Museum of Wisconsin Art

08/28/2026

Wisconsin Art Destinations "Visit 3, Get a Tee" promotion is back for another run!

Visitors who stop and check-in at any three participating museums will earn a free, limited-edition, artist-designed t-shirt (while supplies last).

Learn more and plan your visit today here: https://www.wisconsinartdestinations.com

https://www.newcity.com/travel-beyond-your-horizon-this-fall-discover-wisconsins-vibrant-arts-scene-and-earn-a-free-t-shirt-along-the-way/

Travel Beyond Your Horizon This Fall: Discover Wisconsin's Vibrant Arts Scene — and Earn a Free T-Shirt Along the Way Presented By There's something about fall that inspires exploration. Maybe it's the changing landscape, a calendar filled with cultural events, or simply the desire to discover som...

08/26/2026

“My works engage the viewer on a much more human level, which I’ve leveraged to do different things. At times it was a way to contend with the architecture, connecting ideas and esthetics to create a certain type of harmony. That enables me to continue to create works that enhance how we communicate with each other.” – LESLIE SMITH III

Discover Leave Your Baggage at the Door, a stunning 15-year retrospective of rising contemporary artist Leslie Smith III now on view at the Museum of Wisconsin Art through October 11. Witness firsthand Smith’s evolving approach to abstraction–from monumental shaped canvases to vibrant multi-panel constructions, experience an exhibition that challenges perception, invites reflection, and reveals new ways of seeing.

Leslie Smith III

Image Credits:
Leslie Smith III, Cosmic Feud, 2023
Leslie Smith III, Bang, 2024
Leslie Smith III, Meet Me in the Sky, 2022
Leslie Smith III, Night Mass, 2013 (detail)
Leslie Smith III, Lay Away, 2013 (detail)
Leslie Smith III, Juliet’s Big City Dreams, 2012 (detail)

08/25/2026

Join MOWA tomorrow, August 26, for Mini Makers from 10:00–11:30! You'll create emotive abstract artworks inspired by Leslie Smith III's large-scale pieces, using stamping techniques to build layers of shape, color, and texture the express feelings.

Mini Makers is designed for children under 5 and their caregivers. Each drop-in session offers thematic art making, play-based activities, and gallery activity Look & Play Packs.

08/21/2026

🚨🖼️ 48 HOURS LEFT TO BID!

The clock is ticking on The MOWA Contemporary 2026 Art Auction.

With more than 30 exceptional works to explore, now is the time to find the perfect piece to add to your collection. Remember, fifty percent of your bid goes directly to the contributing artist, and fifty percent of the proceeds provide vital support for MOWA and the future of Wisconsin art.

Place your bid or purchase now using the link below. The auction closes Saturday, August 22 at 7:30 p.m. CT. Don’t wait until the final minutes. Your next favorite artwork—and a chance to support a Wisconsin artist—could be just a bid away.

Bid here: https://events.handbid.com/lp/mowa-contemporary-art-auction-2026/items

Image 1:
LOT #1
Chad Alexander Matha, Growing in the Shade, 2025
Rug canvas, wooden yardstick, plastic cord winder, leather, buttons, and zip ties
44 x 36 x 3 in.
$1,700*

Image 2:
LOT #6
Lauren Semivan, Blue Smoke, from the series False Twilight, 2025
Archival pigment print
50 x 40 in.
52 3/4 x 42 3/4 in., framed
$4,100*

Image 3:
LOT #4
Taj Matumbi, Prince Uhuru, 2022
Acrylic and oil stick on canvas
41 x 32 in.
$1,800*

Image 4:
LOT #27
Isaac Harris, The Disappearing American, from the series Led by Jesús, 2025
Archival pigment print
50 x 36 1/2 in.
51 1/2 x 37 1/2 in., framed
$1,800*

Image 5:
LOT #21
Tony Macias, Large Vessel No. 4, 2026
Oxidation-fired ceramic
25 1/2 x 12 3/4 in. dia.
$500*

Image 6:
LOT #31
Fred Stonehouse, Too Late., c. 2015
Graphite and colored pencil on music staff paper
8 1/4 x 6 3/4 in.
16 x 12 3/4 in., framed
$750*

Image 7:
LOT #9
Mark Mulhern, Reception with Cakes, 2026
Pastel on paper
27 1/8 x 25 1/8 in., framed
$1,050*

Image 8:
LOT #11
Heidi Parkes, Night Flight no. 4, 2015
Linen and rayon blend fabric with cotton thread
48 x 34 in.
$1,500*

Image 9:
LOT #28
Brad Kahlhamer, Hillbilly Deluxe, 2017
Watercolor and ink on paper
11 x 8 3/4 in.
20 x 17 1/2 in., framed
$3,000*

*Current bid amount as of August 13, 2026.

08/19/2026

Looking for the next great piece of contemporary art to add to your collection?

Then you're in the right place.

Whether you're a seasoned collector or bidding on your first original artwork, The MOWA Contemporary 2026 offers an exciting selection of works from Wisconsin's established and emerging artists.

