08/03/2020
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of our most long-standing and cherished members, Annette Hirsh. Annette was a nationally known metalsmith who dedicated her life to her art and family. She lived a long and productive life, reaching 98 years (she almost made it to 99 years on October 20), before leaving us on Saturday morning, August 1.
Annette specialized in the metals technique of “lost-wax” casting, along with etching and cloisonne, and also taught watercolor painting for several decades. She was curator of the Joseph Baron Museum at Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun in Milwaukee for more than 30 years, and served as the historian of WDCC for decades. Her rich life was filled with many solo and group exhibitions (both local and national), and her work including jewelry, Judaica and sculpture can be found in private and permanent collections, at prestigious locations such as the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Milwaukee Jewish Museum, Mount Mary College, and synagogues across the U.S.
Annette was a driving force in the development of the WDCC organization for more than 60 years, serving in various board capacities. She recalled her first entry into a WDCC show in the early 1950s with a woven wool afghan made on her own loom. She went on to take a metals class in the mid-1950s, and it became her preferred medium. She was largely self-taught after that. She participated in many, many Morning Glory Fairs, when first held at the Charles Allis Art Museum on Milwaukee’s east side, and continued when the fair moved to the Marcus Performing Arts Center in 2002.
Always committed to the utmost-quality standards, Annette’s whimsical images reflected a love of life and a joyful spirit. She was highly regarded by her peers, and was truly a role model for our members.
Annette leaves behind her two sons Jay and Robin, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Her beloved husband, Jules, died in 2004 after 59 years of marriage.
A spotlight article about Annette can be seen on the WDCC website. Her full obituary was included in the Sunday edition of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and is also posted the Blane Goodman Funeral Services website .
A Graveside Service for Annette will take place on Monday, August 3, at 12:30 p.m. in Milwaukee and on Zoom.
A Memorial Service/Shiva Minyan will take place at 3 p.m. at Congregation Emanu-El B'ne Jeshurun on Zoom.
If you would like to participate in either or both of the services, please contact: WDCC president Jean Wells at [email protected] and she can give you the links.
We love you, Annette! Thanks so much for your creativity and support of the Wisconsin Designer Crafts Council organization! You will be deeply missed!
