What happened at the museum in February

left many of us awe struck at the power of art to comfort the soul, express the inexplicable and bridge the past and future. When Dick Hess contacted Bergstrom-Mahler Museum about placing a granite bench on the grounds in memory of his wife Susan, a life-long fan of the museum, we were honored.

We discussed the opportunity with the family and worked toward a solution to tie this gesture with the memory of Susan and the museum’s glass collections. On February 17^th, The Hess Family presented an exquisite bench to the museum—a functional work of art that expresses the love of the Hess Family for Susan and her enthusiasm for the museum.

The design of the bench evokes images of a bridge — a connection from the past to the future, this life to the next and each of us to one another. A look from the top reveals a colorful, cast glass panel in the shape of a boat to represent Susan’s love of the lake and our life’s journey. Would a granite bench have revealed as detailed a portrait?

As you know, maintaining a free, public museum comes at a cost. We need your support to help us share with future generations what attracted Susan Hess to the museum: a beautiful space filled with inspiration, free for everyone to enjoy. Please consider making a monetary donation. Click on the donate button on the right. Thank you for your generosity.