The following article was written by Diana Bolander, Curator/Assistant Director.
The holiday season is officially upon us! Many people are searching for special gifts not delayed by interruptions in the supply chain. The Rahr-West Art Museum has options for people of all ages, including those hard-to-shop-for people that seem to already have everything.
The Museum Shoppe has many unique items, from scarves and gloves to playful art-inspired socks, and jewelry. There is also a selection of holiday décor items and a variety of beautiful ornaments chosen with care by volunteers of the Rahr-West Art Museum. A puzzle paired with your loved one’s favorite hot cocoa or tea would be a cozy winter gift! As a bonus, proceeds from the Shoppe help fund educational programs at the museum, so one can feel good knowing the purchase helps support Museum outreach.
For those with everything or those looking to downsize or declutter, an experience-based gift is the way to go. We offer gift certificates for classes of all ages. In early 2022 our children’s classes will focus on the myth and magic of Marc Chagall, a variety of pour-painting projects, female artists Georgia O’Keeffe and Mary Cassatt, and hand-building with clay.
In addition, we are expanding our slate of adult classes and introducing teen art classes as well.This is a gift perfect for anyone regardless of age interested in trying new things. A gift of a sketchbook, drawing media, and the figure-drawing series (nude or clothed sessions) is an excellent opportunity for one to slow down once a month and focus on developing a new skill. Our educator-artist Sonia Vasquez recommends a Stillman & Birn sketchbook for their durability and Cretacolor woodless pencils for their precision.
A family membership paired with a gift certificate to a local restaurant would be a meaningful gift for grandparents. Beginning in Summer 2022 the Vilas-Rahr Mansion will be accessible to those using wheelchairs and walkers that may have not been up the stairs in quite some time.Invite them to peruse the newly installed exhibits and reminisce about past visits. Members will get information about celebrations when the space reopens as well as invitations to receptions and our quarterly newsletter. There is no gift better than spending time together!
For travelers, a Supporter level membership at the Rahr-West Art Museum provides enrollment in the North American Reciprocal Museum Association (NARM) and Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museum (ROAM). Member organizations offer free general admission and discounts. There are over one thousand arts, cultural, and historical institutions in the United States, Bermuda, Canada, El Salvador, and Mexico, along with botanical gardens, children’s museums, science and technology centers and more, that offer NARM qualified members reciprocal benefits. NARM institutions in Wisconsin include the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass in Neenah, The Milwaukee Art Museum, The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Trout Museum of Art in Appleton. Visit the NARM website to see a complete listing of participating organizations.
Our final gift suggestion is to donate to the Rahr-West Art Museum Foundation in your loved one’s name. The Rahr-West Art Museum relies on donations for special projects, including class scholarships, education programs, lectures, collections care, exhibits, and conservation needs.This type of gift helps ensure the Rahr-West Art Museum will continue enriching the lives of those that live, work, and play in Manitowoc. It is an investment in the future of the museum and our community.
For more information on classes and donations, see our website at rahrwestartmuseum.org. Gift certificates for classes can be purchased at the museum Tuesdays through Fridays during open hours or by calling (920) 686-3090.
