Wisconsin Academy: Handmade Meaning exhibition opens at the James Watrous Gallery on December 17

Handmade Meaning explores the relationship between rarely seen Victorian “fancywork”—hand-painted china, hair wreaths, and fine embroidery—from historical societies and museums across Wisconsin, objects made by people active in the current DIY (do-it-yourself) movement, and work by contemporary Wisconsin artists who use craft processes and materials. This innovative exhibition is a collaboration between the James Watrous Gallery, the Wisconsin Decorative Arts Database, and the UW–Madison Department of Art History.

Please join us for a free opening reception with craft process demonstrations on Friday, December 17, 5–8:00 pm, in the Wisconsin Studio, Overture Center for the Arts, Madison. Other exhibition-related events include a panel discussion with exhibition artists, moderated by Beverly Gordon, in the MMoCA lecture hall on Sunday, January 23, from 2–4:00 pm. A closing celebration will be held on Sunday, February 6, 12:30–3:30 pm, with a Watrous Gallery tour followed by a reception and presentation at the Wisconsin Historical Museum auditorium. Come to one or all events, and keep up with exhibition conversations and developments on the Handmade Meaning blog.

This exhibition is supported in part by grants from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin; Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission, with additional funds from the Overture Foundation; Wisconsin Humanities Council; Caxambas Foundation; and The Polly and Stanley Stone Fund. Ongoing support for the James Watrous Gallery comes from DoubleTree Hotel–Madison, Anita Been in memory of George Parker, and Robert & Carroll Heideman. The Wisconsin Academy thanks these sponsors for their generous support.

About the James Watrous Gallery

The James Watrous Gallery is the premier gallery for Wisconsin visual art. A program of the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters, the James Watrous Gallery presents works by Wisconsin artists, Wisconsin art and craft history, works owned by Wisconsin collectors, and exhibitions that bridge the sciences, arts, and humanities. Our mission is to promote the visual arts in Wisconsin through quality exhibitions and related educational programs. For gallery hours and current exhibitions, please visit wisconsinacademy.org or call 608-265-2500.