Halloween Masquerade !

Dust off those masks, pull out those costumes! It's time for the Villa Terrace's most spoooooky time of the year! Join us this Saturday for a night full of thrills. Live music, interactive trick or treating and of course a haunting face or two are just a few of things in store for our guests.

The night gets going at 8 pm and we look forward to seeing your best costume ideas brought to fruition! [There might or might not be prizes for those who succeed in impressing!]

To make sure you've got a spot for the night, go ahead and give us a call here at the museum this week and reserve one!

Quality time with Lake Michigan.

One of my new favorite past times at the Villa is scurrying to the terrace to see what color the lake is that day. I’m amazed by the hues of greens, blues and even brown that this beautiful body of water can evolve into. Perhaps an art project in the making, discovering the different shades of Lake Michigan? 

Autumn. Fall. Autumn. Fall. Autumn. Fall.

IMPORTANT: Mandatory request [yes, I am aware that is an oxymoron] that everyone comes to the Villa Terrace to see how beautiful the garden looks with all of the trees changing colors. I spent my lunch break down there today and could not believe how gorgeous it all looks! Do yourself a huge favor and grab your favorite person or two, [possibly sneak in a hot beverage] and take a garden stroll in this lovely autumn air.  

Let’s step up this blogging thing, yes? In a hope to get everyone more excited about the museums, I will do my best to keep writing and informing. After a rather nice staff meeting last night, a few tidbits to relate:

First off, the age-old question of when the summer plants will be going back to their winter home has been answered.. drum roll.... September 29, which I’ve just realized is tomorrow. [Golly, has summer flown by!] All this to say then, if you don’t stop over today, you will need to wait until next year [distance makes the heart grow fonder, eh?]

You have a bit more time to see the water fountain staircase in action, as that is not scheduled to close down until October 17^th [though, the rule to not walk down the staircase still stands, cold weather or not we are watching you!]

Fall isn’t just about taking away things from you though..  we have some great options for lovely times at the museums as well! You just need to decide whether to come get artsy at the Harvest Festival [Charles Allis] on Saturday, October 8 or spooky at the Midnight in the Garden [Villa Terrace] on October 29. ..or both?

In an artistic vein, the 100-year anniversary show is wrapping up at the Charles Allis. So, if you haven’t had a chance to check it out this whole year, come do so!

Additionally, our curators have been working on a new presentation of the Charles Allis’ extensive collection of Antoine-Louis Barye’s bronze animal sculptures. I have yet to see the French sculptor’s pieces in person, but from what I’ve heard, I am quite excited to do so! This should be opening up tomorrow if my source is correct.

Lastly, just to keep you on your toes... I’ve just heard of an AMAZING sounding show that will be coming to the Villa Terrace the beginning of next year. Stay tuned to find out more at a later date!

End of Summer Café.

It didn’t take long for me to feel all warm and fuzzy with the café community at the Villa Terrace. I soon learned the ‘regulars’ and it became a genuinely wonderful way to spend my Sunday mornings. Now that our last café of the summer season is fast approaching, it’s a bit hard to keep the melancholy feelings at bay.

Rain [cold] or shine [hot], the good people of Milwaukee and guests to our fair city poured in to the Villa. Coffee and pastry in hand, to listen to wonderful music and relax in one of the city’s most beautiful public spaces [yes, I know I am biased. But, everyone thinks so! I promise, they tell me!]

One gets use to the familiar faces and Sunday morning chats that the café affords. If for some unknown reason [procrastination?] you have not made it to the Sopra Mare at the Villa this summer, you are not out of luck just yet. You have one more café of the summer season to attend.

This upcoming Sunday, September 25 make your way to the Villa. To cap off our musical treats this summer, we have The World Wind Jazz Trio [saxophone, bass, and keyboard].

Don’t let regret sneak up on you this winter because you missed out on the end of summer’s fun! 

[Shamefully overdue account.]

The Charles Allis was full of hot dogs, ice cream and a painted face or two this past month. Children of all ages roamed into the museum to buy festival tickets and partake of the carnival like atmosphere. Dressed to the nines in our bow ties and hats, the events staff and several [amazing] volunteers created a fun-filled atmosphere reminiscent of everyone’s grade school festivals, cakewalk and all.

