By Sarah Greil
LINCOLN COUNTY – During the weekend of Oct. 8-10, artists all over the Northwoods opened their studios to the public for the Northwoods Art Tour. The tour first began in 2000 with only 19 locations, but has grown to 35 locations by 2021.
The purpose of this self-guided tour is to allow the public to meet artists and view their work in their personal studios, sometimes right within their own homes.
Among those are three artists right here in Lincoln County.
Oak View Studio
Oak View Studio, N3985 Oak View Rd., Tomahawk, is owned by artist Lisa Krueger. Lisa works with a variety of mediums, from acrylic and watercolors to alcohol ink and pastels. Although she can’t pick a favorite, she says that she enjoys using alcohol inks because you don’t always need to have a plan in order for it to turn out. She’s also fond of painting bird nests using a splatter technique.
Lisa believes that artists see things differently than most people and that much of her inspiration comes from the beauty of God’s creation. Lisa mentioned a day she witnessed a large branch fall outside her studio window. Upon investigation, she noticed a small, blue flower poking out of the dead, brown leaves on the ground, a beauty that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.
Lisa enjoys teaching art classes on a variety of mediums. To find out more about the classes Lisa has to offer, visit her Facebook page “Lisa Krueger at Oak View Studio.” To visit her studio by appointment, call 715-612-5775 or email at [email protected].
Swallow Haven Studio
Swallow Haven Studio, N7944 County Rd. H, Irma, is owned by artist Andrea “Andy” Fenner. Andy earned a degree in fine art from Lakeland College in Sheboygan County. In 2000, she moved to the Irma area and currently runs her art studio from her home.
Although trained in many mediums of fine art, Andy favors pastels, drawn on suede matte board. She creates all her artwork from photographs, her inspiration being photos taken by family and friends, as well as her picturesque backyard.
Swallow Haven Studio is open by appointment year-round. The public may contact Andy at 715-966-1048 or by email at [email protected].
Outback Studio
Outback Studio, W4884 County Rd. J, Irma, is owned by artist Louise Schotz. Louise retired from teaching in 1998 before pursuing her newfound passion for quilting. For about 20 years, Louise has been taking classes to learn and practice various quilting techniques. Since then, she has also taken up making unique jewelry and has dabbled in other forms of art, such as texture painting.
Although she does sell her artwork in her studio, Louise says she doesn’t create with the intent to sell. She makes something because she personally likes it. In the past, Louise has organized and taught quilting classes, but currently only offers them by special request.
Outback Studio is open by appointment. The public may contact Louise at 715-218-1446 or by email at [email protected]. You can also visit her website at www.uniquelyschotz.com.