Milwaukee’s Old Master: Joseph Friebert
April 30 - July 27, 2008
The son of a tailor and union activist, Joseph Friebert’s prints, paintings and
drawings are deeply attuned to social conditions and concerns. Initially, his art
career was rather unconventional as after high school he became a registered pharmacist
working at the Oriental Pharmacy in Milwaukee, rendering him unable to participate
in Depression-era WPA programs. Consequently, Friebert joined the Businessman’s
Art Club and began his career as an artist in 1932, painting humanity in many different
environments, but always with a great sensitivity and sympathy towards the common
man and his everyday existence. This exhibition will contain many family-owned works
that show the essence of Friebert’s somber style and subject matter.
Rachel May will graduate from Friebert’s alma mater, UW-Milwaukee, in May 2008 with
a degree in Art History and has interned with MWA since 2007. As co-curator of this
exhibition, her gallery talk at 2:00 p.m. on May 18th will discuss Friebert’s background
and how it impacted his artistic output.
AN ELEMENTAL LOVE: THE PAINTINGS OF EMILY GROOM
August 6 - October 27, 2008
Extensively trained, Emily Groom was an influence on several generations of Wisconsin
artists through a fifty-five year connection with the Milwaukee-Downer College.
Her numerous impressionistic paintings capture the essence of her beloved Wisconsin
landscape. This exhibition is drawn from both museum and family-owned collections.
Rachel May will graduate from UW-Milwaukee in May 2008 with a degree in Art History.
As co-curator of the show, her gallery talk at the exhibition’s opening on Sunday,
August 17th at 2:00 p.m. will discuss Groom’s background and her Wisconsin-specific
paintings.