We had quite the crowd to come help us celebrate at the Allis. Whether you sat sipping a root beer float or taking one of Norman’s [world-famous] museum tours, you were bound to find something that held your interest on the beautiful Sunday. We also welcomed several new members into the CAVT membership family!

If you weren’t able to make the festive day, do take a look at some of the photos that were obtained.

[The Charles Allis was the proud owner of its house-made photo bobeche.]

Allis After Hours.

This month’s Allis After Hours was a quality use of a Thursday night! Though not the typical turn out [we’ll chalk it up to the heat and one’s inability to go out in it] the night was still characteristic of the Allis. There was the usual handful of wonderfully eclectic individuals all gathering to enjoy the museum and the music. The lower than normal attendance gave the opportunity for the monthly jazz night to become even more intimate. Jazz pianist, Jamie Johns entertained the crowd with requests and though a self-proclaimed non-singer was quick to oblige when his voice was needed.

As always, I met some new delightful people who continuously help me to understand and appreciate Milwaukee in a deeper sense. Whether it be learning about the history of a neighborhood or an art exhibit to check out, there’s always something new to hear about.  I am so thankful for my time spent at the museums and the way it allows me to interact with this beautiful city!

August the 18^th will be the next Allis After Hours and I expect to see all of your charming faces there! 

Current Exhibits: Strange Vegetation and Objects for Objects.

The Villa Terrace has been shaking it up with its current contemporary exhibits. As most visitors are quick to state, the exhibits aren’t quite what you would expect in an Italian Villa. But, isn’t that the beauty of life, finding the unexpected?

Local practicing artist, Yevgeniva Kaganovich, designed one of the current exhibits, ‘Strange Vegetation’. This site-specific piece is a latex-garden. Using the architectural make up of plant life, she created this living system. Brought to life by a compressor, these individual plants all rely on each other to stay alive. The plants are placed in the room based on the light that enters the room, as they have a need for shade to live longer. For a wonderful description of Kaganovich’s piece refer to Art Historian, Jennifer Johung’s essay on Strange Vegetation, which should be available through the museum shortly.  She brings together the architectural and art aspects of the piece in a conclusive and interesting manner.

In addition to Strange Vegetation, Objects for Objects is a current exhibition up at the Villa. This artist has cast found objects into metal to create these beautiful hanging and stacked sculptures. It’s quite lovely to see these very original objects made to be beautiful and preserved in such a fashion.

If you have not had a chance to see both exhibits, do come down to the Villa Terrace during public hours. We look forward to seeing you sometime soon, our hours are Wednesday-Sunday 1-5 pm for the museum and the gardens. 

Charles Allis Movie Time: Classic Movies in a Classic Museum.

Movie Time, the summer edition, is in full swing at the Charles Allis Art Museum. This week, film historian Dale E. Kuntz will be playing the Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire classic, “The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle.” The movie time ambiance could not be more perfect in the historic mansion. In addition to hearing Kuntz’ fantastic insight into the films, come enjoy the pre-film music. You will be charmed by the tunes of the St. Louis born piano player, Bill. The 95 year old has been playing since he was a 12-year-old boy and is simply amazing to hear. Following in the footsteps of his organ-playing mother, he spent his allowance on piano lessons when she refused to let teach him herself. Not wanting him to follow her path, he still found way to his true passion. Bill is living proof that we can’t deny the gifts and passions we have inside of us!

If you don’t make it to the Allis this week for the film, do join us on August 10^th. Dale will be showing Bette Davis’ ‘The Little Foxes.’ Be sure to check out the autographed photograph of the classy lady in the lobby. Movie Night at the museum is sure to not disappoint with the characters and conversations to be found in the Charles Allis. There is always something new and exciting to learn about the people that show up for the evening. Join us soon for a glass of wine, a lovely film and unforgettable conversations! 

Café Sopra Mare: a community of its own.

