Artists Work on Display
2025
Emerging Talent Art Show-
Artwork from Wittenberg-Birnamwood School Students at the WOWSPACE
May 31-June 1, June 7-8, & June 21-22
from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
2025 Fall Art Show
& Cloud Nine
2024
Emerging Talent X Art Show
(To showcase our talented youth!)
May 25-26, June 1-2, & 8-9
11 AM - 3 PM
WOWSPACE Gallery
114 Vinal St. Wittenberg, WI
Free admission!
Free mural tours on June 8-9 during Wittenberg Community Days
Saturday, June 8: 3-6 PM
Sunday, June 9: 1-4 PM
Walls of Wittenberg was pleased to present its 10th annual collaboration with the Witt-Birn School District with the Emerging Talent X Art Show, which displayed the original art work of over 100 students, K-12.
During the course of this school year the district’s 3 art teachers, Greg Luedtke, Carly Roepke, and Diana Wendler, selected and set aside several works of art from each section of their art classes, K-12 for exhibition in this show.
On Sunday, June 9th, following the Wittenberg Community Day’s noon parade, a celebration reception was held at the WOWSPACE honoring all the exhibiting students. Friends and families, along with the public, were encouraged to attend to honor the students and share in the celebration; refreshments were served, donated by Lisa’s Sweet Shoppe and Catering.
Visitors enjoyed seeing the display of several 7th grade boys’ work of making a huge 3-D farm, with amazing details.
This show was an opportunity to highlight our students’ achievement in the arts; and also allow their talents to be seen beyond their peers, teachers, and parents’ refrigerators!
Sept 2024 Fall Art Show
Sept. 21, 22, 28 and 29 from 11:00-3:00 p.m.
at the WOWSPACE. Free!
Highlights: Woodcarving, Wall Art and Taxidermy
Untamed, A Wildlife Art Exhibit at Walls of Wittenberg Art Gallery
Wittenberg, WI – The Walls of Wittenberg Art Gallery was thrilled to organize an exciting new exhibit that captured the beauty and diversity of wildlife through multiple artistic mediums. The exhibit, Untamed, featured an impressive collection of oil paintings, murals, wood carvings, and taxidermy, showcasing the talents of several acclaimed artists.
The exhibit opened to the public on September 21-22 and 28-29, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The exhibit invited art lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and the community at large to experience this one-of-a-kind celebration of nature. The gallery, located at 114 Vinyl Street in downtown Wittenberg, was the perfect backdrop for this stunning display of craftsmanship and creativity.
Among the featured artists was award-winning Wisconsin painter Brian Kuether, known for his evocative wildlife portraits. Visitors also had the chance to admire the rustic waterfowl carvings of Eugene Wessley and the dynamic chainsaw carvings of local artist Michael Koeppel. In addition, the exhibit presented taxidermy works by Brent Lerch, alongside works by national mural artist Andrew Goretski, whose work captures nature’s essence in artistic detail.
This exhibit offered an opportunity to explore wildlife art in a variety of forms and techniques, making it a unique event for those interested in the natural world and artistic expression.
Those who came were able to immerse themselves in the beauty of wildlife through the eyes of these talented artists.
Award-winning carver, Michael Koeppel held a chainsaw carving exhibition Saturday, September 28, 2024 from noon to 2:00 p.m. Attendees were able to get an up close view of the creative process and skillful carving techniques.
Koeppel, a native of Wittenberg, Wisconsin, grew up immersed in the rugged beauty of the outdoors, spending his early years hunting and logging alongside his father. He discovered a passion for carving, initially as a hobby. However this passion quickly evolved into a creative outlet, allowing him to bring both whimsical and intricate designs to life through his carvings.
Michael's unique approach to carving, blending a love of nature with playful, imaginative themes, has earned him widespread recognition. Select pieces were available for sale.
2023
Thank you, artists, for allowing the community to view your amazing artwork!
“Emerging Talent IX”, Art Show
Saturdays & Sundays, May 27 ~ June 11, 2023
11 AM – 3 PM, WOWSPACE Gallery
114 Vinal St., Wittenberg, WI
The Walls of Wittenberg was pleased to present its 9th collaboration with the Witt-Birn School District with the Emerging Talents IX Art Show, which displayed the original art work of over 100 students, K-12.
During the course of this school year the district’s 3 art teachers, Greg Luedtke, Diana Wendler, and Jamie Wilde, selected several works of art from each section of their art classes, K-12, for exhibition in this show.
On Sunday, June 11th, following the Wittenberg Community Days noon parade, a celebration reception was held at the WOWSPACE honoring all the exhibiting students. Each participant received a Certificate of Merit. Friends and families, along with the public, were encouraged to attend to honor the students and share in the celebration; refreshments also were served, donated by Lisa’s Sweet Shoppe.
