Let’s go on with the show

It’s been an interesting year for Walls of Wittenberg as they’ve navigated through the pandemic deciding which events should be held and which should be cancelled. With seven artists involved with the annual fall art show the decision to proceed was an easy one.

“Our artists are excited to be part of the show this fall,” said event coordinator Elaine Diffor who noted that there is plenty of room to social distance in the WOWSPACE.

The room capacity is 133 people and the free event is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 19 through Oct. 4 so according to Diffor there are plenty of opportunities to safely view the show. Masks will be required.

As in years past, the show ends on the same weekend as the county-wide Miles of Art event. This is the first year that WOW has not participated in the event. Due to the uncertainty of whether or not the show would take place and not having a sponsor to cover the cost of being a MoA event, WOW made the decision to put on an independent art show. Diffor noted she hopes WOW will be a part of the MoA event next year.

Shawano photographer Jim Leuenberger has been a frequent exhibitor at WOW art shows. This year his collection will focus on photos of owls and other birds among his nature-themed collection.

“I look forward to being at the show again this year,” said Leuenberger.

Carol Strand, Wausau, is a retired art teacher from the Wittenberg-Birnamwood School District and specializes in stained glass and ceramics. Her work is influenced by the time she spends outdoors and working in her garden.

Another popular returning artist is Carmen Duran of Stratford who says that she found painting later in life. She says her focus is generally floral subjects painted with vivid color combinations, bold brush strokes and rich texture.

Fiber art is Jean Sredl’s medium of choice. The artist, from Shawano, creates a variety of art pieces using yarns, fabrics and silks generally constructed by hand or with the help of her sewing machine.

“I create unique materials by deconstructing, dying, spinning or re-purposing,” said Sredl. “It’s the texture of life and the practice of my art.”

Greenway Homescapes is the name of the artwork produced by the husband and wife team, Tim and Maureen Baumhardt of Campbellsport. For the past 15 years they have been creating metal art for indoor/outdoor living.

Walking sticks were an inspiration that came to Kirk Stark, Rothschild, during his time spent outdoors bird hunting and trout fishing. All of the sticks are made from fallen branches including maple, aspen, oak and alder and no two are the same. Sticks also have brass tips, leather and or paracord, grips, and all have a compass.

WOW is the non-profit organization that hires professional artists to paint the murals on the outside walls of the schools and businesses. They generally host four free art shows and produce two theater productions each year in their gallery, WOWSPACE, located at 114 Vinal St., Wittenberg. Their summer concert series was moved from the adjacent Art Park to the village’s Washington Park to allow more room for social distancing.

Many pieces of art will be for sale during the art show.