A few weeks ago, four hundred or so of the good people of Milwaukee gathered at the Villa Terrace to welcome the first day of the Café Sopra Mare. Were we to have personally ordered the weather and atmosphere for the launching of summer 2011, we could not have done a more perfect job. With the sun shining and Lake Michigan showing off in all of her glory, the Villa Terrace was alive and ready for the summer. The Celtic inspired quartet, Meserk wooed the crowd with their music and aided Mother Nature in providing a truly perfect Sunday morning. As a new comer to the Café Sopra Mare experience, I was impressed by the community’s apparent love of the Villa Terrace. It was interesting to meet individuals that had been attending the café since the first season, nine years ago. Talking to them and hearing their experiences with the museum made my growing attraction for this place increase.

To my knowledge it is universally known that listening to outdoor music, with coffee and pastry in hand is one of Sunday’s greatest pastimes. Additionally, what’s not to love about sitting in the Italian inspired courtyard and possibly checking out the Villa’s interior and gorgeous gardens? Eh, eh? Take it from this girl who lived several months in the land of pizza, pasta, and Michelangelo, if you can’t swing the plane ticket this summer, this is the place to be!   

Though the last few days have been rainy, let’s all send out some sunshine requests and hope that this next Sunday’s café will be another beauty like the first. Whether you be a repeat visitor or a recent addition [like me] to the Villa, I strongly encourage you to join us this next Sunday morning and after your impending conversion, the rest of the summer.

For those interested in stepping up the experience, we offer a fantastic brunch for a fee that includes admission to the museum and the gardens. Call in advance for reservations as we do have a limited number of sitting. Litvin & Yanovskaya will be showcasing their guitar and mandolin skills at the next café on July 1 and fingers crossed the sky will have run out of rain by then! 

The Tropicals are Back!

One of my favorite things about summer at the Villa is the tropical plants and herbs that Gail brings in every year.  I'm told that they are often the same ones because they live in a greenhouse over the winter, and that makes their arrival back at the Villa that much more special.  It's like seeing an old friend again! I think the lemon trees are my favorite.  Last year, most looked like limes instead of yellow lemons so I'm glad to see this summer many are already bright yellow!

 Little lemon hiding in the leaves.

Love all the herbs! 

And of course the Pansies, all facing toward the sun, desperately soaking in as much sunlight as possible!

Before I sign off, I just wanted to briefly mention that I (K2) will be moving away for the summer.  Yes, I am a real person sending you all these posts!  I have passed on the blogging duties to a coworker and am confident that she will do an excellent job keeping you updated while I am away.  And perhaps I'll sneak in a post every now and again.  It's been my pleasure regaling you with stories of our Villa this spring, and I look forward to resuming it again.  Have a great summer! Katie H. 

Update on the Happenings

Despite the fact that the weather has apparently decided not to let us enjoy a Spring this year, I thought I'd update you all on the goings-on around here, as we are still planning (hoping?) that summer will occur as it has in the past (ha.)

First, in order to prepare for the increase in events over the summer months, we have been in the process of hiring, and me training, many new Event Supervisors.  Those of you who have been here in past summers have probably noticed a steady stream of unfamiliar faces in the summer months.  I have enjoyed getting to know the new staff and am confident they will be ready to take on all of the long days and responsibilities that come with a busy summer.  Make sure to say hello and welcome them next time you are here!

Finally we are starting to see buds on the trees and green grass again!  I even noticed the flowers along the outside of the Villa, which I previously blogged about, have bloomed pretty white flowers.  We have more and more visitors coming just to see the gardens and every time I drive by on Lincoln Memorial, I notice more and more flowers blooming!

The ceramics exhibition has ended at the Villa, and the next artist is beginning to set up for the new exhibition, which will open on June 8.  It will be called "Strange Vegetation", and you can read more of the description here on the calendar.  The 100 Year Celebration exhibition at the Charles Allis will continue.

Tomorrow night (19th), Keith Johnson, the son of our beloved Syd Johnson, will be performing at Allis After Hours, so be sure to stop by and check that out!  This Saturday the 21st, there is another garden work day at the Villa...hopefully the weather holds out.  The last one ended early due to poor weather.   On the 22nd at the Allis from 2-5pm there will be a remembrance of artist Jermone Karidis, and Movietime will play Lillian Russel on the 25th, starting at 7:30 pm.

