The Museum of Wisconsin Art in West Bend is opening a photographic exhibition this weekend featuring the work of Dick Blau from Milwaukee.
Blau was a collaborator on a book in 1992 called Polka Happiness, and his latest public work is a series of large photographs capturing Wisconsin's polka scene. Blau and longtime polka chronicler Rick March stopped by 25 dances in 2013. That journey led to this rare photo display, polka style. Blau talked to Ken Krall about the challenges and pure joy he experienced doing the work.
"Polka Heartland: Photographs by Dick Blau" opens Saturday, January 31 in West Bend at the Museum of Wisconsin Art's Hyde Gallery. Blau will be at the exhibition along with Milwaukee's "The Squeezettes" providing the music. Other exhibitions will be in February and March.
Ken Krall restarted the Polka Show on WXPR in 1989.
