This year’s Study Day at the Chazen Museum of Art will have more therapy dogs, more art-surrounded study spaces, more oranges—and possibly more students, depending on how many show up on Thursday, Dec. 12.
Now in its sixth year, the Chazen’s Study Day gives students a once-a-year opportunity to study in the midst of a stellar art collection and be with lots of their peers doing the same. It’s a smooth operation, with power-supplied study tables set up throughout the galleries and in the lobby. The 11-hour event drew 1,000 students to the Chazen in 2022 and about 850 last year. With seating for 150 at a time, there’s room for more, said Jamie Prey, the Chazen’s events coordinator.
There were organized activities in past years, but those faded away. “Everybody said just let us study, give us free food,” Prey said. Wish granted: the Chazen’s ordering numerous cups of coffee, 216 bagel halves, 250 apples, 120 bananas, 120 clementines (ran out last year), 200 granola bars, 120 bags of chips, 120 bags of cookies—and at 5 p.m., about 500 pieces of Ian’s Pizza. (Food is allowed only in the lobby.)
New study spots this year include four seats in the Chazen’s Carolyn and John Peterson Gallery, the enclosed walkway between the Chazen and Elvehjem buildings. Also known as Gallery IX, it displays several sculptures including Optic Twist Screen #2, the large blown glass artwork popular with Chazen visitors. “You have a view of the lake and outlets by each chair. Pretty nice,” she said.
The highlights? Some would argue it’s the pizza, others the art. Lots of others would say it’s the therapy dogs, who are all over UW–Madison this time of year. Dogs on Call, a local volunteer organization, made nine campus visits in November and have another nine in December, with stops at residence halls, the Law School, the Red Gym, libraries, the Chazen, and more.
Todd Trampe organizes about 60 campus visits a year for Dogs on Call and brings Millie, his Labrador retriever. The Chazen’s Study Day is one of his personal favorites. “It’s always so well-organized and attendance is always abundant,” he said. “Students are a bit more stressed than usual, but they are so grateful for the opportunity to engage with our therapy dogs.”
Coming to the Chazen this year with Millie are Jessie, a Maltese; Clara, an Irish wolfhound; Willy, a Münsterländer; April, a golden retriever-poodle mix; and Luna, a Great Pyrenees—along with their people.
You can register here for the Chazen’s Study Day (it’s optional). It’s just one of many events across the UW–Madison campus aimed at easing end-of-semester stress and helping Badgers #FinishStrong:
• Wisconsin Union is hosting a Study Day Hike and Brew with Outdoor UW on Thursday, Dec. 12, and a Finals Study Bash from 10:30–3 p.m. Dec. 13.
• University Housing offers a range of stress-busting events, from “DIY Stained Glass” on Dec. 10 in Smith Hall to “Build-a-Buddy” on Dec. 12 in Witte Hall.
• College Library events include a coffee, tea, and hot chocolate giveaway on Dec. 11 in the Open Book Café and your last chance this semester to see therapy dogs—from 3–5 p.m. on Dec. 16.