Artistic “Celebration of Life on the Lake” in Kewaunee County

Through the months of April and May students from Kewaunee and Algoma schools, as well as home school children and adult community members, have gathered at Clay on Steele in Algoma to create works of art celebrating life in Northeast Wisconsin on the Lake Michigan shore. Nearly 150 participants designed, created and glazed clay tiles that depict scenes of local plant and wildlife, recreational activities, family farms, historical buildings and endangered and invasive species.

The project, designed and implemented by local artists Kirsten Christianson and Stephanie St. John, was partially funded with a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board. The artists were able to receive this grant by partnering up with ArtBeet, Inc., a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the arts in Kewaunee County. Additional support was provided by local businesses, individuals and over a dozen volunteers from the community.

This project was created to bring the community together and to help everyone appreciate the beauty, history and culture of Kewaunee County. Christianson and St. John are thrilled with the response they have received from all the participants, volunteers and donors. The quality of artwork and the excitement generated from the project participants was astounding and far surpassed what they had anticipated.

There will be a public reception to present all the tiles on Saturday, May 17 from 6 – 8 pm at The Flying Pig Gallery and Greenspace, which is located at N6975 State Highway 42, 2 miles south of Algoma. A selection of tiles will kept on display at The Flying Pig through Memorial Day weekend.