Gallery Renovation Update Fall 2016

Many of you are aware from a previous announcement that the Art History Gallery was closed for renovation in fall 2015. The project stalled during the spring 2016 semester, but fortunately the gallery continued to stage inviting short-term exhibitions, a digital imaging workshop, and the monthly Art Exposé program.

Renovation projects often encounter unforeseen issues, as happened in this case. Retrofitting fire suppression, HVAC, and electrical systems have challenged the project budget and schedule. Despite unanticipated setbacks, the project is now moving forward as the State finalizes the construction contract awards.

The good news is that the renovation is scheduled to begin in fall 2016. Upon completion in spring 2017, the Art History Gallery, under the stewardship of the Department of Art History, will be transformed into a state-of-the-art 2,400 square feet exhibition space, renamed the Emile H. Mathis II Gallery, honoring the beneficence of patron Emile H. Mathis II, an art connoisseur, collector and gallery owner. The launch of the Mathis Gallery marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the UWMAC, providing additional exhibition and storage space to showcase and house the expanding permanent collection of 7,600 works of art. Both the UWMAC and Emile Mathis II Gallery complement the University’s educational and outreach mission by enhancing art education at all levels, fostering inter-departmental and inter-disciplinary relationships, and creating community partnerships.

STAY TUNED for other future developments including a proposed Print Study/Class Room and Library now under administrative consideration. The mission of the Print Study Room and Library is to house the UWMAC’s 4,500 prints and to facilitate print research and viewing by UWM students and faculty, by scholars and researchers from other institutions, and by the general public, including print collectors and connoisseurs. It will also serve as a classroom for courses on prints, as a library dedicated to prints and printmaking, and as an intimate print gallery.

YOU ARE ALL INVITED TO ATTEND THE GRAND OPENING of the EMILE H. MATHIS II GALLERY – SPRING 2017

Linda Brazeau, Ph.D.
Director, UWM Art Collection and Galleries