Smith Scarabocchio Art Museum

About

A local, city-owned art museum housing the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra, with new exhibitions every two months.

Story

The Smith Scarabocchio Art Museum is a city-owned art museum/gallery (Division of Parks and Recreation) managed by the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra and curated by volunteer artists, who work together in cooperation with the CWSO and other art galleries in the city to present high-quality exhibitions and events.

The Smith Scarabocchio Art Museum is the legacy of UW-Stevens Point emeritus art professor Dr. David L. Smith, who purchased the former historic Point Bakery building, artfully and tastefully repurposing the versatile space for his own studio and museum in 2003. Envisioning a community that engages through a vibrant arts scene, Dr. Smith and his wife Alyce, in collaboration with their family, donated the Smith Scarabocchio Art Museum building as well as their expansive art collection to the City of Stevens Point with the agreement that the museum would operate as such for a minimum of 30 years. Since that time, hundreds of residents and visitors have enjoyed the rotating exhibits and permanent collections, participated in community meetings, have gathered to celebrate art openings and private family functions, been entertained by professional music ensembles, and much, much more. A favorite Dr. Smith quote, "Remember that ART is in every HEART," reminds us that the arts are for everyone. A grateful community has benefitted from his vision.

Since January 2015, the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra has made the second floor of the museum its home and is grateful to have the inspiration of visual art in its mission to "enrich, engage, and educate through the power and performance of live music," with the vision of "serving as a center of artistic excellence, through leadership and parnerships, nourishes spirits, develops intellectual and creative captal, adding value for all."

The CWSO facilitates a wide range of activities in the museum including the Scarabocchio Jazz Listening Sessions, community meetings, artist peer critiques, among others. The facility is available for rent for special occasions, meetings, and other activities. Please contact the staff for further details.

The Smith Scarabocchio Art Museum's normal hours of operation are Monday-Thursday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., and by appointment. Admission to the museum is always free, but donations are gratefully accepted and acknowleged. For more information e-mail: [email protected] or call: 715-345-7726.