoing and meaningful relationship with our mem- bers around Wisconsin art." MOWA's building has received several awards for its architecture. Its visible storage area is the only system of its type in an art museum in Wisconsin. The glass-encased room allows visitors to see artwork in storage. MOWA also offers several other programs on a regular basis and offers special programs and learning sessions. Upcoming events include: • "There's a Place: A Three Decade Survey of Photographs" by J. Shimon and J. Lindermann, April ll through June 7. The two American artists are best known for photographs about the Midwest using antiquated processes. • "Agrarian Angles: Landscapes" by Richard W. Patt, April 9 through July 15. Patt's landscapes depict Wisconsin's farmland and iconic barns. • "Pitch Project," April 11- June 7, is an incubator for contemporary art in south- eastern Wisconsin. MOWA also offers yoga classes on the first and third Saturdays every month from 8:30-9:45 a.m. in the atrium area. Two local residents conduct the classes, which also include meditation exercises. Photos by John Ehlke Top, Iris Nordine, 9, of Eagle River looks over the art on display during the opening reception for the Super MOWA Members' Show at the Museum of Wisconsin Art in West Bend. The gallery featured 250 art pieces from members of the Museum. Bottom, Sue Giilbertson of Slinger adjusts her dragon gloves as her wings are put into place during the opening reception for the Super MOWA Members' Show at the Museum of Wisconsin Art. The gallery featured 250 art pieces from members of the Museum. Photo by John Ehlke Director Laurie Winters,left, and Graeme Reid work on hanging one of the photographs as part of the Polka Heartland exhibit at the Museum of Wisconsin Art on Jan. 29 in West Bend. 2 • E x p l o r i n g t h e A r t s • N e w s G r a p h i c & D a i l y N e w s • A p r i l 2 0 1 5 M y husband Tom and I enjoyed a wonderful evening in December. We dined at Morton's in Cedarburg and then attended Kathy Mattea's Songs and the Season at the Cedarburg Performing Arts Center. The concert added to the joy of the holiday season for us. We were reminded how fortunate we are to live and work in Washington and Ozaukee counties where art is valued and nurtured. The Arts Council England presented an evidence review of The Value of Arts and Culture to People and Society. They concluded that "life without the collective resources of our libraries, museums, theatres and galleries, or without the personal expression of literature, music and art, would be static and sterile". I couldn't agree more. Arts and culture enlighten our lives and enrich our world, improving our social wellbeing and sense of community. Beyond the intrinsic value of art, the Arts Council identified four additional areas that benefit from the arts: the economy (attracting visitors; creating jobs and developing skills; attracting and retaining businesses; revitalizing places; and developing talent), health and wellbeing, society and education. Peter Bazalgette, Arts Council chief, wrote: "...the primary reason we make both public and private investments in the arts is for the inherent value of culture: life-enhancing, entertaining, defining of our personal and national identities. When I bang the drum for this investment, with national and local government, with philanthropists, charities and companies, a consensus is emerging as to why this is so important. It starts with the inherent value of culture, continues through all the social and educational benefits and only ends with the economic. Otherwise we fall into Oscar Wilde's celebrated definition of a cynic: knowing the price of everything and the value of nothing". I join with Peter and encourage you to make an investment in our collective quality of life. Visit a local museum or live theatre. Become a season ticket holder. Commission or buy a piece of art from a local artist. Nurture a child's love of music. Discover a new passion. You'll be glad you did. — Heather Rogge is publisher of the News Graphic and Daily News. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 2 . . . .At MOWA you see art and create your own Page 3 . . . .West Bend is teeming with art – West Bend Friends of Sculpture Inc. Page 4 . . . .A patchwork of history – Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts Page 5 . . . .Show off at the Blueburg Café Page 5 . . . .Mequon-Senior artists in a league of their own Page 8 . . . .Artists from Washington and Ozaukee counties come together to share their art – Cedarburg Artists Guild Page 9 . . . .Grafton Arts Mill celebrates four successful years Page 10 . . .Taking his talent to the top – woodcarver Jack Pettey Page 11 . . .Cedarburg Art Museum hosts two unique exhibits At MOWA you see art and create your own