Wolf River Art League winners announced
Despite a threatening snow storm, Wolf River Art League members saw record numbers of attendees at their 50th anniversary and Mid-Winter Art Show at Crystal Falls Feb. 8-9.
Ninety-eight artists from age 4 to 94 registered this year, with 197 pieces of artwork on display.
A People’s Choice Award ribbon and $50 went to Valerie Ohm of Neenah, who wowed the crowd with her realistic oil and gold leaf painting of “Naitee.” Ohm entered five pieces.
The show is not juried, and welcomes new artists each year.
Carol Emmons, professor emerita in art and design from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (1987-2015) awarded the following ribbons:
Professional 2-D
1st – Mike O’Connell, New London
2nd – Lyn Michiels, Waupaca
3rd – Becca Mulenberg, Duluth, Minnesota
HM – Yolanda Piekarczyk, New London
Professional 3-D
1st – Ray Claussen, Ogdensburg
2nd – Dennis Theisen
3rd – Diane Urban, New London
Professional Photography
1st – Dan Rice, Mequon
2nd – Dan Rice, Mequon
3rd – Diane Urban, New London
Non-Professional 2-D
1st – Kathryn Korth, Appleton
2nd – Luidmila Vakulenko, Kaukauna
3rd – Valerie Ohm, Neenah
HM – Alison Acker, New London
HM – Vicki Gust, Appleton
HM – Bridget Kurth, New London
Non-Professional 3-D
1st – Clint Danke, New London
2nd – Stewert Rachwal, Weyauwega
3rd – Owen Surprise, Shiocton
Non-Professional Photography
1st – Mark Grossman, New London
2nd – Melissa Mulroy, New London
3rd – Luke Oberstadt, Milwaukee
Student 2-D
1st – Ava Downie, Hortonville
2nd – Alana Oertel, New London
3rd – Samantha Hoerth, New London
HM – Sarah Castellano, New London
HM – Gabby Herzfeldt, New London
HM (2) – Kendall Lotto, Greenville
HM – Gabby Herzfeldt, New London
HM – Kyra Oertel, New London
Student 3-D
1st – Makaya Wolford, Green Bay
2nd – Makennah West, New London
3rd – Isabella Brandt, Fremont
Student Photography
1st – Emily Smolinski, New London
2nd – Makennah West, New London
3rd – Abigail Brandt, Fremont
HM – Kaitlin Kramer, Larsen
Art scholarship fundraising efforts were supported throughout the show, with a silent auction that included The Trout and Paine Art Museum family memberships, WRAL founding member Henry Miles original watercolor, a basket of art supplies, art books, and other artisan donations from attending vendors.
Each year the league awards a $500 scholarship to a graduating senior, and scholarships to a middle and high school student to attend UW-Green Bay Summer Art Camp.
Retired teacher and self-taught artist Lenny Nagler was the 2020 Featured Artist. Known throughout the Fox Valley galleries, Nagler paints landscapes and still life. He is a past judge of the show.
A ‘teaser’ of the league’s new StArt (Start Art) Mural Project was displayed, providing a sneak peek at concept drawings of 20 murals planned for the City of New London. In 2019 the league and community members created a downtown mural on Amazing Low Prices furniture building as a fundraiser to support this mural movement. Nearly $15,000 was raised.
Mural painting begins in May. The league is looking for support painters and workers. Find more information on Wolf River Art League’s Facebook page or contact club President Lori Schneider at 920-982-1068.