Northwoods Virtual Art Activities and Events That Will Inspire You in These Uncertain Times

Art is a salve that helps us to heal and process our thoughts and emotions during difficult times. It acts as a universal language to help us communicate with others when words fail. While we are experiencing the feelings of isolation amidst Stay at Home orders, the arts offer a powerful way to connect with each other, even from our own homes. Several arts organizations of northern Wisconsin provide us with events and activities to help us move creatively through this difficult time. Even though their doors are temporarily closed while #SaferAtHome orders are in place, they are still inspiring us from afar.

ArtStart – Rhinelander

ArtStart is a historic Federal Building in downtown Rhinelander that has been transformed into a “destination arts and cultural center.” Although the galleries and in-person events have been canceled due to the pandemic crisis, there are still ways to get involved. ArtStart is taking submissions via email and sharing them on the ArtStart Facebook page in order to bring joy and inspiration to the community. All types of art, made by all ages, is accepted. Send your photos or videos to info@artstartrhinelander.org.

ArtStart and Wisconsin Public Radio WXPR co-hosts monthly “In Progress” events, which showcase the original work of performing artists of our region. This month, In Progress will be held virtually instead of in person, as a live video stream at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29. Participants are welcome to upload a video of themselves ahead of time, presenting or performing an original piece of art or a song. The video must be less than 1 GB in size and under 10 minutes in length—with good lighting and sound quality. The host will curate the videos live during the event so you can interact with and show your support to the performers. For more information, visit ArtStart’s Facebook page.

Center for the Visual Arts – Wausau

Center for the Visual Arts is a not-for-profit visual arts organization with four professional galleries, a school of art, and a gift shop, located in Wausau. While its doors are temporarily closed, CVA is posting daily art-related content on its Facebook page. These activities include storytime, inspiration to participate in a #30dayartchallenge, follow-along art project demonstrations, and video tours of exhibits.

The Warehouse Art Center – Eagle River

Looking for more ways to get more art into your life? The Warehouse Art Center (a nonprofit organization in downtown Eagle River that offers a variety of classes and events for all ages) is posting an Art Activity of the Day on The Warehouse Art Center’s Facebook page. Past activities have included links to drawing classes and prompts to recreate famous art masterpieces with objects you find in your home.

Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum – Wausau

Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum is known for its diverse exhibitions featuring frequently changing artwork from around the world, enriching programs, and inspiring events. While the museum is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you can visit the museum’s website, which is stocked with materials to inspire your future visits and audio guides of the exhibitions. Also, be sure to check out videos of their exhibits on their YouTube channel.

Tom’s Drawing Board – Rhinelander

Tom’s Drawing Board is the art shop and studio of Thomas Barnett, offering graphic design and illustration services as well as art classes. Since March 25, Barnett has been providing daily live painting demonstrations (which he calls Art Therapy) to bring viewers a delightful escape from their worries. For more information about Tom’s Drawing Board and upcoming painting demonstrations, visit Tom’s Drawing Board on Facebook.

Art Communities Beyond the Northwoods

If your creative soul yearns to extend even beyond the limits of the northern Wisconsin region, you can connect with a community of kindred spirits via Facebook groups, such as the Cabin Fever Creative Community.