That's about it until the end of May...there is a lot going on in June, so I'll stop by again and blog about those events to keep you up-to-date very soon!

Why is it still cold??

Ok I am literally at a loss for words as to what to write because honestly all I can think of is that it is soooo cold out still!  Apparently every other state around us is experiencing summer, but we are still sitting in the 50's, and I'm sitting here in my coat...inside...*sigh*.

Either way, the Garden Sale is going on this Saturday at the Allis...hopefully the weather holds out and hopefully we'll see you there!  Also, if you are a volunteer and are interested in working in the gardens, the first garden work day is also coming up this Saturday.

Happy Wednesday!

The Patio Furniture is Out of Storage!

Hi all, I hope you are enjoying this truly beautiful day!  It has been chilly, I must say!  I have lately had to wonder 'why is it May and I am still having to wear my winter coat'?!  When I came in to work today, I noticed that the patio furniture was back out on the terrace, and Patty also pointed it out and noted that I should share that with you all!  With each passing day, we get closer and closer to summer!!

The landscape company that cuts the grass was also here today and now I can smell fresh cut grass coming in through the terrace door.  We have had many people come visit the museum during public hours.  As the weather gets warmer and warmer, I anticipate lots of people will come visit, even on Wednesdays.

Until next time!

Calling All Volunteers!

It's officially May! That means the garden work days at the Villa are beginning!  The first two will be Saturday, May 14 from 8:30 am to noon, and Saturday, May 21 from 8:30 am to noon.  If you are interested in helping out, check out the website here, and contact Gail, our wonderful estate gardener to register!  Her contact information is listed there.

Happy May!

First Wedding of the Season

We had our first wedding of the season outside at the Villa yesterday!  We were a little concerned about the rain at the rehearsal, but it didn't rain a single drop.  The groom insisted that unless is was pouring down rain, they wanted to get married on the terrace outside, so we obliged their wishes and did just that!  I must say it was a bit chilly!  But it turned out to be a nice day, and it was REALLY nice to get down in to the gardens with the wedding party for their pictures and start getting excited about warm weather and bright colors.  I love the gardens, especially in the summer time!

Summer Cafe Schedule Posted

<------------------Check it out!!

Sunday, May 1 is the Last Indoor Cafe!

Hi All!

Well the sun finally came out today and while it is still not exactly warm out, it is definitely a beautiful day!  Sunday, May 1 is the last indoor cafe!  Shanti Daya will be performing on the piano, and Bella's Cafe will be here serving coffee and pastries.  No brunch again this month, but starting on June 5, cafe will move back outside and brunch will resume on the balcony!  Check out the website at www.villaterracemuseum.org for more information, and to purchase tickets. 


Hope to see you all there! 

Remembering a Dear Friend

First let me apologize for the lack of posting the last few weeks.  I typically like to post on Wednesdays, unless there is something else going on, and the last week has been a tough one for all of us here at the Villa.  Many of you have probably already heard, and I have been hesitating posting about the loss of our dear friend Syd Johnson, out of respect for him and his family as they were making arrangements and taking the time to grieve.   But it doesn't seem right to move on posting though, without acknowledging him.

Syd passed away here last Wednesday morning.  He had been here helping power wash the courtyard and get everything ready for the upcoming garden opening in June, which I am told he did every year.  I feel so fortunate to have known him at all, even if it was just for a short time.  He was a truly unique and special human being, and his kindness and calming manner has touched me forever.  We all loved him dearly, and he will be truly missed each and every day.  Rest assured that he will never be forgotten here.

We were honored to host Syd's funeral service here yesterday, and it was a beautiful ceremony.  I had the pleasure of meeting his daughter and her husband and was touched when Syd's son-in-law asked if he could come in and clean Mercury, the statue in the courtyard that I am told Syd took pride in maintaining.  He wanted it to look nice for the service, and I thought it was a wonderful way for him to share in Syd's memory.  He did a great job too!

