In Memoriam

In August, the Museum lost a longtime and much-beloved supporter, Isabel Bader. Together with her late husband, Alfred Bader, she championed the European art program at the Museum in myriad ways. She served as a guest curator in 1989 and was a founding member of the Fine Arts Society; in 2013, she and Alfred generously supported the position of Curator of European Art. Together they donated more than 40 artworks to the Museum over the years, profoundly transforming the collection and helping build strength in 17th-century Dutch painting. Her kindness, quick wit, and love of the arts made her a passionate ally, and she believed firmly in the power of art to transform lives. She will be deeply missed.

Well-known Milwaukee philanthropist Michael Cudahy passed away in March, leaving behind an unprecedented legacy of support for the arts, innovation, and change across the city. Cudahy’s more than 30-year relationship with the Museum included serving as a trustee for nearly two decades. Cudahy’s exceptional largesse contributed to the building of the Santiago Calatrava–designed Quadracci Pavilion and the Museum’s ability to start planning for its future within its iconic building debt free. The Museum’s Cudahy Gardens, designed by Daniel Kiley, bear the Cudahy name in honor of his unexpected, generous gift. Cudahy liked to dream big and make things happen. He was committed to Milwaukee’s cultural community and will be remembered as a force of tireless energy instrumental in helping transform the downtown lakefront into a celebrated community destination.