Two Women looking at a piece of artwork

Welcome to
Antigo Visual Arts

Come and explore our vibrant community! Connect with like-minded people looking to explore their creativity.

Our Mission at AVA

Empowering Artistic Exploration

Antigo Visual Arts envisions an arts-based community partnership in which every citizen has opportunities to explore, experience, and develop an appreciation for the visual arts in order to maximize their potential. AVA strives to provide an identity to area artists and a learning experience for artists of all levels. AVA sponsors judged art shows that offer cash awards and are open to all area artists.

Come Join Us

Join the Antigo Visual Arts community and connect with a vibrant network of artists and art lovers. Enjoy exclusive benefits, showcase your work, and be part of something truly special. Ready to take the next step in your artistic journey?

Art Events for Everyone

Inspire and be Inspired

Embark on a creative adventure with AVA. From our open-entry art shows and educational classes to monthly member gatherings, we offer a canvas of opportunities for all art enthusiasts.

Come See Our Current Show

Jun1Sunday

Aug14Thursday

Antigo Visual Arts 2025 Downtown Art Scavenger Hunt

Entry Due: August 14

Antigo Visual Arts (AVA), in partnership with the local downtown businesses, is proud to launch the 2025 Downtown Art Scavenger Hunt—an interactive summer event that celebrates the creativity of local artists and the charm of Antigo’s downtown.

 

From June 1 through August 14, community members and visitors are invited to explore downtown Antigo in search of 32 original artworks inspired by Wisconsin’s birds, animals, and native flowers. The works—ranging from traditional paintings to carvings, a mosaic, and even nearly 3D pieces—have been created by 27 talented local artists. Each piece is displayed either in a business window or mounted outside the building, making for a vibrant and engaging art walk across a five-block area, plus six additional businesses just off 5th Avenue.

 

Each artwork is clearly marked with “AVA” and a number to help guide participants on their artistic treasure hunt. Entry forms are available here (Download Signup Form) and at participating businesses and must be completed and returned to the Antigo Public Library no later than August 14. Only one entry per person.

 

To reward the most successful art hunters, AVA will award a total of $500 in Chamber Gift Certificates:

  • 🥇 First Place – $250
  • 🥈 Second Place – $100
  • 🥉 Third Place – $100
  • 🏅 Fourth Place – $50

In the event of a tie, winners will be drawn at random.

 

Participants are also encouraged to vote for their top four favorite artworks. The artists whose pieces receive the most votes will receive the same prize values as the winning participants. It’s a fun way to support local talent and connect with the creative spirit of the community.

 

“This project brings together our vibrant art community and our charming downtown in a fun, interactive way,” said Marie Benes, AVA member and project lead. “It’s a win-win for artists, local businesses, and residents looking to enjoy a creative summer stroll.”

 

Winners will be announced on August 16 during the Downtown Car Show, where AVA will also host a silent auction featuring select scavenger hunt artworks. The auction will take place under the horse mural on 5th Avenue, with additional details to be shared in the coming weeks.

 

This year’s event features work from the following artists, who generously contributed their time and creativity to make downtown Antigo a summer destination:

 

Jean Adams, Sabriel Dahlke-Messer, Jackelyn Dahlke-Messer, Librael Dahlke-Messer, Camille Converse-Smith, Anita Fischer, Danna Gabriel, Beatie Gmeiner, Mary Hayes, Tonya Hardin, Michael Hagerty, Stacy Marmes, Joanne March, Carol McDougal, Karen Now-Stimac, Gloria Pagel, Pat Packard, Brian Ponshock, Tyler Reynolds, Linda Robinson, Logan Ruelle, Madison Taylor, Evie Trabant-McKenna, Nancy Leder, Vicki Eldridge, Angela Wildman, and Andrew Wildman.

 

Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking for a new way to enjoy downtown, this scavenger hunt offers a unique blend of creativity, community, and fun for all ages. You don’t need to be present to win—but you do need to get hunting!

See Full Show Details

Sign Up for Our Next Show

Jul19Saturday

Sep13Saturday

Summer Wonder 2025 Art Exhibit

Entry Due: July 12

Join us at the Antigo Visual Arts Gallery for our vibrant summer exhibit, “Summer Wonder.” Building on the tradition of celebrating local artistic talent, this judged show captures the peak of the season with a dazzling display of creativity.

Immerse yourself in the warmth and energy of summer through a curated selection of artwork that reflects the spirit and beauty of the season.

Don’t miss this opportunity to support and admire the remarkable creativity flourishing in our community.

See Full Show Details

December
Featured Artist

Featured Artist – Amanda Lifke

Director of Antigo Visual Arts (AVA) Art Center & Ceramic Artist Amanda Lifke’s artistic journey began at the age of 5, when she first started working with ceramics alongside her grandmothers. This early exposure to the medium sparked a lifelong passion for creating, a passion she continues to nurture at Gloria Pagel's Country Castings Ceramics. Known for her vibrant and intricate pieces, Amanda’s work is an expression of her artistic versatility. Describing her creative process as ADHD-like, she often moves from one art form to another, but ceramics always remains her anchor. For Amanda, art is not just a form…

Latest Public
Art Project

Antigo Visual Arts Unveils New Public Art Mural Celebrating Nature, Friendship, and Community Legacy

Antigo, WI — Antigo Visual Arts (AVA) proudly announces the completion and installation of a new public mural that now graces the south side of the Marathon Express Mart in Antigo, thanks to the continued partnership between AVA and the City of Antigo through its public art mural program. This initiative was made possible in part by funds set aside from the City’s facade grant program to support public art that enhances the beauty and character of our local downtown. Created by local artists Beatie Gmeiner, age 83, and Pat Packard, age 90—who first met over 35 years ago in…

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