Now that I have your attention, I hope you smile when you see these words, which happen to be spoken and spelled the same way in every language on earth, even the Midwest.

I’m writing to you today to share my fondness for the Dubuque Museum of Art.

DuMA is near and dear to my heart, so much so that I entrusted my life’s works of books and etchings to their permanent collection. I know that the DuMA family will take good care of them for years to come.

From the time you walk into the Museum, I guarantee there will be moments of amusement combined with the unexpected. Like a visit to your family, but with more laughter.

The staff and the volunteers go out of their way to make me feel welcome. Depending on my mood, I can be asinine (a favorite word) or entertaining. But I am always myself – an obsessive, compulsive Lutheran etcher. Over the past 25 years, staff have humored me by looking over my latest projects and listening to my stories. Believe me, I will never run out of stories to tell.

I think we can all agree that the last year has been a doozy. Now that things are easing up a bit, I recommend a visit to the Museum. The team is working like the resourceful pigs in my stories to create fun and memorable ways to be together again.

This summer the Museum will share my latest work How the Big Bad Wolf Got His Comeuppance, telling the story how those three little pigs finally get their revenge and stick it to the wolf. Additionally, the DuMA Biennial will be featured, which is a snapshot of the themes and trends emerging from the best work being made in our region. In the fall, the powerful and moving Vietnam: The Real War will be featured. This exhibition of 50 iconic Associated Press photos is also a community-wide festival that will honor our veterans.

As you can tell, I’m very passionate about the Museum. I know you are too. This is why I’m asking you to join me in raising $100,000 by June 1. When you make a gift by June 1, DuMA will receive a 10% match, up to $10,000, through the Principal Charity Classic Birdies for Charity program. Please consider a gift of $1,000, $500, $125, $75, or whatever is right for you. Don’t give it a thought, just do it.

I truly believe that by working together as a community we can accomplish anything.

Thank you for supporting an inspiring and memorable year at the Dubuque Museum of Art.