Antigo Visual Arts (AVA) joined forces with the Antigo Fire Department (AFD) for a distinctive
art project displayed in the AFD apparatus bay, led by AVA artist Vicki Eldridge.
“Chief Corey Smith approached me over the summer inquiring about having a couple of fire
department patches painted on the wall in the fire department bay” said Danna Gabriel of AVA.
“Vicki jumped at the chance to try something different and brought her plans to the chief.”
“I am very excited by how this turned out and am looking forward to completing the collection
and getting them on our apparatus bay wall.” Said Chief Smith of AFD, “It is amazing.”
Vicki is a visionary artist whose creativity lies in the transformative power of recycled materials.
She is using the same method with the fire department patches that she uses with her carved,
award-winning totems, and they are stunning works of art often on display in the AVA gallery
inside the Langlade County Historical Museum. The fire department will have a final collection
of 4 carved, painted, and sealed patches when the project is finished.
AVA is a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the community through creative
initiatives. We foster artistic expression and engagement by hosting 3 judged art gallery shows
annually, spearheading a recycled art committee, overseeing a downtown mural committee, and
excitingly, we are on the brink of opening a new art center within the Hogan Street Cottages in
February. Join us in our mission to make art an integral part of our community's vibrant tapestry.
Special thanks to the Association of Wisconsin Artists, Wisconsin Arts Board, City of Antigo
Fire Department, Langlade County Historical Museum, Langlade County Economic
Development, Hogan Street Cottages, Remington Foundation, CoVantage Credit Union, and
Johnson Electric Coil.