This show was an opportunity to highlight our students’ achievement in the arts; and also allows their talents to be seen beyond their peers, teachers, and parents’ refrigerators! It was a wonderful way to connect between the students, the school, and the larger community.
This show was sponsored by Walls of Wittenberg, Inc. and The Charitable Foundation.
Fall Art Show-Celebrate the Harvest
The show included a variety of “must see” gems and all for sale, along with all the fall festivities of beautiful sunflowers, zinnias, pumpkins, gourds, etc.
The WOWSPACE was overflowing with creativity!
Pottery – Carol and Bill Strand
Succulents - Schairer’s Autumn Acres
Succulent/pumpkin fall arrangements - Karen Schairer
Rustic Wood – Jim Zielke
Photography – Brent Zeinert
Oil painting – Todd Werner
A variety of succulents were already potted in artistic pots for purchase.
Sponsored by WOW
Pottery by Carol & Bill Strand
Succulents from Schairer's Autumn Acres
Rustic Wood – Jim Zielke
Photography – Brent Zeinert
Oil painting – Todd Werner
2022
Emerging Talent VIII
Show dates: Saturdays & Sundays,
May 28-29, June 4-5, June 11-12, 11AM – 3PM
As in the past shows, the Witt-Birn District students put on another delightful show with over 100 pieces of art on display, from grades K – 12. The art was chosen by the three district art teachers-Naomi Engleke, Diana Wendler, and Keven Brunett-over the course of the 2021-2022 school year, putting aside pieces chosen to be included in the spring show.
The show extended for 3 weekends with the culminating weekend part of the Wittenberg Community Days, with over a dozen of the participants riding on the WOW wagon in the parade. A reception at the WOWSPACE Gallery was enjoyed by all, supporting, congratulating, and picture taking of the lucky participants! The creativity and talent of these students are always refreshing and enjoyed by all who visit!
Refreshments were donated by Lisa’s Sweet Shoppe and Catering, and the show was sponsored by WOW and Cirrinity.
Tom Walchesky, Brian Butheinz, Roger Bloemers, Hans Schmitt, and Brent Zeinert
2022 Fall Art Show
WOW presented – 5 Photographers, “Life Through the Lens”
“Life Through the Lens” was presented by five photographers who were invited to participate in WOW’s annual fall show. Those sharing their amazing talents were Roger Bloemers of Wausau, Brian Gutheinz of Bowler, Hans Schmitt of Birnamwood, Tom Walchesky of Howards Grove, and Brent Zeinert of Wittenberg.
Contrary to what many people think, photography is much more than snapping a pretty picture, and this was certainly proven by the 50 pictures that were entered for this juried show. Each photographer brought 10 of his best for the exhibit in the WOWSPACE gallery. The judge for the show was Curt Knoke who is a retired professional photographer.
Roger Bloemers won the Best of Show for his “Milkyway Over New Hope”; Hans Schmitt won the Award of Excellence for his, “Order & Chaos”; Tom Walchesky won an Honorable Mention for his “Friday Night Lights”; and Roger Bloemers won an Honorable Mention for his “A Walk in the Fog”.
All five photographers were present for the Grand Opening afternoon September 17th greeting guests and enjoying good photography conversation among themselves. Refreshments were also served, compliments of Nueske Meats, Wagner Shell, and fresh apple cider from Kelly and Dan Kapitz.
Thank you to all who visited and supported WOW’s fall show, “Life Through the Lens”.
Continuing shows were Saturdays & Sundays, September 18th – October 2nd, 11 AM – 3 PM.
This show was sponsored by WOW and Cirrinity.
2021
Emerging Talent VII
This spring, WOW presented the 7th year of the Emerging Talent art show, weekends from May 29 until June 13, 2021, culminating with the Wittenberg Community Days. Despite the Covid -19 school year, it did not stop the Witt-Birn K-12 students from using and demonstrating their amazing creativity and talent! About 100 students participated, having their art chosen by their art teachers, who collected work throughout the school year for this show. Many visitors attended and enjoyed the showcase of artwork. We look forward to next year, when we can get back to a full celebration with students participating in the parade and honoring them in a reception at the WOWSPACE. Congratulations to all the students who participated this year and a huge thank you to the Witt-Birn District art teachers: Naomi Engelke, Diana Wendler, and Keven Brunett.
Fall Show 2021
Saturdays and Sundays, September 18th-26th, 11 AM-3 PM
October 2nd-3rd, 10 AM-5 PM
Miles of Art Tour was canceled due to the increasing number of CoVid cases in Shawano County, but WOW's fall show continued all three weekends. Masks were recommended.
