Think you've got acute vision?

Well, pack up your glasses, magnifying glass and jeweler's loupe and head up to the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum and check out the new exhibits, "Feast the Eye, Fool the Eye" and "Visual Deceptions."

The trompe l'oeil art on display until June 1 simply has to be seen to be believed. And even after you see it, you still might not believe it.

Trompe l'oeil (pronounced tromp-loy), literally means "trick of the eye" in French. It involves illusionistic painting that attempts to re-create objects in three dimensions - often common, everyday objects that are easily recognizable but arranged or depicted in ways that carry deeper meaning.

To achieve the illusion, painters painstakingly re-create light, shadow and texture to produce works that are more realistic and three-dimensional than even photographs.

You've seen trompe l'oeil before. Many still-lifes by 17th, 18th and 19th century artists - a section of the Woodson Museum exhibition is dedicated to them - convincingly re-create bowls of fruit, musical instruments, flower arrangements and other objects.

But the most stunning and familiar pieces at the museum were done by present-day artists, and they truly do fool the eye.

Numismatists in particular will be amazed to see Peace dollars, turn-of-the-century paper money and modern cash so realistic it could be passed at any checkout counter in Wausau.

Maryland painter Eric Conklin's "A Penny Saved" depicts an American large-size cent from the 1800s and a modern $100 bill so lifelike that the crinkled paper appears to jump off the wall.

His "Wish Upon a Star" re-creates a string-puppet Pinocchio hanging on a weathered door with chipped and cracked paint that looks ready to peel off and fall to the floor.

Donald Clapper of Arizona gives viewers an idea of what an Old West cowboy might have carried in the pocket of his jeans - a playing card, a Wells Fargo letter, a 1917-series $1 bill and other articles - in a painting titled "Getaway Money."

One entire section of the museum is dedicated to the work of Boscobel painter Michael Riddet, the pre-eminent Wisconsin trompe l'oeil artist.

His re-creations of common household objects - buttons, writing materials, fishing lures - also frequently depict butterflies so graphic that one expects them to flutter right off the tableau.

But far and away the most deceiving piece in the exhibit also is the smallest: a palm-size canvas by Gregory D. West titled "Lunch" that's tucked in a corner of the basement gallery.

"Lunch" depicts a simple soda cracker in a Ziploc bag. But it is so detailed, so completely real, that the Woodson's curator better hope no hungry mice get into the building.

"In the end, this small painting was a triumph over mind tricks: A familiar snack, freshness and a meager 'lunch,'" the artist wrote in his description that accompanies "Lunch."

You can view some of the pieces and learn about other exhibitions and visiting hours at the Woodson's Web site, http:lywam.org.

But to truly do the trompe l'oeil paintings justice, they must be seen in person. And a tip for first-timers: Approach the pieces from directly in front of them and stand back at least four or five feet. At that distance, the three-dimensional nature of the art makes them pop off the wall.

Closer, and the illusion falls apart. Farther away, and the subtle shadows and lighting are lost.

Also keep in mind that the chance to see a collection of such importance is a rarity in a city of Wausau's size. The museum really is a treasure for central Wisconsin.

There's a box for donations near the main entrance, and the money inside is no trompe l'oeil illusion. Your support should be equally tangible.

For further information, visit the Daily Herald web site at:
http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/wdhopinion/277435338722520.shtml