Museum of Wisconsin Art turns to fashion with Florence Eiseman, 'paparazzo' exhibits

Jim Higgins
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Children model Tyrolean Jumpers and Turtlenecks designed by Florence Eiseman between 1975 and 1986.

The Museum of Wisconsin Art is turning fashion conscious this summer with four shows about couture with a strong Wisconsin accent. 

The West Bend museum will celebrate a launch event from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday. Executive director Laurie Winters will speak at 2:30 p.m. 

"Florence Eiseman: Designing Childhood for the American Century" features garments, photographs and other objects connected to Eiseman's children's clothing line, whose customers included President John F. Kennedy's family. Curators Sarah Carter, Erika Petterson and Natalie Wright will lead a tour at 2:45 p.m. 

"Daniel Arnold: A Paparazzo for Strangers" displays images by a Milwaukee native who photographs people in striking and strange garb on the streets of New York. Curator Graeme Reid will lead a tour at 3:45 p.m.

Photographer Daniel Arnold, a Milwaukee native, calls himself "a paparazzo for strangers." His fashion-centered images of walking New Yorkers are on display at the Museum of Wisconsin Art in West Bend.

"The Roddis Collection: American Style and Spirit" displays clothing purchased and worn by six generations of a Marshfield family from 1880-1991. Curator Graeme Reid will lead a tour at 3:15 p.m.

"Contemporary Threads: Wisconsin Fashion" shows off designs by 10 creators with a Wisconsin connection, including four "Project Runway" alums. MOWA staff member Miranda Levy-Adler, one of the designers in this show, will lead a tour at 2 p.m.

The Museum of Wisconsin Art is at 205 Veterans Ave., West Bend. Info: wisconsinart.org or call (262) 334-9638.