The Chamber of Manitowoc County recognized the Rahr-West Art Museum for its 75th anniversary on Thursday (May 15th).
The organizations had a ribbon cutting in conjunction with the celebration of Georgia O’Keeffe’s painting, Birch and Pine Tree No. 2, which was celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Executive Director Greg Vadney thanked everyone for attending and recognizing what a special place the Rahr-West is.
He reexplained to SeehaferNews.com that it’s not just special for residents, but has been told about nationwide
“We’ve been selected by USA Today as one of the top 10 places to see art in smaller cities,” he described. “We’ve been selected by Travel and Leisure Magazine as one of the 15 best small town art museums in America. Been highlighted by the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, and the BBC. So even internationally, the museum is known.”
Although there are paintings and pictures linked to famous names like Picasso and Warhol, Vadney says Birch and Pine Tree No. 2 is the painting the museum is known for.
It was a last gift from Ruth West after she purchased it from the O’Keefe family.
Vadney noted that the painting has only had two owners, Georgia O’Keeffe and the Rahr West Art Museum.
He called it the museum’s calling card.
“That was really just an unbelievable, really unbelievable gift from Mrs. West to provide us with not only the O’Keeffe but world class art in a small-town community,” Vadney said.
The executive director explained that the museum has gone through several recent upgrades, but now it’s time to pause the projects and get back to providing better access inside.
The 75th anniversary celebration continues next month with a special Sock Hop, which the museum will be hosting on June 25th.
It will include dancing, contests, a car show, and food trucks.
The first meeting of the Rahr Civic Board happened in 1950, which led to the Rahr-West Art Museum becoming a city staple.
