Milwaukee Art Museum Blog
On the first Monday in December, the Milwaukee Art Museum opens its doors to a passionate group of young people from the greater Milwaukee area. Dedicated educators and organizers prepare to greet more than 500 students in grades 3 through 12 who have come to be inspired by the thousands of works of art and express themselves through writing and drawing. This annual event is called the Art of Writing Young Authors and Artists Conference.
In celebration of Black History Month, we are highlighting one of the tours offered to school groups year-round: “Art by Artists of the African Diaspora.” On this tour, students explore the ways in which artists of African descent, including African Americans, use their work to document their lives, tell the stories of their communities, and fight for social change.
Here are some of the extraordinary works by African American artists featured on each tour. Find them in the Collection Galleries during your next Museum visit!
Discover how the photographs in Portrait of Milwaukee continue to reflect Milwaukee and its community. On December 5, 2019, local residents created a living library inside the exhibition and shared personal stories that relate to specific works on view.
Co-organized with: Ex Fabula
Windhover Hall is transformed into a winter wonderland this holiday season, with 40 new art-inspired snowflakes on display through the first week of January 2020. Museum staff collaborated with local artist Fred Kaems to create nine unique snowflake designs, inspired by popular works of art in the Museum’s Collection. Read on to learn more about the creative process, from the artist himself—and see the final designs up close!
We are so proud to call ourselves Milwaukeeans—and we know many of you are, too! This holiday season, give your loved ones creative gifts that feel like home. From locally made products to exclusive designs, the Museum Store has something for every proud Milwaukeean on your list. Check out some of our favorites below.
Much like our curators, the Museum’s archivists typically work behind-the-scenes. However, on October 2, in honor of Ask An Archivist Day, our social media followers were able to learn more about archival work and get a peek inside the daily lives of our on-site archivists. Check out some of the questions and responses below!
You see the exhibitions and the beautiful works of art in our galleries, but how often do you see the people who, through careful thought, research, and planning, helped bring them here?
Much of a curator’s work takes place behind-the-scenes, and most Museum visitors only get to see the final products—new art acquisitions and stunning exhibitions. But on September 18, 2019, in honor of International #AskACurator Day, we encouraged our social media followers to ask our curators anything! Check out some of the questions and responses below.
If you visit the Museum between October 21 and November 10, you’ll notice the rise of the Burke Brise Soleil (“wings”) is a bit more rocking. The daily architectural feat, rising at 10 a.m., noon, and right before the Museum closes, will be temporarily accompanied by the song “Elevation” by U2.
We’re not just in a “rock music” kind of mood now that the wings are spruced up. In early June, the Museum kicked off its annual giving campaign—with a new, exciting twist. For every gift of $50 or more, donors received one entry into our “Program the Wings” drawing, and one lucky winner was selected to pick the music that would accompany the opening and closing of the “wings” for a short period of time.
So, who won? Drumroll, please….
If you’ve owned dogs, you likely have a few stories to tell—maybe your pup has run through the house with muddy paws, learned an impressive trick, cuddled with you when you were sick, or kept you company when you were home alone. Dog-human relationships can be very special, even life-changing, which is why these furry friends continue to be featured in books, movies—and art. From fierce hunting partners to lazy-day companions, the Museum’s Collection shows a wide range of “good boys” (and girls).
Celebrated Wisconsin artist and beloved University of Wisconsin–Madison professor Truman Lowe passed away on March, 30, 2019, leaving behind a powerful legacy.