Rest in peace, Syd.  Your memory will live on here, and in this courtyard.  We will miss you.

It's Officially Here!!

 Gail has all the flower pots out and ready to go!  She says the pansies are on their way!

 There is color again!  

 Jezzy, as Maria affectionately calls her, in her nest...can you see her little face?

 Things are starting to grow again! 

Buds along the wall outside the courtyard. 

Those Sneaky Morning Doves....

Remember a few weeks ago when I told you the story of how I "met" Jezebel, the morning dove who continually chooses the Villa Courtyard to raise her babies?  Netting had been placed over the light fixtures she normally built her nests in to prevent her from taking up residence inside them, and she was originally beginning to construct her nest over that netting.  Sneaky I tell ya....

A few days ago I was sitting for public hours when I heard the doves cooing in the courtyard.  It's pretty normal to hear them, especially on a quiet day.  But this time it was really loud.  It sounded like she was in the building it was so loud.  I grabbed my camera, and walked outside, to see her mate sitting on the ledge right by the door.  He must have been cooing close to the doorway, which is why it was so loud, I thought.  Then I turned around to go back inside and happened to look up to see Jezebel sitting in the circle window right above the entrance, guilty as charged with a stick in her mouth, looking at me like she hadn't gotten caught red-handed.  Sure enough, she has relocated her nest to this window, right above our main entrance.

If last year is any indication, she is a pretty relaxed mom when it comes to people being around her babies, but I immediately thought of the countless number of guests walking directly underneath this window everyday and whether or not we'd have a problem with her acting up.  She obviously did not consider this when choosing her new nest location.  That and watch out for droppings!!!

Just a few friendly reminders....

Hi All!  Happy Wednesday!

I was just over at the Allis taking care of some website updates and thought I'd post a friendly reminder about some upcoming events!

This Sunday is of course indoor Cafe at the Villa.  Doors open at 10 am, and Bella's will be here with the usual coffee and pastries.  No brunch this month.  Not to worry, though! Brunch will return to the balcony in June.  As for indoors, well, there simply isn't enough space.  We want to maximize your viewing pleasure and hopefully things will be less crowded this month.  Music will be by Tangos Stas and Friends.

With Spring around the corner, Gail is hard at work getting the gardens ready for the opening in June.  She needs your help!  If you are volunteer in the gardens, the first two volunteer days will be May 14 and 21 from 8:30 am to noon.  Contact Gail at gjaeger@cavtmuseums.org, 414-271-3656 x211 to sign up!

That should do it!

Plein Air Art and Garden Sale and Allis Garden Restoration

Lest we forget, the Charles Allis is also experiencing the early stages of Spring fever too, and the gardens there are also spectacular in the Spring and Summer months.  To get everyone excited about Spring, planting gardens, and being eco-friendly, the Charles Allis Art Museum will be hosting a Plein Air Art and Garden Sale on Saturday, May 14.  I must admit I am very excited about this event!  Our lovely Ann has put together a press release announcing this event, so without further ado, take it away Ann!

The Charles Allis Art Museum will host Plein Air Art and Garden Sale - "From Our Garden to Yours" on Saturday, May 14 from 9 am to 4 pm.  Local Plein Air artists will paint in the Allis museum's English garden beginning on Thursday, May 12.  Their completed works will be ready for sale at 2:30 pm during Saturday's festivities. 

Additional activities include viewing Plein Air landscapes in the Charles and Sarah Allis collection, the sale of plants, crafts for kids, garden giveaways, and a presentation by The Green Team, Sustainable Landscape Management.  The Green Team will speak about the Allis garden's transformation and display one of their eco-friendly lawn mowers. 

The Charles Allis event staff thanks Johnson's Nursery, The Flower Source and The Green Team for their sponsorship of Plein Air Art and Garden Sale-"From Our Garden to Yours." 

Plan to attend this family, admission-free day at Milwaukee's Charles Allis Art Museum located at 1801 N. Prospect Avenue.

