VIDEO: Museum Showcases Works of Americana By Madison Resident

There's probably not a person in America who has not seen some of Ken Olson's art.

The longtime Madison resident who died in 2010 was a noted commercial artist, having designed the Fig Newtons package, among countless other products.

Peter Rothenberg, curator of the , discovered a treasure trove of what Olson called "whimsies" while trolling for decoy ducks for an exhibit a number of years ago. Rothenberg found many peices of art inspired by the traditional American Folk Art style and other Americana, with which Olson's wife, Bette, had filled their home.

Olson's passion for creating things began as a youngster growing up in Jersey City. He liked to carve fishing lures, a craft he learned from his father, a shipwright and carpenter. After college, Olson launched a very successful career handlettering advertising. 

He loved fun things from the past: whirligigs, signs, toys and patriotic figures. All of his paintings and sculptures reflect humor, nature and the Founding Fathers.

There's a spinning Ahab, a naughty Ben Franklin, bread angels as well as exquisite carved animals, including toys for Olson's children and paintings, some of which reflect modern Madison.

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