ANTIGO, Wis. (May 18, 2025) — The Antigo Visual Arts (AVA) Gallery welcomed art lovers and community members to its Spring exhibit, Spring Symphony of Color, with a vibrant opening reception held on Saturday, May 17, at the Langlade County Historical Museum. The event launched an exhibit brimming with expressive and colorful works, and marked the beginning of a two-month display that will run through July 12, 2025.
Guests were treated to a visual celebration of spring in full bloom, with the AVA Gallery on the museum’s second floor transformed by a wide range of mediums and styles. The event featured the first art sales of the exhibit, artist meet-and-greets, and an engaging awards presentation led by guest judge Kim Schoenrock.
“I really enjoyed attending the reception,” said attendee Lori Lee. “It was great to see everyone's creativity on display. I especially liked the guest expert art judge—hearing her insights and interpretations of the artwork was interesting.”
AVA Gallery Director Vicki Eldridge reflected on the event’s success and spirit: “It was the most vibrant and colorful show we’ve ever hosted. Our wonderful judge generously took the time to speak with every artist, offering thoughtful critiques for each piece. During the awards presentation, she even highlighted a few of her personal favorites, inviting the artists to share their stories with the attendees. I am deeply grateful to our judge, the artists, and the dedicated crew who helped bring this show to life, and of course, to all the visitors—both those who joined us for the reception and those who will come to see the exhibit in the coming weeks.”
Exhibit Award Winners:
● 1st Place: Silver Leaf at Dawn – Joanne March
● 2nd Place: Silent Glide – Vicki Eldridge
● 3rd Place: Morning Run – Karen Now-Stimac
● Honorable Mentions:
○ Vibrant Hop – Danna Gabriel
○ Intruder – Beatie Gmeiner
○ Double Happiness – Laurie McConnell
● Artists’ Choice Award:einer
○ Silent Glide – Vicki Eldridge
● Viewers’ Choice Award:
○ Adam – Anthony Felix
Door Prize Winners:
● Painted Owl Chair – Mary Krueger
● Sketch Set – Pat Philler
The exhibit is on display through July 12, 2025, and is free to the public. Visitors can explore the Spring Symphony of Color during regular museum hours, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Langlade County Historical Museum, 404 Superior Street, Antigo, WI. The AVA Gallery is located on the museum’s second floor. Special thank you to the LCHS Museum.
For more information or to inquire about purchasing artwork, please contact Vicki at gallery@antigovisualarts.org or follow Antigo Visual Arts on social media.