New London to host two-day event

Ruth Rex took top honors in the Professional 3-D category at the 2017 Mid-Winter Art Show with her “Gothic Nature” fiber art. Photo courtesy of Wolf River Art League

The Wolf River Art League invites professional, non-professional and student artists to enter works of art to be displayed at the 48th annual Mid-Winter Art Show.

Art can be entered in categories such as but not limited to oil, acrylic, pastel, photography, fiber, ceramic and wood.

The art show takes place on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 10-11, at Crystal Falls Banquet Facility, 1500 Handschke Drive in New London. The show is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days.

Artists may request an entry form and information by emailing [email protected] or calling 920-982-0168 and leaving their mailing information in a message. Forms are also available at the New London Area Chamber of Commerce office, 420 N. Shawano St.

Entry forms are due Feb. 5.

Professional artist Kevin Knopp of Waupaca will be the 2018 judge. Knopp has a Master of Fine Arts degree, maintains an active studio practice and exhibits regularly in both non-profit and for-profit exhibitions. He taught painting and art appreciation as an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

For nearly 30 years, Knopp has balanced a creative life as a visual artist, drummer and percussionist, while operating a piano tuning business. He believes that visual artists in non-urban regions can create stunning and intelligent works of art.

The art show consists of 2-D, 3-D and photography categories, further sectioned into professional, non-professional and student levels.

Cash and ribbon prizes are awarded Saturday morning following the judging. Knopp will critique winning pieces and will be available to critique artists’ work until noon.

Each year Wolf River Art League members find artisans to demonstrate unique skills like glass fusing, glass blowing, fiber art techniques and wood carving. This year the art of tatting and rosemaling are added.

This “Norwegian Wedding Bowl” by Merlin Mayer placed first in the Non-Professional 3-D category at the 2017 Wolf River Art League Mid-Winter Art Show. Photo courtesy of Wolf River Art League

As in the past, vendors offer handmade jewelry, basketry and stained glass. The art league suggests attendees consider purchasing some as Valentine’s Day gifts.

This year the art show will be at a new location. Crystal Falls is found off U.S. Highway 45 near the State Highway 54 interchange.

The event will include live piano music throughout the show, new vendors and artisans, a menu prepared by Crystal Falls staff and a fundraising bake sale.

Wolf River Art League said its members are dedicated to appreciating the arts, providing art opportunities in the community, mentoring and providing yearly student art scholarships.