An amazing fall show was held at the WOWSPACE-"Artfully Autumn" featured 5 artists, exhibiting their artistic talents in a variety of mediums, including paintings by Carmen Duran, textile art by Jean Sredl, wood puzzles by Blaine Koch, chain saw art by Michael Koeppel, and paintings by Alan Clough. Each brought his/her own uniqueness, eye catching beauty and charm to their art, just waiting to be enjoyed and maybe purchased!
2020
(Unfortunately Emerging Talent scheduled for May 30– June 14, 2020 was canceled due to the pandemic.)
Annual Fall Art Show ~ WOWSPACE
Saturdays and Sundays, September 19th – October 4th , 2020~ 11AM – 3PM WOWSPACE
Included works of art by Jean Sredl (fabric art), Tim Baumhardt (metal art), Carol Strand (stained glass and ceramics), Carmen Duran (paintings), Jim Leuenberger (photos of birds) and Kirk Stark (walking sticks). Many enjoyed the wonderful Art Show by these amazing artists. Miles of Art was canceled due to the coronavirus, but we continued our art show with social distancing and wearing masks.
2019
Emerging Talent VI
Saturdays and Sundays, May 25-June 9, 2019 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. WOWSPACE Thanks to all who joined us as we celebrated the refreshing artwork of Wittenberg-Birnamwood students, grades K-12. This was our 6th year showcasing the talents of our district students. A special reception was open to all on Sunday, June 9th following the Wittenberg Community Days Parade.
WOW Presents “Fall into Art”
WOWSPACE (Saturdays and Sundays)
Sept. 21 – 22, 2019 11 AM – 3 PM
Sept. 28 – 29, 2019 11 AM – 3 PM
Oct. 5 – 6, 2019 "Miles of Art" weekend, 10 AM – 5 PM
An amazing fall show was appreciated by many at the WOWSPACE – “Fall into Art.” The show featured 6 artists, exhibiting their artistic talents in a variety of mediums, including photography by Jim Leuenberger, painting by Carmen Duran, textile art by Jean Sredl, metal sculpture by David Windey, ceramics by Hilary Rinke, and wood by Scott Lawton. Each brought his/her own uniqueness, eye catching beauty and charm to their art, just waiting to be enjoyed and maybe purchased!
The Miles of Art weekend, sponsored by Ho-Chunk Gaming Wittenberg, was an exciting time as many of the artists were on site to talk with visitors, share their experiences, stories, and expertise. Miles of Art weekend, part of the Shawano County Art Tour, Saturday and Sunday, October 5 & 6 had extended hours, 10 AM – 5 PM.
2018
“Emerging Talent V" Saturdays and Sundays, June 9th – 24th, 2018 ~ 11AM-3PM The refreshing artwork of Wittenberg-Birnamwood students, grades K – 12 was celebrated and showcased the talents of our district students! What talented students we have.
2017
June 10th thru June 25th, 2017: "Emerging Talents IV," we celebrated the refreshing artwork of Wittenberg-Birnamwood students, grades K - 12. This was the fourth year showcasing the talents of our district students. The special reception following the parade on Sunday was attended by many of the studenta and their families.
2016
April 17th, 2016 thru May 8th, 2016 - "Artists' Free Play IV", A free art show, Saturdays and Sundays only, 11AM - 3PM. Click date for further details.
June 11 – July 3, 2016 “Emerging Talent III” WOW’s gallery featured selected artwork from our local talented students.
September 17 – October 9, 2016 - "A Decisive Slice of Time, A Photographic Exhibition by Hans Schmitt", included “Miles of Art” weekend.
2015
September 19, 2015: "Go With the Grain (of Wood!)" Show featured the sculptural woodworking talents of Bill Miltenberger, Mattoon; Len Pubanz, Shawano and Ron Zdroik, Wauwatosa. In addition, the "wooden" work of painters, photographers, and textile artist lined the walls! Hope you didn't miss this juried show! We joined the Miles of Art Tour and was generously sponsored by Ho-Chunk Gaming/Wittengerg.
June 13 & 14, 2015: "Emerging Talents," the second annual art show celebrating the original art of the Wittenberg-Birnamwood school students.
2014
June 14 and 15, 2014 "Emerging Talents," an exhibit of original art by Wittenberg and Birnamwood students, kindergarten through 12th grade. Almost 100 artistic creations of our students and their art teachers: Carol Strand and Sandra Tichner, delighted visitors to the WOWSPACE for four weekends. This show was supported by a grant from the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region.
April 5, 2014 thru May 11, 2014 - "Viewer Discretion Advised," Through an open eye....An interesting collection of Pop Surrealism.
