Smith Scarabocchio Art Museum

The Smith Scarabocchio Art Museum is a city-owned art museum/gallery (Division of Parks and Recreation) managed by the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra and curated by volunteer artists, who work together in cooperation with the CWSO and other art galleries in the city to present high-quality exhibitions and events.

The Smith Scarabocchio Art Museum is the legacy of UW-Stevens Point emeritus art professor Dr. David L. Smith, who purchased the former historic Point Bakery building, artfully and tastefully repurposing the versatile space for his own studio and museum in 2003. Envisioning a community that engages through a vibrant arts scene, Dr. Smith and his wife Alyce, in collaboration with their family, donated the Smith Scarabocchio Art Museum building as well as their expansive art collection to the City of Stevens Point with the agreement that the museum would operate as such for a minimum of 30 years. Since that time, hundreds of residents and visitors have enjoyed the rotating exhibits and permanent collections, participated in community meetings, have gathered to celebrate art openings and private family functions, been entertained by professional music ensembles, and much, much more. A favorite Dr. Smith quote, “Remember that ART is in every HEART,” reminds us that the arts are for everyone. A grateful community has benefitted from his vision.

Since January 2015, the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra has made the second floor of the museum its home and is grateful to have the inspiration of visual art in its mission to “enrich, engage, and educate through the power and performance of live music,” with the vision of “serving as a center of artistic excellence, through leadership and parnerships, nourishes spirits, develops intellectual and creative captal, adding value for all.”

The CWSO facilitates a wide range of activities in the museum including the Scarabocchio Jazz Listening Sessions, community meetings, artist peer critiques, among others. The facility is available for rent for special occasions, meetings, and other activities. Please contact the staff for further details.

The Smith Scarabocchio Art Museum’s normal hours of operation are Monday-Thursday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., and by appointment. Admission to the museum is always free, but donations are gratefully accepted and acknowleged. For more information e-mail: cwso@cwso.org or call: 715-345-7726.

Scarabocchio is a unique artistic style that evolves from a blank sheet of paper, ballpoint pen, and vast imagination. With these elements, individuals can try their hand at doodling. David L. Smith, a retired art professor from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, developed his original doodle method to inspire those who believe art is beyond their capabilities. In doing so, he ignited artistry throughout the Stevens Point area. The intricate details and technical sophistication of Smith’s completed designs not only demonstrate his talent but also his passion to enrich our community. The Wisconsin Idea played a vital role in Smith’s community outreach. Smith wanted to ensure an art-centered education outside of the structured classroom setting. By donating the Scarabocchio Art Museum to Stevens Point, Smith will continue to spark artistic inspiration for generations to come.

Smith developed Scarabocchio art during his graduate studies in the 1960s, though at the time he had not yet found a name for his technique. Smith was not inspired by any artist in particular. Instead, Smith developed his own decorative, non-objective art form. Smith named his original style after a comment made by his Italian aunt. After viewing his sketches, Smith’s aunt classified his work as “scarabocchio”, the Italian word for scribble or doodle.

Over the years, Smith refined his technique. During the 1970s and 80s, Smith experimented with colors and patterns such as dots, hatch marks and crosshatches to enhance the overall aesthetic of his sketches. The evolution of Smith’s art is also evident when comparing the dynamic color palettes and varieties of patterns between his earlier sketches and later professional designs. Smith also found inspiration in other people, and he often collaborated with fellow artists to develop new varieties of patterns, shading, and color schemes.

David L. Smith took pride in the notion that his Scarabocchio method was accessible enough that non artists could create their own original doodles. By adopting this non-objective art form, Smith often transformed simple sketches into dynamic works of art. Smith often took his original sketches and laser printed the designs in different sizes and colors. Several pieces that Smith created through this method went on to become award-winning masterpieces. These works are now part of the prized collection at the Scarabocchio Art Museum.

Smith’s ability to pen a doodle into a masterpiece served as inspiration to artists in Stevens Point and beyond; with a little time, creativity, and determination, even the simplest sketch can be transformed into a work of art. Through his ability to perfect his own Scarabocchio technique and subsequently teach it to others, Smith became a pillar of the local artistic community.

Smith’s Manifesto