Visual Art

at the Wilson Center

Strohmaier Sculpture and Botanical Garden

The lovely gardens are growing!

See photos on Flickr.

Strohmaier Sculpture & Botanical Garden at the Wilson Center enhance the visual appeal of the immediate grounds to include the botanical arts. The Wilson Center programs outdoor events including the Hidden River Art Festival, the free Starry Nights Outdoor Concert series, outdoor studio arts classes, and a nature themed arts camp. In addition, community members often rent the Wilson Center to host outdoor weddings, receptions, and gatherings.

In June 2009, the Wilson Center for the Arts became an approved garden of the SouthEast Wisconsin Master Gardeners, Inc. ( SEWMG) to provide an appealing educational experience for the community. Approximately 30 gardens in SE Wisconsin have gained approval including hospital healing gardens, local school projects, and gardens in other major attractions such as the Milwaukee County Zoo, Ten Chimneys, and Old World Wisconsin.

Two beds have been transformed at the Wilson Center by Master Gardeners and community volunteers. One bed was dedicated to native perennials in 2009, and a butterfly garden was established in the following year. In 2012, the butterfly garden was registered as a Monarch Way Station providing a habitat conducive to Monarch preservation. The garden contains several types of milkweed and many nectar plants. Plants are identified by markers labeled with both scientific name and common names.

Community support is encouraged. For more information about the garden or volunteer opportunities, contact Master Gardner Dottie Feder at dottiebrkf@sbcglobal.net or Wilson Center staff Chris Blad at cblad@wilson-center.com.

The SouthEast Wisconsin Master Gardeners, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation that offers many service, educational, and social opportunities.

See the lovely transformation

of the gardens on Flickr.