Daniel Rolnik, LA art critic who bills himself as The World's Most Adorable Art Critic, visited the show on April 22. Here is what he had to say: "My face must have lit up like a firefly when I walked into WOWSPACE. For, all around me were paintings by the authorities of the lowbrow, subversive and pop surrealist art. Painters like Gary Baseman, COOP....and all the other artists I grew up going to their shows in my hometown of Los Angeles. Only now, I was able to see their paintings in a new light. In a wonderful space that I would've never, not even in a million years, have expected to see them in. And I appreciated, honestly, not having to be in a crowd filled with tattooed saccharine Hollywood oddities in order to look at the details of the unique paintings. Don't tell any of my friends in LA but it is much more enjoyable to see this work in Wittenberg, WI. Especially since you can go outside and be surrounded by some of the finest murals the country has to offer. In fact, I'd say that Wittenberg, at this point in time, with this exhibit of Derrick Bushman's cllection, is the best melting pot you can find of American art. From murals bigger than 16 wheelers to devil girls on canvas. From traditional scultures to artists taking a rock n' roll approach to folk art. It's all in Wittenberg and it's all awesome. I can't wait to come back."
April 12, 2014, Gary Baseman, illustrator, painter, animator and Emmy award winner visited the WOWSPACE to discuss his work ~ click to learn more.
2013
March 16, 2013 "From Farm to Fork (to Fabulous!)," a show of recent work of S.V. Medaris, Mt. Horeb, and Alicia Rheal, Madison, opened with the annual Wine, Beer and Cheese Gala on March 16 and continued through April 7. An entire day was spent with visits from school children. The first graders immediately went back and wrote poems about what they had seen. Hunter Wicke wrote "I could ride the big, big, big pig. Ride and ride the the big, big , big pig all day."
This show was sponsored by Nueske's Applewood Smoked Meats and the Witt-Birn FFA and FFA Alumni.
2012
2011
2010
HIS AUTUMN YEARS - 2009
On October 3, 2009, 100 lucky people were not only treated to the opening show of Richard Neevel's paintings of Wisocnsin wildlife but also were electrified and energized by the music of the Aaron
Wiener Jazz Quintet. Richard Neevel was one of the lucky ones. He discovered his passion--art and oil painting--not as a young man but rather in his autumn years. His creative years after retirement
were probably the most rewarding and stimulating of his life, having started painting after retirement from his lifetime work as a foreman at the National Rivet Company in Waupun, Wisconsin.
Because he grew up near the Horicon Marsh with a lifelong love of the outdoors, it was only natural that he would begin to paint the birds and animals of Wisconsin once he was freed of his factory
job. An occasional sketch of awesome galloping horses had delighted his children but work, gardening, hunting, fishing, remodeling and repairing the house had taken up his time. Spurred by his
children gifting him with a set of oil paints on his retirement and the encouragement of his wife, Margaret Hull Neevel, everything changed. A few painting classes set things in motion; but it was
his passion for creating art, so many ideas that he sometimes couldn't sleep that led him to create a prodigious body of work. Some paintings he sold; some he gave to others.
For the first time, more than 60 of his paintings were shown together with some of his wildlife carvings. HIS AUTUMN YEARS was enjoyed by many visitors over the 4 weekends it was exhibited at the
WOWSPACE. His children: Mary Keepers, Neenah; Connie Loomans Madison; Elaine Diffor, Wittenberg; Jeannie Neevel/Wiener, Shorewood and Rick Neevel, Kalamazoo, MI, worked hard to bring this show
together. In addition, they sponsored the concert at the opening event. This show has now traveled to the Marsh Haven Visitor Center at the Horicon Marsh, only fitting as Richard and Margaret Neevel
both worked there as volunteers. Richard's family is delighted and we at the Walls of Wittenberg, Inc are pleased as well to have sponsored this first ever showing of the art of Richard Neevel.
IMPRESSIONS FROM A LADDER: THE ART OF WARREN CLOUGH - 2008
IMPRESSIONS FROM A LADDER: THE ART OF WARREN CLOUGH
Warren Clough, a self-taught painter in oils with a passion for landscapes, began painting with his work propped up on the kitchen table. Later, he created space in his dark basement for a studio,
using an old wooden ladder he had converted into an easel. Money was tight in the Clough household with a wife and three children and the salary of an Oshkosh city employee so his limited funds
bought oil paints and brushes with little or none left over for canvas or gesso. Nevertheless, his output was a prodigious with countless landscapes reflecting his love of nature. Details abound in
his work, whether from observations of the Wisconsin landscape, his collection of photos, newspaper clippings, pages from hunting magazines or his own vivid imagination. For Warren, a painting was
not finished until it had its own custom made frame, each with textures and color which enhanced the piece.
Warren Clough (1915-1979) was born in Eau Claire, Wisc, married Elsie Luft in 1941, served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1945, and was employed by the city of Oshkosh from 1947-1977, the father of three
children.
The family of Warren Clough and the Walls of Wittenberg, Inc take great pleasure in presenting this first ever showing of the work of Warren Clough. We deeply appreciate the willingness of many
individuals who were willing to loan their paintings for this show.
Print 