Meet Peninsula School of Art’s First Artists In-Residence in Over 50 Years

Fish Creek, Wis. (February 11, 2022) – Peninsula School of Art (PenArt), 3900 County Road F, Fish Creek, invites the community to an End-of-Session Studio Tour on February 22 at 4pm to meet their newest artists-in-residence.

For over 55 years, Peninsula School of Art has supported the advancement of visual artists’ careers, the creative process, and the development of new work. Originally a seasonal destination for artists and educators to make, exchange ideas, and collaborate, PenArt has evolved into a national arts hub; serving a growing audience through innovative workshops, exhibitions, and public programs.

On January 13, 2022, PenArt welcomed their first artists-in-residence in over 50 years. According to Executive Director Catherine Hoke, “An artists-in-residence program is part of our DNA as an organization. Our founder, Madeline Tourtelot, supported and directed a residency program, called “the Studios” through the early 1970’s.”

After Madeline’s departure, and the re-organization of the School in the 80’s, there was a focus on workshops and summer programs. Without onsite housing and adequate studio space, a residency program wasn’t feasible.

“With such value placed on taking risks and pursuing new directions throughout PenArt’s history, we knew we wanted to bring back a residency program. Five years ago, we began researching, planning and developing our program, but not until the acquisition of a house across the street from campus in November 2020, and the addition of the new Madeline Tourtelot Studio in 2021, were we in a position to launch the Artists-in-Residence program. We are are thrilled to be able to expand our support of the artists of today.” said Director of Education and Residencies Elysia Michaelsen.

The inaugural session welcomes artists Heather Nuber and Sara Willadsen. Heather and Sara have spent six weeks in an immersive studio experience that prioritizes time and space for them to engage fully in their creative practice, experiment, and pursue new projects and ideas. They received semi-private workspaces in the new Madeline Tourtelot Studio Building; access to PenArt’s fully equipped printmaking, digital, metals, and ceramics studios; housing; and professional development opportunities.

As an interdisciplinary artist, Heather Nuber’s work focuses on the dynamics of personal relationships and social interactions through the exploration of form and material. Heather earned her BFA in Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and MFA from Indiana. In addition, she has studied at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Penland School of Crafts, Peters Valley School of Craft, and Touchstone Center for Craft, and participated in several residencies. An avid instructor, Heather teaches multiple disciplines at the Indianapolis Art Center, as well as workshops at Indiana University, Touchstone Center for Craft, and here at the Peninsula School of Art. More information can be found at www.heathersnuber.com

Working mainly with paint and various collage elements, Sara Willadsen’s work explores concepts of abstract spaces and objects guided by her surroundings. Sara earned her BA in Studio Art and Graphic Arts from Lakeland University and MFA in Painting from Northern Illinois University. Her work has been featured in New American Paintings and she shows frequently in regional and national exhibitions. Sara currently works as a visual artist and graphic designer in Sheboygan, WI. www.sarawilladsen.com

Community members and fellow artists are invited on Tuesday, February 22nd at 4pm for a rare look behind the scenes during an End-of-Session Studio Tour. Attendees can learn more about what’s happening in PenArt’s studios, explore what Heather and Sara have worked on during their session, and ask questions. Refreshments will be served.

PenArt’s artist in residence program is designed for artists of all career stages, and applications are currently open for 2022-2023 sessions. Information and application information is available at: www.peninsulaschoolofart.org/artistinresidence.