Ally Wilber
Ally currently works as Executive Director for the artist nonprofit Wisconsin Visual Artists (WVA) and has previous experience curating large-scale art events and exhibitions for the Museum of Wisconsin Art. Her first curatorial project was Legends of Drag, with the coinciding drag show event "Legends Live" being named Milwaukee's best event in 2022. She is passionate about providing support and opportunities for artists throughout the state. She lives in Appleton, Wisconsin with two cats and a white python.
Experience
Executive Director, Wisconsin Visual Artists, WI
February ‘20 – Current
Oversees and manages budget, social media, and website. Develops strategies for strengthening membership, programming, and exhibitions. Leads committees for fundraising and endowment.
Artist in Residence, The Trout Museum of Art, Appleton WI
January ‘24 – April ‘24
Artist in Residence, ARTservancy, Port Washington WI
May ‘23 – May ‘24
Assistant Curator, Museum of Wisconsin Art, West Bend WI
May ’21 – April ‘23
Collaborates with the curatorial team on the planning, management, and development of the museum’s collections, exhibitions, and programs. Develops rich and engaging programs related to exhibitions. Organizes, budgets, and oversees large annual events. Assists with grant writing and fundraising.
Buyer and Manager of Museum Gift Shop / Curator of Public Programs, Museum of Wisconsin Art, West Bend
May ’29 – April ‘23
Curates and acquires handmade Wisconsin artwork for resale through wholesale and consignment methods. Determines pricing based on profit margin and manages staff, consignment payments, inventory reports, and gift shop budget.
Artist in Residence, The Refuge, Appleton WI
Aug ‘17 – Nov ‘19
Assisted with curation and installation of exhibitions, maintained productive studio practice, managed art and music festival in Green Bay.
Education
Bachelor of Arts Studio Art & English (2017)
Ripon College, Ripon WI
Curatorial Projects
Anna: The Photography of Lidia Sharapova
Saint Kate The Arts Hotel, Milwaukee
April 2023-July 2023
Leslie Vansen: The Topography of Line
Saint Kate The Arts Hotel, Milwaukee
January 2023-April 2023
Magic Wilderness
Museum of Wisconsin Art
October 2022 - January 2023
Legends of Drag
Saint Kate The Arts Hotel, Milwaukee
May 2022 - August 2022
Claiming Space
Museum of Wisconsin Art
July 2021 - September 2021
Refuge Arts
Feather and Bone, Appleton, WI
2018
Group Exhibitions
2024 MIAD, Milwaukee WI
2024 ARTservancy, Gallery 224, Port Washington WI
2023 Family Dinner, James May Gallery, Milwaukee WI
2023 Var 30x30x30 Exhibition, Var Gallery, Milwaukee WI
2023 Perspectives 2023, Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
2018 Art of Water, James May Gallery, Algoma WI
2018 WVA NE Chapter Exhibition, Richeson Gallery
2018 Fox Cities Magazine Artists to Watch, Feather and Bone
2018 Refuge Arts, Feather and Bone Gallery
2017 Homeland Experience, Green Bay WI
2017 Culmination/Aspiration, Caestecker Gallery
2017 Prehistory, Thelma-Sadoff Center for the Arts
2015 Found Objects, 314: Ripon College Project Space
Press
Wisconsin Visual Art Achievement Awards 2024
Artists to Watch 2018, Fox Cities Magazine, Amelia Compton Wolff, January 2018.