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| detail from The Master Bedroom by Martha Glowacki |
When I first moved to Milwaukee in 1976 I happened to live just a few blocks from the Charles Allis Art Library, as it was called then. I developed a fondness for the quirky tastes of its former owner when I met there regularly with a group of poets. I admired the gems by Inness and Ryder and always knelt before a small glass case to admire the netsukes from Japan.
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| from permanent collection |
Some things have changed in the 30+ years since then. The Library became a museum and, along with nearby Villa Terrace, was acquired by the Milwaukee War Memorial as a satellite. A gallery to exhibit changing contemporary shows was shoehorned into two upstairs rooms. A great room was added that could accommodate larger contemporary works as well as larger parties of patrons.
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| from permanent collection |
But most of the mansion has remained exactly as I first saw it, the main hall, the sitting room, dining room, library and master bedroom, all kept meticulously inviolate with Mr. Allis’s personal collection intact. Until now.
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| from permanent collection |
In honor of its 100 year anniversary, for the first time artists were asked to create installations that intrude – and reflect – on the staid integrity of the permanent collections. I found it a refreshing and welcome departure and I enjoyed the diversity of responses.
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| The Library with Gary Gresl installation |
Gary Gresl's transformation of the library was characteristically outrageous and constituted the most extreme intervention. A collaboration by Alexander Boyes and Martha Glowacki in the master bedroom was much subtler, moodily evoking the spirits of the deceased former inhabitants.
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The Dining Room with Ashley Morgan installation
(you have to listen to this one!) |
Here then is a visual tour, just a few things I noticed (and was able to capture in the mostly dimly illuminated rooms.) I wasn't able to capture Reginald Baylor's multiple video installations in the Sitting Room. Of course, you should go see them all yourself. These are mere snapshots.
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| the changing exhibits gallery with fireplace |
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| The Marble Hall with Carol Emmons installation |
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| the house is showing its age |
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| The Master Bedroom with Glowacki installation |
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The Master Bedroom bath with Boyes installation
(you have to see this one move!) |
You have plenty of time to plan a leisurely visit - or multiple visits: according to the
Charles Allis Art Museum website this lasts through November 13.