🎨 More than 30 artworks to choose from�
✨ Painting, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, photography, works on paper + furniture design�
💰Lots from $500 to $7,000�
❤️ 50% of each artwork sale is shared with the contributing artist

Your purchase also helps support MOWA’s exhibitions and programs that highlight Wisconsin art and artists.

The MOWA Contemporary silent art auction closes Saturday, August 22 at 7:30 PM CT, so bid now using the link below:

https://events.handbid.com/lp/mowa-contemporary-art-auction-2026/items

Image Credit + Additional Information:
LOT #1
Chad Alexander Matha, Growing in the Shade, 2025
Rug canvas, wooden yardstick, plastic cord winder, leather, buttons, and zip ties
44 x 36 x 3 in.
$2,700*

*Current bid as of August 19, 2026.

Alexander

08/18/2026

The countdown is on! Bid now before The MOWA Contemporary 2026 silent art auction closes this Saturday, August 22.

More than 30 original artworks are up for auction from established and emerging Wisconsin artists. Discover paintings, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, photography, works on paper, and furniture design from the state's most compelling artists working today.

Find the piece you’ve been waiting for—and place your bid before it’s too late.

The silent auction closes August 22 at 7:30 PM CT. Bid now using the link below and take home original art while supporting Wisconsin artists and MOWA’s exhibitions and programs.

https://events.handbid.com/lp/mowa-contemporary-art-auction-2026/items

08/16/2026

Secure a Stonehouse.
Make a Mulhern yours.
Nothing beats a Noth.

Discover painting, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, photography, furniture design, and more at The MOWA Contemporary 2026! More than 30 exceptional works from some of Wisconsin’s most compelling artists are waiting to become part of your collection. Find a work you love and place your bid today using the link below.

Plus, every purchase supports the artist who created the work and helps MOWA continue bringing Wisconsin art to our communities. The auction closes at 7:30 PM CT on August 22.

Bid here: https://events.handbid.com/lp/mowa-contemporary-art-auction-2026/items

Image Credit + Additional Information
Image 1:
LOT #31
Fred Stonehouse
Too Late., c. 2015
Graphite and colored pencil on music staff paper
8 1/4 x 6 3/4 in.
16 x 12 3/4 in., framed
$850*

Image 2:
LOT #9
Mark Mulhern
Reception with Cakes, 2026
Pastel on paper
27 1/8 x 25 1/8 in., framed
$1,050*

Image 3:
LOT #24
Paul Noth
You Can't Hold Yourself to Those Impossible Standards, 2014
Ink, graphite, and watercolor on paper
Published in The New Yorker, November 10, 2014
17 x 16 in.
22 x 22 in., framed
$2,100*

*Current bid as of August 14, 2026

08/15/2026

The best of Wisconsin art is at your fingertips.

Why wait? Discover exceptional work by Wisconsin artists and place your bid today. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or ready to make your first acquisition, there’s something here waiting to become part of your collection.

And your purchase does more than bring exceptional art home—it helps support Wisconsin artists and MOWA’s exhibitions and programs. Don't wait to place your bids, the auction closes at 7:30 PM CT on Saturday, August 22.

Explore the collection and place your bid at the link in our bio or at the link below.
https://events.handbid.com/lp/mowa-contemporary-art-auction-2026/items

Image Credit + Additional Information:
LOT #13
Leslie Smith III
Crude Persuasion No. 4, 2017
Graphite on paper
7 3/4 x 5 3/4 in.
21 1/2 x 17 1/2 in., framed
$1,500*

*Current bid as of August 14, 2026

08/14/2026

What will you add to your collection?

The MOWA Contemporary 2026 brings together an exceptional selection of original artwork and interactive art experiences by some of Wisconsin’s most compelling established and emerging artists.
From painting and sculpture to ceramics, textiles, photography, and furniture design, this year’s auction offers works for both seasoned collectors and those ready to make their first acquisition.

Discover a work that speaks to you—and make it yours while supporting the artists and programs that make Wisconsin’s art community thrive.

Explore the collection and place your bid at the link in our bio.

Image Credit + Additional Information:
LOT #6
Lauren Semivan, Blue Smoke, from the series False Twilight, 2025
Archival pigment print, 50 x 40 in., 52 3/4 x 42 3/4 in., framed
$4,100

08/13/2026

Some of Wisconsin’s most compelling art is waiting to become part of your collection.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or bidding on your first original work, The MOWA Contemporary 2026 offers an exciting selection of artwork and art experiences from established and emerging Wisconsin artists.

With more than 30 works spanning painting, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, photography, works on paper, and design, there’s something to spark every interest—and every level of collecting. Best of all, 50% of each artwork sale goes directly to the contributing artist, with the remainder supporting MOWA’s exhibitions and programs.

Find a work you love. Place your bid. Support Wisconsin art.

View, buy, and bid here: https://events.handbid.com/lp/mowa-contemporary-art-auction-2026/items

Image Credit: Taj Matumbi, Prince Uhuru, 2022