Wisconsin ArtsWest 44

Now Hanging
March 13 ➜ May 23, 2023
See it in person ➜

THE EXHIBIT

Now in its 44th year, our annual juried exhibit is open to all artists and students, age 18 and older, residing in Wisconsin. The competition is juried by a working visual artist, craftsperson, or qualified individual from outside the area. The juror curates an exhibit of the strongest pieces, and they select the award winning artists.

This year, there were 171 entries submitted by 104 artists representing 25 different communities. Of these, 41 works were selected from 40 artists.

The competition is juried by a working artist, craftsperson, or qualified staff member from an art museum, gallery, or art department of a university or college. Jurors are from outside the area and are from Wisconsin or Minnesota. Prizes are donated by the Friends of the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.

THE ARTISTS

Featured artists: Daniel Atyim, Katina Lamm Bauer, Jamie Bowers, Steven Brown, Quentin Brown, Brianna Capra, Susan Carey, Kay Geraghty, Patricia Hawkenson, Mary Hermanson, Marlin Hostvet, Wendy Ike, Holli Jacobson, George Johnson, Steve Johnson, Rachel Kaatz, Sheri Klein, Ellen Mahaffy, Jeff Nelson, Ross Nordquist, Don Olson, Michael Peterson, CV Peterson, Denise Presnell, Dennis Robert, Scott Robertson, Heidi Schreiner, Russell Semerau, Anders Shafer, Barbara Shafer, Colleen Shore, Rachel Urban, Madilyn Vetter, Jori Viana, Scott Von Holzen, Bruce Warren, Tracy Wicklund, Kimberly Williams, Ashley Wittling, and Timothy Young.

THE JUROR

This year’s juror is Frank Juárez, an award-winning art educator, former gallery director, artist, author, and speaker. Juárez brings two decades of art education and management experience organizing local and regional art exhibitions and community art events, facilitating presentations, supporting artists through grant programs, and leading professional development workshops. This work has placed him in the forefront of promoting Wisconsin artists, networking, and attracting regional and national artists to collaborate and exhibit in Wisconsin.

Juárez is the art department chair at Sheboygan North High School, publisher of Artdose Magazine, and contributing editor of SchoolArts Magazine.

THE ART

(Click the images for a closer look.)

THE WINNERS

Best of Show
Duality by Ashley Wittling, Chippewa Falls

First Prize
Whiplash Lake by Don Olson, Chetek

Second Prize
Dali Table by Ross Nordquist, Eau Claire

Third Prize
You’re a Broken Record by Madilyn Vetter, Eau Claire

Honorable Mentions
It Is What It Is by Denise Presnell, Sheboygan
Heliopora by Dennis Robert, Milwaukee
Ancient Doorways 2022 by Sheri Klein, Menomonie
Breezin’ by Jamie Bowers, Eau Claire
Omega Point by Mary Hermanson, Eleva