Wisconsin ArtsWest 47

Now Hanging
March ➜ May 2026
See it in person ➜

THE EXHIBIT

Now in its 47th 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. Prizes are donated by the Friends of the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.

This year, there were 309 entries submitted by 187 artists representing 76 different Wisconsin communities. Of these, 37 works were selected from 35 artists.

THE ARTISTS

Featured artists: Jacob Allen, Amy Ambelang, Katina Bauer, Nadine Bearson, Jesse Blake Hay, Abby Borash, Gerlyn Brasic, Kay Brathol-Hostvet, Nicole Burt, Hubert Cole, Melissa Fowler, Dustin Fredrick, Dylan Frey, Sarah Gillert, Lisa Hoeme, Marlin Hostvet, Grace Johnson, Amy Klein, Bill Krupinski, Ellen Mahaffy, James McKnight, Elsa Murray, Don Olson, Sujash Purna, Janice Roberts, N. Rocafuerte, Mary Rossing, Anders Schafer, Heidi Schreiner, Jen Schultz, A. Schwelkart, Teresa Wergedal, David Williams, Sarah Williams, Mike Zierke

THE JUROR

Madison Hager grew up in rural Wisconsin and spent her youth active in the local 4-H club, which is where she learned to sew, cook, and garden, and participated in the county fair. Madison received her bachelor’s degree in Art from UW-La Crosse and a Master’s in Fine Arts in Sculpture + Expanded Practice at Ohio University. Her current research investigates the gendering of work in the home as well as her own relationship to domestic space using performance art, sewing and installations. Madison has exhibited at institutions such as the Devos Museum of Art, Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Trout Museum of Art and The Esther Allen Greer Museum. Madison is a Curator for the Center for the Visual Arts in Wausau, Wisconsin.

THE ART

(Click the images for a closer look.)

THE WINNERS

(Click the images for a closer look.)

Wisconsin ArtsWest 47

Best of Show
Jesse Blake Hay | #204

First Prize
Janice Roberts | I See You, Too!

Second Prize
Mike Zierke | Savannah Walk

Third Prize
Gerlyn Brasic | Along Cottonwood Trail

Honorable Mentions
Lisa Hoeme | Tabernacle of the Heart: Formation
Kay Brathol-Hostvet | Driftless Memory
Abby Borash | Fenced

FIRST PLACE: Janice Roberts | I See You, Too!

SECOND PLACE: Mike Zierke | Savannah Walk

THIRD PLACE: Gerlyn Brasic | Along Cottonwood Trail

Honorable Mention: Lisa Hoeme | Tabernacle of the Heart Formation

Honorable Mention: Kay Brathol Hostvet | Driftless Memory

Upcoming Shows

Summer Group Show
Something in the Water
June 1–August 24

Call for Artists

The library is seeking submissions of recent work from visual artists in the Chippewa Valley and beyond for exhibition in the 2027 calendar year and later. Details ➜

If you need a sign language interpreter or other special accommodations, please notify Information & Reference (715-839-5004, librarian@eauclaire.lib.wi.us) at least 48 hours before the program.