Teen Voice: Rachelle–Connecting with Art at the Milwaukee Art Museum

To me, art is not about the finished product but instead is a process of thoughts, motives, symbols, creativity and challenge. A museum’s central purpose is to secure and preserve the heritage of each work as a whole, ensuring that the voice of each artist is heard to reflect their thoughts, curiosity, and growth. Museums connect art with visitors beyond just the visual sense.

On a personal level, art has always been a part of my life. Whether it be in dance, thought, or in action; art surrounds me. As an intern here at the Milwaukee Art Museum, my appreciation for creativity, innovation, and artists new and old has only grown. Art as a whole, has changed through time, increasing in meaning and expression. In my eyes, the finished product of art does not need to make complete sense to every individual. The same piece of art I may find beautiful may not meet another’s standards of beauty. Art lives on, beyond the surface of a canvas, in the Museum.

One meaningful exhibition to me is the Veterans Book Project, on view through November 10, 2013. It has made its way to Milwaukee, facilitating bookmaking workshops and recording experiences of war veterans and their family members local to the city of Milwaukee. Veterans that have fought in the war and those who have been affected by current American wars arrange their story into print-on-demand books. The Veterans Book Project Library, which includes the work of Milwaukee veterans, has 53 books to be on view. Visitors can read, write, and have conversations to connect to the veterans’ experiences.

The special exhibition that is currently residing at the museum is also one that broadens horizons. One piece featured in 30 Americans by Wangechi Mutu grasps the concept of the bodies of women in the way that they are constantly transforming. The image of a woman is crafted by the media, manipulating and distorting beyond recognition.

Because of one piece of artwork, we are challenged to self-reflect and step back from our lives and truly just think.

The Milwaukee Art Museum holds beauty, cradles life, and encourages truth. The Museum is the soul of Milwaukee and is a safe haven for all types of community inspiration. I for one will continue to believe in its mission and support the Milwaukee Art Museum in any way that I can.

Rachelle is a Summer 2013 High School Intern at the Milwaukee Art Museum. This post was written as part of a blogging lesson led by Emerald Summers, Summer 2013 Teaching Assistant Intern for Teen Programs.