Jerry Andrus was a renowned magician known for his innovative and mind-boggling magic tricks. Born on January 28, 1918, in Sheridan, Oregon, he developed a fascination for magic from a very young age. Andrus became famous for his unique approach to magic, incorporating optical illusions, mathematical principles, and psychological subtleties into his performances. He was particularly well-known for his ability to create visually stunning illusions that left his audience in awe. One of his most famous tricks was the "Linking Pins," where he would seemingly link two solid metal pins together and then separate them just as easily. This baffling trick left spectators questioning their own eyes, as it defied all logic and reasoning.
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Since then, she s expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee. Since then, she s expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
This baffling trick left spectators questioning their own eyes, as it defied all logic and reasoning. In addition to his magic tricks, Andrus was also a prolific inventor. He created numerous optical illusions and puzzles, many of which are still studied and used by magicians and psychologists today.
Goodbye, "witch's house"
At the time, I knew little about the house, other than it was a lakeside cottage in Fox Point with a yard surrounded by barbed wire and packed with whimsical and spooky sculpture.
I would later find out about (and fall in love with) the creator of the art, Mary Nohl, who lived there until her death in 2001.
At some point, I stopped calling the funky cottage "the witch’s house" and, instead, referred to it as "Mary Nohl’s house." Nonetheless, I was honored to be a part of Joe Skow's 2012, 20-minute documentary "Pilgrimage To the Witch's House."
News emerged today that the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, which owns the home and its contents, will dismantle the house this summer and rebuild it in the Sheboygan area.
Both through word of mouth and personal experience, I learned that the neighbors were not fans of the house because of the traffic it drew to the suburban, residential neighborhood.
Hence, it’s no surprise that these neighbors were uninterested in agreeing to the zoning changes required to open the house to the public.
On one level, I get the opposition. The house is in a residential area. It’s on a dead end street. There isn’t a lot of room for cars and traffic.
But that doesn’t mean I like it. Or that I agree with it.
This is more than a house – it is a museum of one woman’s life work – and it is extremely rare to have objects displayed in the place where they were originally created. Being thus displayed creates an unmatchable energy linking the art to its environment.
This was part of the Hamilton Wood Type & Print Museum's heartbreak when forced to leave its space last year.
If the house could stay intact and be zoned so that it could open as a museum, there would be finite hours of operation and designated parking. This would eliminate a large portion of drive-by traffic because it would remove the mystique. The barbed wire surrounding the premises and the fact it was off-limits was very much a part of the appeal.
If suddenly the Mary Nohl house were open to the public, it would become more what it should be: an artistic tribute to the incredible work of a Wisconsin artist and not a Halloween-time attraction.
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Molly Snyder Senior Writer @mollysnyderMKE
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
This is more than a house – it is a museum of one woman’s life work – and it is extremely rare to have objects displayed in the place where they were originally created. Being thus displayed creates an unmatchable energy linking the art to its environment.
His most famous invention is the "Andrus Card Control," a technique that allows a magician to manipulate a deck of cards undetectably. Throughout his career, Andrus received many accolades and recognition for his contributions to the field of magic. He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Fellowship by the Academy of Magical Arts in 1994 and was even inducted into the Society of American Magicians Hall of Fame. Jerry Andrus was not only a master magician but also a brilliant thinker and creator. His dedication to pushing the boundaries of magic and his ability to deceive the mind and senses continue to inspire and amaze magicians and audiences alike. Even after his death in 2007, his legacy lives on through his tricks, illusions, and the impact he left on the world of magic..
Reviews for "Jerry Adrus' Magic: Pushing the Boundaries of Possibility"
- Emily - 1 star
I went to see Jerry Adrus Magic show and I was highly disappointed. The tricks were predictable and nothing out of the ordinary. It felt like I have seen all of this before. The performance was lacking excitement and the whole show was quite boring. I wouldn't recommend it at all.
- John - 2 stars
Jerry Adrus Magic show was just average. The tricks were alright, but nothing mind-blowing. There was no wow factor or anything that stood out. It felt like he was just going through the motions and not really putting any effort into the performance. I expected more from a magician of his caliber.
- Sarah - 2 stars
I was really looking forward to Jerry Adrus Magic show, but it fell short of my expectations. The tricks were okay, but the overall performance lacked energy and enthusiasm. It felt like he was just going through the motions and didn't really engage with the audience. It left me feeling unimpressed and wanting more.
- Mike - 1 star
Jerry Adrus Magic show was a complete waste of time and money. The tricks were poorly executed and it was obvious how they were done. There was no sense of wonder or mystery. It felt like he was just trying to rush through the performance without putting any effort into it. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.