The following article was written by Matthew Schliesman, Rahr-West Art Museum Board of Directors, for the Art Forward series.
PUBLIC ART is art that is created for all and is free to see, and it is increasingly present in our daily lives. Each mural (there are at least sixteen in Manitowoc at last count), each piece of statuary, each once-faceless electrical box now vibrant with color and story (we’re up to eleven of these) makes our community more interesting, more aesthetically alive, and more economically attractive. Whether of a historic, commercial, or whimsical nature, public art is making the Lakeshore pop.
Manitowoc’s anchor for public art is the Rahr-West Art Museum. The museum, comprised of a historic 1891 mansion and two adjoining galleries, boasts a permanent collection that includes works by Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe, Alexander Calder, Rosa Bonheur, Andrew Wyeth, Jasper Johns, David Hockney, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, William Bouguereau, and many more artists of world renown. Numerous regional artists are included in the permanent collection, as well, including Lester Bentley, Doris White, Ron Stokes, Mary West, and Johann Berthelsen. The permanent collection is featured in gallery exhibits on a rotating basis.
The Rahr-West Art Museum was named one of USA Today’s “10 Great Places to See Art in Smaller Cities,” cited for its “World Class Art Collection.”
“The Rahr West Museum is a community treasure that offers opportunities to enjoy the works of acclaimed artists while also developing personal artist skills in a variety of mediums,” shares museum member Carole Witt Starck. “For our community, the Museum guarantees our rating as a major contributor to the arts in Wisconsin. The museum helps to maintain and expand our cultural heritage and appreciation for Manitowoc’s recognized quality of life.”
The Rahr-West Art Museum is owned by the City of Manitowoc. Being a public arts facility, there is no fee to enter. While there is no admission, the museum relies on its Membership Program to fund special expenses that fall outside of the City’s budget. Examples include building projects such as the porte cochere upgrades, support for the architectural planning for the elevator project, and the front desk remodel, along with opportunities for enhancing specific operations and programming. Annual Memberships exist in increments from $75 to $5,000 and beyond. Benefits received for memberships increase with each level of support.
In addition to the permanent collection, the museum hosts a diverse series of temporary and travelling exhibits throughout the year. Coming up in 2022: Youth Art Series; Geo Rutherford; Stolen Sisters; League of Milwaukee Artists; Space to Sea; Members & County Arts Exhibition; The Art of Tablesetting; Tiny Art; Becca Jabs; and Christmas in the Mansion.
Arts education is a passionate priority for the Rahr-West, linking the museum’s cultural and educational resources to families and schools in the community. Classes are offered in Adult Programs, Critique & Conversation Series, Figure Drawing/Painting, Preschool & Family Programs, Teen Art Classes, and Youth Art Classes.
Long-time music educators and Rahr-West members Jim and Susie Miller see the value of the museum this way: “Like a beautiful magnet, over the course of more than 40 years we have been pulled to the Rahr-West Art Museum. The school art exhibits, the Art of Table Settings, the Quilters exhibits, the County Artists’ exhibit, the Marc Chagall: Le Cirque exhibit and other great art are the incentives to keep coming back. The Rahr-West Art Museum is a wonderful gift to the community for all to enjoy and be inspired, uplifted and fulfilled.”
Like the rest of the city, the Rahr-West Art Museum is looking ahead. At this writing, an elevator is being installed to improve access to all levels of the mansion. Additionally, this will allow future development of the mansion’s third floor for exhibits. Also, the mansion’s front “yard” has been newly landscaped for outdoor activities with future plans for a sculpture garden.
The Rahr-West Art Museum stands as a significant and unique example of public art for the people of Manitowoc. Participating is how we acknowledge the value of public art: experiencing the art and exhibits in person. For the Rahr-West Art Museum, individuals and organizations taking the next step of becoming a Member helps the museum move forward into an even more engaging and impactful future.
The Rahr-West Art Museum is located at 610 N. 8th Street. Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10-4, and Saturday-Sunday, 11-4. Information on exhibits, membership, education programs and more can be found at www.rahrwestartmuseum.org or by calling 920-686-3090. Other public art in our community will be found “out there” on the side of that building, over in the park, around the corner, down the block…. Enjoy!
