July 16, 2014 at 2:07 p.m.
Artarama returns to Eagle River July 19
Artarama returns to Eagle River July 19
"Artarama exhibitors generously donate their artwork to be auctioned with minimum bids starting at just one-half of the normal retail cost," commented Karen Kubacki, silent auction chairperson. Artarama visitors can peruse the items on the silent auction, make a bid, take in the rest of the show and return to check or increase their bid.
"All proceeds from the silent auction are put toward the two $1,000 scholarships that Artarama awards each year to deserving high school seniors. The seniors chosen for 2014 scholarships include Taylor Patterson and Cassandra Walkowski from Three Lakes High School. They will be present helping at Artarama by collecting items from the artists for the silent auction," Kubacki added.
Thousands of art lovers will come to Riverside Park in Eagle River to appreciate and purchase artwork from the traditional to the exotic at Artarama - one of the Midwest's most esteemed shows. No matter the weather, one of Eagle River's biggest summer events will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A judged and juried show that attracts hundreds of applications, Artarama 2014 will present over 100 artists and fine craftsmen. Many of the exhibiting artists have impressive resumes and have won top awards at other distinguished shows.
"Our number one priority is choosing truly gifted artists, creators of unique works of art," said Lori Hahn, Artarama Chair. "Secondly, we strive for a balanced show offering many forms of art." Oil and watercolor painting, sculpture, basket and fiber artistry, glassware, photography, jewelry design, woodcarving, pottery and a broad array of distinctive craft work will all be displayed and for sale.
Returning to this year's show is Jason Rabuck from Springbrook who makes handmade knives. "I strive to combine beauty and function to create useable works of art! My wife and daughter and I live near the "Big Woods" where we live a rich life revolving around the season and cycles of nature. I am an outdoor enthusiast, avid musician and farrier," said Rabuck.
Another local artist from Phelps is Mary Jackl, Whataview Farm & Weaver. "I have been weaving award-winning 'green' rugs and table runners since 1988 and spinning fibers such as wool, alpaca and mohair into award-winning yarns since 1984," Jackl explained. "I also use recycled items such as old denim, corduroys, tablecloths and blankets in my rugs."
If it's a photograph you would like to purchase for your Northwoods' home, you'll find it at Matt Erlandson's booth. Trampers Trail Images of northern Wisconsin is his business of nature photography.
Bev Niehaus, local artist from Eagle River will be part of the show this year as well. "My painting are original acrylic paintings on birchbark," said Niehaus.
"Each unique piece of birch determines what it will become. The nature themes reflect my love of the beautiful Northwoods," she added.
Every year two judges spend the entire morning visiting each artist's booth and deciding who will win one of the four Awards of Excellence ribbons and cash award and four Honorable Mention ribbons. "The winners of these prestigious awards are always so happy to have been chosen in such an elite group of artists," Hahn said. "The Artarama Committee realizes the enormity of hauling around your artwork, setting up in the wee hours of the morning and sitting outside talking with the hundreds of people who come to buy their artwork. This award makes it all good!" added Hahn.
It was 42 years ago that a small group of community-minded individuals, who loved the world of art, conceived the idea of a quality art show. From that core group grew what has become one of the Midwest's most long running and prestigious art and craft shows.
"We have learned that the combination of quality and variety keeps people coming back year after year," Kubacki said. "It takes a full year of work and coordination to put this show together. We constantly look for fresh and innovative artists that not only reflect great skill but talent and taste as well."
A special feature of Artarama is "Young at Art," an exhibit celebrating and promoting youthful artists from the area. Creative, imaginative products are handmade and offered for sale by the young artists. "Their display is always as interesting and diversified as their adult counterparts at the show," Hahn said.
This special section of Artarama features an entire tent displaying the handmade creations of artists 18 and younger.
"Our young artists have been very innovative in past years, having created oil paintings, watercolors, earrings, 3-D greeting cards, bracelets and airbrushed T-shirts," stated Hahn. "Our mission is to encourage young artists to explore their talent and to feel a sense of accomplishment," she added. "Many people tell us that their art is as interesting and diversified as their adult counterparts at the show."
A couple years ago one of the young artists sewed coin purses and bags using Capri-sun juice pouches; another made washer necklaces gluing funky craft paper to giant washers and adding a rope and yet another took all her own photographs, framed them sold them at Young At Art."
Hahn said the criteria for applying is simple. "Each artist must be responsible for producing 75 percent of the artwork or craft item. The remaining 25 percent of the items may be completed with assistance from a family member, friend or teacher. The artist must be the one selling the pieces, and must be prepared to demonstrate the craft and its method of construction. No manufactured, finished items will be allowed for resale. Artists may apply for either of two age categories - age 14 and under, or ages 15-18.
Adding to the festive day will be the music of Berni and Joe Depauola. Combining their voices for great oldies and favorites, the seasoned musicians will be entertaining from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be plenty of shade and seating under the big white tent after the silent auctions wrap up for the weary shopper to relax and enjoy a musical break.
Artarama is a non-profit organization and all proceeds from the show itself are reinvested into the community in the form of donations. The art show is free, but parking on the Fairgrounds will be a nominal fee to the Eagle River Lions Club. For more information, call (715) 525-2100 or visit www.artarama-er.com.
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