News

The Antigo Visual Arts (AVA) held their 2024 Summer In The Northwoods Exhibit reception May 11, 2024 at the Langlade County Historical Museum.    The evening was a lively and enriching event and commenced with a spread of wine and hors d’oeuvres, creating a welcoming atmosphere for artists to mingle and converse with the exhibit judge, Stephen Loftus. Wayne Gagnon of Antigo Community Theater added a touch of theatrical flair to the event, appearing in costume from his recent performance…

AVA and the Association of Wisconsin Artists (AWA) hosted the annual WRAP-Teen exhibit at the Antigo Public Library April 8th to 18th, 2024. The reception on April 18, 2024 was a delightful success where students, community members, and artists celebrated the efforts of the young artists in our region. Show Judge Deb Lund awarded Aiden Anderson (Antigo), Marissa Flannery (Crandon), Sarah Jane Gouge (Wabeno), Chloe Hermsen (Three Lakes), Rachel Janke (White Lake), Brett Powell (Antigo), Madelyne Tilton (Laona), Kendall Tuura…

Antigo Visual Arts hosted a Wisconsin Regional Arts Program (WRAP) workshop at their gallery located inside the Langlade County Historical Museum on Saturday, May 4. The workshop was led by Deb Lund, WRAP Judge, and workshop presenter. “I found the demonstration very interesting and informative.” said Audrey Wild, a member of AVA and participant in the WRAP workshop, “Deb did a great job of explaining negative painting, and her tips on framing a pastel were helpful.” WRAP, sponsored by the…

The Antigo Visual Arts Public Art Committee, AHS Art Club students, and Schroeder’s Gifts have come together to beautify Highway 45! The process has begun to paint a Charming Northwoods theme mural on the north-facing wall of the framing barn. High school senior Brett Powell designed the vibrant, welcoming design and the art club student body, staff advisors, and AVA volunteers are all contributing to the painting process. The wall is cleaned and primed as of April 2024. The proposal…

We’re currently in the planning stages for the AVA Art Center Grand Opening on June 22, 2024. We are forming a committee to plan this exciting event, which will feature large tents borrowed from Jeff, a food stand run by a local 4H club, and our Sitting Pretty Fundraiser auction. Let’s make this event memorable together! If you are interested in being on this committee let us know.

Biography: My interest in the visual arts began at a young age. My grandfather was a professional painter and gold guilder, my father was an art teacher, my mother was a professional portrait artist and all had considerable influence over my artistic development. Throughout my young life I worked mainly as a painter but began my photographic journey while in high school. Following high school, I enlisted in the Army and received my formal photographic training at the Armed Forces Photography…

Antigo Visual Arts (AVA) hosted an open house at their new AVA Art Center on February 3rd, drawing over 60 community members to the 700-square foot nonprofit space located inside the Aspen Village Complex Community Center that overlooks Remington Lake.   “Everyone was excited about the possibilities that the space holds,” said Laurie McConnell, AVA Art Center Committee Member. “From classes to presentations, crafting, and meetings, it has wide-open potential.”   The lease for the AVA Art Center was signed…

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…

Antigo Visual Arts (AVA) Recycled Art Committee is proud to announce “Ethyl” has landed again at City Hall in Antigo. Ethyl has been displayed at different businesses throughout downtown Antigo for over a year. “Through the years, we have seen many great public art efforts coming from the Antigo Visual Arts group ranging from downtown mural projects to various recycled bottle cap inspirations.” said Mark Desotell, Director of Administrative Services for the City of Antigo. “Vicki Eldridge sending City Hall…

Antigo Visual Arts (AVA) has big news! AVA signed a 10-year lease with Hogan Street Cottages-Antigo, LLC for a 700 sq foot nonprofit portion of the building located at 1310 and 1322 Hogan Street in Antigo. “I think this is a very exciting opportunity,” said Olivia Kraucyk, AVA Art Center Committee Chairperson. “Having a home base will allow so many opportunities for artistic growth, art education, and community building.” “This space will allow people who have very specific skills to share…

The AWA (Association of Wisconsin Arts) held their WRAP (Wisconsin Regional Arts Program) conference last weekend at the Pyle Center in Madison.    “The AWA WRAP state conference this year was filled with talent with many pieces coming from our AVA (Antigo Visual Arts) regional WRAP/STAMP exhibits from 2023.” said Danna Gabriel, Regional STAMP Coordinator. “I was so happy to see this area so well represented in our 2nd year in the program.”  Regional STAMP State Exhibitors were:  Madilyn Bauknecht…

Antigo Visual Arts’ artist Mackenzie Teal is painting window murals at Chocadoodledoo! business in downtown Antigo. “Mackenzie is doing wonderfully.” said Emiley Stevens owner of Chocadoodledoo! LLC. “She is very talented, and I would trust her with any art project. I am excited about the work she is doing.” Altyn and Emiley contacted Antigo Visual Arts, hoping for a local artist to come into their store, and paint signs on windows. Mackenzie was ready for the challenge and collaborated with…