Promoting Decorative and Fine Arts in Milwaukee since 1948
Collectors’ Corner is a non-profit organization committed to promoting, expanding and fostering the appreciation and study of Decorative and Fine Arts through educational programs, lectures, presentations, exhibitions, and grants that support our mission.
Club History
1948
Collector’s Corner was founded by Mmes Zadock, Marshall and Weigell, in support of the Milwaukee Art Center, and was modeled after the Antiquarians affiliated with the Art Institute of Chicago. The founders envisioned organizing a group of women interested in the study of Decorative Arts and Antiquities.
1967
Collectors’ Corner is asked to facilitate the opening event for the newly acquired Italian-style villa to Milwaukee County from Mrs. Agnes Curtis (formerly Mrs. L. R. Smith) by Tracy Atkinson, Director of the Milwaukee Art Center. Originally named Sopra Mare, it was for use as a decorative arts museum, and was then renamed Villa Terrace.
1994
Collectors’ Corner makes a “show stopper” donation to the Milwaukee Art Museum, a punch bowl, ca. 1765 from China for the English market. Made of hand-painted, hard paste porcelain, this type of bowl was among the first objects of Chinese trade to enter the Colonies.
2008
A needlework purse (ca 1764) by Mary Eaton is acquired for the Milwaukee Art Museum in honor of the 60th Anniversary of the founding of Collectors’ Corner.
2022
Collectors’ Corner disaffiliates with the Milwaukee Art Museum, becoming an independent 501(c) (3) corporation.
2023
A pair of candlesticks by Hester Fawdery is purchased by Collectors’ Corner for the Milwaukee Art Museum. Hester is a pioneer female silversmith who took over her family's business in 1760 when her husband died. With no formal training, Hester established herself as a revered figure as a Georgian silversmith. Hester Fawdery, Pair of Candlesticks, 1727. Purchase, with funds from Collectors’ Corner M2023.172a,b. Photo courtesy of Koopman Rare Art.
Officers and Directors Committees
Join Us
Through annual programming and events, including curator and collector lectures, tours, field trips and luncheons, members can share and grow their knowledge of the field of decorative and fine arts.
Support Our Growth
Your donation will help Collectors' Corner fund arts initiatives in the greater Milwaukee area.