[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!