Ellison Bay’s Cultural Display

Ellison Bay Arts will put its community’s vibrant art, school and cooking culture on display once again for the 12th annual Fall Art Crawl this weekend, Oct. 25-26.

The art crawl is a chance for area businesses to extend the end of the season while showing what Ellison Bay has to offer in the way of learning, art and cooking.

The first annual art crawl was inspired by an article Turtle Ridge Gallery owner Mary Ellen Sisulak read in a national art magazine more than a decade ago.

“There was a featured art crawl in Wisconsin in there and I thought, ‘Oh my gosh … this is a national event kind of thing and it might be a good thing for our town, for our artists to do something like that,’” Sisulak recalls.

Sisulak put the wheels in motion for the cultural affair and the first Fall Art Crawl was started in 2003 as a one-day event with a handful of artists that became known as Ellison Bay Arts. Since then, more artists, businesses and events have been added while the promotion and sponsorship for the art crawl has grown. Last year, Sisulak counted almost 200 visitors during the two-day event.

“It’s been successful in promoting the area,” Sisulak said. “Our thought was more of a cultural event, something a little different than the Fall Festival crowd. It’s a little bit more calm, personal and artistic.”

This year, the Fall Art Crawl will feature 11 shops, including three ceramic studios, a handmade artwear boutique, two painters’ studios, folk art, The Clearing Folk School, a cooking school and cheese market, a handcrafted cider house, and an Asian art and antiques gallery.

Each business will feature its art specialty and several new additions will make the art crawl bigger and better than it’s ever been before. While nearly a dozen stops may sound overwhelming, Sisulak pointed out the hospitality of participating businesses that will be serving food and beverages.

Participants will also have the chance to enter into various raffles to win one-of-a-kind pieces of art from participating shops. There will also be studio tours.

“It’s always something new to experience,” Sisulak said.

Here is a rundown on this weekend’s offerings at the Fall Art Crawl:

Turtle Ridge Gallery, 11736 Mink River Rd.

Sisulak, owner of the gallery, will display the process of writing and illustrating her recently completed children’s book, Pinklieee! Previews of the book will be offered and visitors will have a chance to put their name on a list for signed and dedicated copies to be delivered by the holidays.

Also on display will be a preview for Turtle Ridge’s “Mythical Woodland Fairy Tale” fall lookbook, which includes nature-themed headdresses, garments and bags. Gourmet coffee and sweets will be served.

Clay Bay Pottery, 11650 Hwy. 42

Jeanne and David Aurelius will demonstrate throwing on the wheel from 12 – 3 pm both days of the event. New serving pieces will be unveiled, including mugs, plates and Brie bowls. Refreshments will be served and snacks will include specialty Wisconsin cheeses and sausages from Monroe, Wisconsin. Enter your name in a drawing to win a piece of pottery.

Gills Rock Stoneware, 12020 Lakeview Rd.

Turkey platters and plates, garden globes, wine coolers are all beautifully thrown and decorated. Wood-fired turkey will be served up for sampling on handmade pottery.

Linden Gallery, 12001 Mink River Rd.

The gallery serves as an international link to China and is filled with fine contemporary Chinese paintings and Asian antiques.

Island Orchard Cider, 12040 Garrett Bay Rd.

Sample a Spiced Hot Brut Apple Cider and French butter cookies.

The Clearing Folk School, 12171 Garrett Bay Rd.

Tour the school, visit its bookstore and stop in its gift shop. Refreshments will be served.

Ellison Bay Pottery, 12156 Garrett Bay Rd.

John Dietrich and Diane McNeil will demonstrate Raku Firing (an alternative firing technique) all day Saturday. A “John Dietrich Retrospective” exhibit will showcase John’s ceramic work from the past 47 years. It will close Sunday. New functional pottery from the gas kiln will be in the showroom and refreshments will be served.

Savory Spoon Cooking School, 12042 Hwy. 42

Savory Spoon Cooking School is one of many stop during the Ellison Bay Fall Art Crawl this weekend.

Artisan cheese with a selection of crackers and preserves. An Italian inspired fruit and nut torte, Panforte, will be introduced.

Rob Williams Studio/Gallery, 753 Isle View Rd.

First-time Art Crawl participants Rob and Shirley Williams will display Rob’s autumn paintings and Shirley’s photos of Europe. Refreshments will be served.

Bonnie Paruch Studio and Gallery, 11249 County Rd. ZZ in Sister Bay.

Stop in to see the Master Pastelist’s newest works. Bonnie and Vern will serve up their special Smokin’ Chili and apple cider. Register to win a 6” x 6” painting created for the art crawl.

Cousin’s Walk, 11940 Lakeview Rd.

Stop in to see fun folk art, including colorful bowls, antique chairs and tables. There will also be collages of found objects on barn boards, Korean meatballs, a raffle and painted rock demonstrations.

The Fall Art Crawl will be held from 10am – 5pm on Oct. 25-26 throughout Ellison Bay. For more information visit ellisonbayarts.com.