Gallery Talk: Celebrating Don Reitz with Collectors Leatrice and Melvin Eagle

Friday, October 27, 2023
5:00 – 7:30 pm

RAM invites you to a rare opportunity to learn about Don Reitz—a much-admired American ceramic artist who taught at the University of Wisconsin–Madison from 1962 until 1988. His career-spanning exhibition, Collection Focus: Don Reitz, debuts just over 55 pieces from 1961-2008. This archive is firmly anchored by a recent large gift of almost 50 examples from noted collectors Leatrice S. and Melvin B. Eagle. At 6:00 pm on Friday, October 27, RAM Executive Director and Curator of Collections Bruce W. Pepich will host a conversation with the Eagles about their collection process and long-term supportive relationship with Reitz. Galleries will be open for individual viewing prior to the talk, at 5:00 pm.

Following the talk, around 6:45 pm, enjoy a brief gallery tour through Wisconsin Artists: 1960-90, a recently opened exhibition featuring a range of media by artists living and working in the state during the years Reitz was teaching in Wisconsin. These pieces from RAM’s collection document the rich and varied Wisconsin visual arts field that surrounded Reitz while he made many of the pieces in Collection Focus.

This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.