Architecture of Illusion – Celebrating renowned artist Richard Haas: His Wisconsin roots, connection to Frank Lloyd Wright, and bringing the Wisconsin Idea to life

May 14, 2015
Richard Haas in his New York studio.
Richard Haas in his New York studio.

(Madison and Milwaukee) – From small-town Wisconsin to the world stage, internationally renowned artist Richard Haas enjoys an impressive list of accolades. The boy who grew up in Spring Green and Milwaukee became the artist whose works are showcased around the world, yet Haas has never forgotten his Wisconsin upbringing. As a teenager, he spent two summers working with his great uncle, a master stonemason employed by Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin. Haas credits early interactions with Wright and his students in Spring Green for helping shape his career as an artist. On May 21 and May 22, he will return to his home state for a series of special lectures and receptions in Madison and Milwaukee, as he shares the experiences and people that helped create the artist he is today.

Haas will present at the Monona Terrace in Madison on Thursday, May 21, and the Milwaukee Art Museum on Friday, May 22. He will talk about his interactions with Frank Lloyd Wright as well as discuss why he draws upon the Wisconsin Idea to drive his work. The presentations are part of fundraising dinners to support UW-Students as interns and research assistants at Richard Haas’s studio in New York City.  Their work would include cataloging, research, and curation of projects that capture Haas’ unique career and his important ties to Wisconsin. The event is hosted by the UW-Madison Libraries and Arts Institute.

Haas’s work as a printmaker focuses on architecture, with iconic buildings in New York and other cities serving as his subject matter. He is also an educator who has taught painting and printmaking at the University of Minnesota, Michigan State, Bennington College, and the School of Visual Arts in New York City.  Haas counts a Guggenheim Fellowship, a New York City Municipal Art Society Award, and an American Institute of Architects Medal of Honor among his many honors.

This coming November, Haas will be exhibiting his works at the Chazen Museum in Madison.

Lecture and Reception Event Information:

MONONA TERRACE, MADISON – Thursday, May 21, 2015

  • 6-7 p.m. (Lecture)
  • 7-7:30 p.m. (Reception)
  • 7:30 p.m. (Dinner and silent auction)
  • Location: Monona Terrace, One John Nolen Drive, Madison, WI 53703
  • Cost: $75/person (Includes a seat for the presentation, Q&A with Mr. Haas, dinner, and silent auction)

For more information or to RSVP (by May 15), please visit:

https://www.supportuw.org/calendar/richard-haas-madison/

MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM – Friday, May 22, 2015

  • 6-7 p.m. (Lecture)
  • 7-7:30 p.m. (Reception)
  • 7:30 p.m. (Dinner and silent auction)
  • Location: Milwaukee Art Museum, 700 N. Art Museum Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53202
  • Cost: $85/person (Includes a reserved seat for the presentation, Q&A with Mr. Haas, dinner, and silent auction)

For more information or to RSVP (by May 15), please visit:

https://www.supportuw.org/calendar/richard-haas-milwaukee/

Contact: Ben Strand, Director of Development, UW-Madison Libraries
Email: Ben.Strand@supportuw.org
Telephone: 608-265-6115