Natural motifs, flowing lines, and asymmetrical curves all characterize the late-nineteenth to early twentieth century creative style Art Nouveau. Oshkosh’s very own Paine Art Center and Gardens provides local guests with the opportunity to explore this style for themselves in their exhibition: “The Triumph of Nature: Art Nouveau from the Chrysler Museum of Art” through the beginning of October. With around 120 pieces coming together to create this exhibit, the Paine proudly spotlights the furniture, glass, and other works that were produced during this brief, but incredibly influential period.

The “Triumph of Nature” is a traveling exhibit featuring pieces from the Chrysler Museum of Art and organized by an exhibition firm called International Arts and Artists out of Washington, D.C. The Paine is the exhibition’s eighth stop on its multi-year national tour, and the mansion and garden’s staff have been eagerly awaiting its arrival since they first expressed interest in 2021.

Laura Fiser, Curator of Collections and Exhibitions at the Paine for the past 21 years, has worked on well over 50 exhibitions. Her position also includes managing the Paine’s archives, including the founders’ correspondence and the original design and construction of the mansion. One of these exhibitions includes “The Triumph of Nature,” which she visited in Dayton, Ohio, before helping share it with the people of Oshkosh.

“We were familiar with the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia, which was the museum that the exhibition organizer partnered with. They have one of the best Art Nouveau collections in the country and are known for that collection,” she said. “We could see how beautiful the collection is, but also how large it is. It’s one of the most ambitious exhibitions we have ever presented at the Paine. There are 120 objects that also came to us in three semi trucks, each one completely full.”

“The Triumph of Nature” spotlights a brief, yet important, time period in art history.

“The pieces are just really stunningly beautiful objects, and it’s really rare for pieces like this to travel. This particular exhibition covers a relatively brief time period, mid 1880s to just at the start of World War I, and it’s a really beautiful period of design, architecture, decorative arts, and fine art,” Fiser said. “Artists are kind of rejecting the industrial revolution and going back to handmade artists designed objects and really focusing on pieces that incorporate a lot of craftsmanship and detail.”

Not only are the exhibition’s pieces themselves gorgeous, but they perfectly complement Paine’s architecture and design.

“In this period in particular, there’s so much inspiration from nature, and that’s a really nice tie in with the Paine. A lot of the beautiful, natural motifs that you see inside the house, like the oak leaves and the acorns and the Tudor roses, and then, of course, the gardens outside, we thought would be a really beautiful exhibition to kind of showcase other forms of craftsmanship,” Fiser said. “We do have a lot of Art Nouveau inspiration at the Paine, but to bring a kind of world-class collection here really shows people what Art Nouveau is and how that international art movement became so important and so loved.”

Michele Vanderkolk has been working part-time with customer services and admissions for 12 years, giving her a perfect front-row seat to the incredible art that the Paine has to offer.

“Just getting to see all the different art exhibits that I wouldn’t have seen had I not worked here, because it’s like a hidden gem. Working at the Paine keeps my foot in the art world,” she said.

Lori Nehring, who works in visitor services, enjoys her position at the Paine owing to the beauty of the gardens and various exhibitions.

“Everything here is beautiful. Every time you come to work, it’s a feast for the eyes,” she said.

The Paine stands as an important learning opportunity for Oshkoshians and tourists alike.

“Sharing this art is important for the community, because otherwise it's going to get lost, and appreciating those details and things and creativity in people is important,” Vanderkolk said.

Nehring agreed, feeling that the event is a great opportunity in various ways.

“I think it adds value to our town. It’s a great educational thing for the community. It adds culture to the community,” she said.

Senior Alayna Peterson, who has worked as general event staff at the Paine for the last year, understands the importance of art in the community.

“I feel sharing art in Oshkosh is really important because it helps others express themselves, and I feel like it’s very good for expression while also sharing beauty in our community and bringing happiness.”

Fiser appreciates the role of the art center.

“I just think it’s a really fun show for us. We love it when exhibitions expand beyond the main gallery, whether it’s something shown out in the gardens or shown throughout the house,” she said. “It’s a really great opportunity for us to kind of draw people beyond that main gallery space and to see some of our rooms. And it’s been really fun for us to highlight some of our own collection that parallels some of the Art Nouveau pieces that are on loan through the exhibition.”

by Dania Mian and Kathryn Scheivert

Published October 5, 2026

Oshkosh West Index Volume 123 Issue 1

Paine goes Nouveau through ‘Triumph’ant exhibit