Antigo Visual Arts (AVA) hosted a successful opening reception for their Winter Open Gallery Art Sale on January 18, 2025, at the Langlade County Historical Society (LCHS) Museum. Located on the second floor of the museum, the gallery featured a diverse collection of local art, creating a lively atmosphere for the event. The Winter Open Gallery Art Sale will be on display until March 8, 2025, and the gallery is open to visitors during the regular hours of the LCHS Museum.
In a unique collaboration, the event was paired with Antigo Community Theater’s (ACT) Open Mic Night with Rebecca and Friends, a new entertainment feature by ACT. While guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres created by AVA artists, they were serenaded by Rebecca’s captivating solo performance, which included big band, blues, and jazz music from the 1940s. Throughout the evening, discussions centered on ways to further integrate and grow the arts community in Antigo.
Moira Scupien, leader at ACT, commented, “It is vital for a community to attend and support the lively arts. It is not only good for the soul, but brings people together to share and support the gifts and talents of their friends and neighbors.”
During the reception, attendees were invited to vote on their favorite artwork. The winners of the evening included:
- Viewer’s Choice: Night Visitor by Joanne March
- Artist’s Choice: Friendship by Ember Jesperson
A highlight of the event was the special touch provided by AVA Gallery Director, Vicki Eldridge, who created large nameplates for each artist and displayed their work in a visually striking layout. “Vicki’s passion for showcasing our artists is evident, and the gallery layout really highlighted the talent within our community,” said Danna Gabriel, President of AVA. “We are incredibly fortunate to have her as our Gallery Director.”
This exhibition was not a judged show like other AVA events but instead offered an opportunity for attendees to engage directly with the art and vote for their favorites.
Looking ahead, ACT’s Open Mic Night with Rebecca and Friends will debut at BB Jack’s Antigo location on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. During this event, an AVA artist will present a piece of art, discussing its inspiration and emotional impact, while inviting the audience to connect with the work. This new collaboration between AVA and ACT aims to expand the presence of the arts in Antigo and foster greater community engagement.
AVA would like to extend its sincere gratitude to its 2024 sponsors, whose generous support made this event and the gallery possible. Our 2024 sponsors included: the City of Antigo, Association of Wisconsin Artists, Wisconsin Arts Board, Elwyn Remington Foundation, Johnson Electric Coil Company, Inc., Elks Club of Antigo, Covantage Credit Union, Kretz Lumber, Bolen Realty, Strasser Roller Funeral Home, Quinlan’s Equipment, Volm Companies, Dairy Queen, Winter Law Office, Bradley Olsen Funeral Home, Tree Solutions, Parson’s of Antigo, Steve’s Warehouse, Fleet Farm, Antigo Arborists, and Great Northwoods Campsite.
AVA has recently sent out sponsorship letters for 2025, and we are currently seeking new and returning sponsors to support the arts in our community. To donate or learn more, please contact us at ava@antigovisualarts.org.
As a nonprofit organization, AVA provides local artists with opportunities to showcase their work through exhibitions at the LCHS Museum gallery, a smaller space within the Aspen Village Apartment Complex, and public art projects.
