Folk, Self-Taught, Outsider Art September 29, 2008

The Milwaukee Art Museum's commitment to the work of folk and self-taught artists began as early as 1951 with the gifts of two works by Wisconsin artist Anna Louisa Miller. During the 1960s and 1970s, the collection was significantly expanded when a number of important works were purchased including a major group of Shaker furniture and objects, an Ammi Philips portrait, a Wilhelm Schimmel eagle and John Kane's Bust of a Highlander. A major gift in 1981 from the estate of Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch further enhanced the Collection's 19th century holdings.