Coffee and Color

The smell of coffee seeps outside Base Camp Coffee Bar in Sister Bay, an enticement that led artist Robin Zuege to the tucked away coffee shop beneath Ecology Sports.

A resident of New London, Wisconsin, Zuege was exploring Door County, driving down Highway 42, seeking a “good cup of coffee,” as she tells it. “I had the opportunity to be in an exhibit at the Guenzel Gallery. There was Ecology Sports and Base Camp Coffee Bar – the rest is history!”

Now the white brick walls of Base Camp Coffee Bar feature Zuege’s bright, colorful paintings. As patrons drink their light or dark roasts, eat their fresh sandwiches and sweet pastries, red poppies, red tulips, and an abstract scene – a personal favorite of barista Katie Dahl – adorn the eatery.

At least “two glorious times a year,” as Zuege puts it, she journeys to Door County with art in tow. A hairdresser for about 20 years, and now a manager of a senior apartment building, the desire to create art has been in Zeuge’s blood her entire life.

“Most artists have the same inclinations from early on,” Zeuge said. “My art came to me in a royal package. My grandmother was a painter and photographer. My father was also a national award-winning photographer. It was my mother’s love of color that won me. She always said, ‘Who said you can’t wear pink with orange? You just need the right shades!’”

Zuege credits her husband, Paul, as an important encourager of her creativity. “I have a small family ‘fan club,’ but I think the most encouraging would be my husband,” she said. “His quiet and patient way allowed me time, space, and money to use on my art. He also helps me frame and goes to the exhibits to help me install the art.”

Zeuge’s artwork features a variety of subjects, from landscapes to abstract, people to flowers. “My source of inspiration is unlimited,” she said. “It’s in everything around me, near or far. I guess the ‘artist’s brain’ looks for the surprises of color, patterns, lines, and contrasts.”

“I love using oils and watercolor,” she continued, “but currently, I am enjoying the flexibility of acrylics.”

Creating a painting is sometimes an ongoing process for Zeuge. Completion time “varies immensely,” she said. “Sometimes I think I am nearly finished with a painting and something triggers me to continue.”

Zeuge received no formal artistic training, though found a variety of sources that cumulated to bring her to this point in her creativity. “I found myself focused on creating and using color in different professions,” she said. “Although mostly self-taught, I seem to express myself best while painting.”

A few painters have influenced and inspired her as well. “My husband has taken me to some of the great art museums in the U.S. where I can ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ at the famous artists, which would be too many to mention,” she said. “There are some modern artists I return to – Abrishami Hessam of California and Michael O’Connel of New London; their use of line and color are inspiring.”

Door County also lends its own inspiration and opportunity to Zuege. “Door County to me has an exciting atmosphere,” she said. “It’s also a happy place to go, and people seem happy to be there. Even the air feels different. It’s wonderful! What a joy for me to have a few exhibits in Sister Bay giving me the opportunity to return to Door County again and again. I win!”

Looking ahead, Zuege is posting her artwork on her Fine Art America online profile. Her artwork may be framed or printed on greeting cards. Meanwhile, Door County residents and visitors are welcome to enjoy an experience of art and food at Base Camp Coffee Bar that will appeal to a variety of senses – coffee and color, food and flowers – a pleasurable combination.

Base Camp coffee bar, open 7:30 am – 4 pm, is located at 10904 Highway 42, in Sister Bay. Zuege’s work, which is available for purchase, will be on display until the beginning of June.

To view more of Zuege’s artwork or for more information visit fineartamerica.com/profiles/robin-zuege.html, call 920.982.6637 or email [email protected].