I am very excited about purchasing plants, and also about hearing from the Green Team.  Being interested in environmental science and "green" practices myself, I am always excited about local organizations developing new and innovative ways to help reduce our carbon footprint AND they are helping us do great restorations to the gardens at the Allis in the coming seasons.  To learn more about their philosophy and their practices, please visit The Green Team's website here.

And to get you all excited about "greener pastures" over at the Allis, here are some photos graciously donated by our very own Patty Redeker and Dennis Felber. 

Photo by Dennis Felber

Photo by Dennis Felber

Photo by Dennis Felber

Photo by Patty Redeker

Photo by Patty Redeker

Photo by Dennis Felber

Photo by Patty Redeker

Hope to see you all at the Allis on May 14th!

Please check back often for more information about the garden restoration at the Allis by The Green Team.

For more press releases from the Charles Allis and Villa Terrace museums, please visit the "News" tabs on both our websites, or click here for the Charles Allis and here for the Villa Terrace.

John Gurda is Coming to the Allis!

Author and historian John Gurda will be coming to the Charles Allis Art Museum to talk about the Allis Family and their role in the rise of manufacturing.  It should be a very interesting talk, especially for anyone familiar with farming and the Allis-Chalmers Corporation and curious about the history of the Allis family and the East Side of Milwaukee!

The lecture starts at 7 pm on Wednesday, April 27 and is $15 for members and $20 for non-members.  For an additional $10, you can come at 6 pm to take part in a cocktail hour in which John Gurda himself will answer all of your questions and socialize with the audience.

Reservations are strongly recommended.  To make a reservation by phone, please call 414-271-3656 ext. 215.  Tickets can also be purchased online at our online store.

Hope to see you all there!

Our summer courtyard tenants have returned..

Last summer was my first summer here working with the Villa, and as such I had a lot to learn not only about my job, but about the nuances and traditions that have been occurring here for many years.  One of the first Cafes of the season, my coworkers and I were setting up with Patty from Zilli's when I noticed a morning dove above the lights at the side door from the pantry to the courtyard.  I swore it wasn't real...I was so close to it and it didn't even flinch.  I called Patty over and she said "Oh yeah, that's Jezebel, she's here every year."  No way, I thought, you are definitely pulling my leg.  For several minutes I exclaimed that there was no way that bird was real, while Patty insisted she was not trying to play a trick on me.  Finally, I got up as close as I could to the bird, so close I could have reached out and touched it, when she blinked.  I was so startled that I laughed hysterically for probably five minutes!  After that, I saw Jezebel (named by our Katie Shorts) and her two batches of adorable babies every Sunday morning at Cafe.

These morning doves are a fixture in our Courtyard. Despite putting wire over the lights so they can't build their nests inside the top of the lights, they have returned, apparently building their nests on top of the wire netting.  These two have definitely made the Villa Courtyard their home, and I for one am happy they are back!

They don't even try to walk away even when you get right up next to them!

Getting Excited!

First, I have noticed many visitors viewing the blog in the past week or so and wanted to say welcome and thanks for stopping by!  It is such a great feeling to get to share what's going on here with everyone, and to know there are people out there reading!

Today, the sun is shining and the air is warm with hints of Spring again.  Our wonderful gardener Gail has been hard at work in the gardens already, and you can definitely tell that there is an excitement about Spring around here.

Patty, our Membership and Development Coordinator (among many other things) also happens to be a very talented photographer, and more often than not throughout the year she can be seen wandering around the Villa and Allis taking pictures of our various events and scenery.  She graciously passed on some of her lovely pictures to share with you all!  I am sure there will be many more to come!

Gail, our Estate Gardener, working on the flower pots in the Courtyard last Spring.  Soon those pots will be back in the Courtyard again!

According to the description, this is a Crocus.  The color is spectacular!

Time to bring the flower pots out of storage for Spring.

Yes, of course the bugs will return too.  But they do bring with them their own treasures as well, and with any luck the dragon flies will cover the sky above the gardens like last year.  It is definitely a sight to see!

Everyone is working hard to make sure we have a colorful, successful, and exciting Spring and Summer season.  I'll be sure to keep you up to date on everything that goes on, and be sure to stop by and visit!