News

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…

On June 15, 2023, Flag Day, Antigo Visual Arts (AVA) Recycled Art Committee celebrated the Flag At Rest installation at Bradley Funeral Home with a dedication to celebrate the project and the artist, engineer, and contractor involved in creating the piece.  “When I started seeing the bottle cap art going up in the community, my first thought was how cool, to bring awareness that not all plastic is recyclable. Even though it is not recyclable, it does not need to…

Antigo Visual Arts would like to announce the “Summer In The Northwoods” gallery exhibit awards.    “There were so many good pieces, it was hard to choose between them.” said Terry Shulta, exhibit judge.  Awards:  Artist’s Choice: “Moon Glow” by Joanne March Viewer’s Choice: “Yrene” by Vicki Eldridge Honorable Mention: “Bubble Fish” by Nancy Leder Honorable Mention: “It Makes Me Smile” by Camille Converse-Smith Honorable Mention: “Aurora” by Joanne March 3rd Place: “Gone Fishing” by Julie Bauknecht 2nd Place: “Hiking…

Antigo Visual Arts (AVA) collaboration with the Antigo High School Art Club created quite a piece of art, Ruben (pictured in dress) offered to wear to 2023 Antigo Prom. Made from plastic bottle caps and beads sewn on and glued to secure, the dress got a lot of attention. Thank you Ruben and date, who had to deal transportation, as the dress did not allow sitting! Design flaw! Special Thanks to: Vicki Eldridge Ruben Fyan Danna Gabriel Olivia Lemke Carol…

The mural was designed and painted by our own Linda Robinson with the help of Mary Hayes, Camille Converse-Smith, Fran Brown, Olivia Lemke-Kraucyk, and many other helpers from Antigo Visual Arts along the way. Our AVA Public Art Committee would like to thank the City of Antigo, Remington Foundation, CoVantage Credit Union, and of course Nate and Kezia Musolff from Thrivent for all their help. Mural Description: David Markgraf on Needs Grass, Don Rice on Dixie Lee, Dick Beattie on Twilight…