Klug Donates “Bay to Bay” for Charity

“I feel philanthropy in Door County has made the county what it is today,” says artist and Door County resident Gretchen Klug, who has generously donated her time, talent, and painting “Bay to Bay” to represent Door County Living’s fourth annual Philanthropy Issue.

Door County Living will auction the Klug original painting (oil on canvas, framed 30” wide x 36” tall) by mail bid through August 15, 2012. “I feel it is import to give back in a way that resonates with us personally,” Klug says. “I am honored to have my painting be a vehicle to raise money for Door County charities.”

The painting’s inspiration “came from living in this wonderful spot!” says Klug. “Door County’s identity is so intertwined with the water, and all the activities that come with it.” For years, Klug and her husband, Bill, have sailed Door County’s waters on their Pearson Commander. “For many years we moved our boat from North Bay through Death’s Door to Sister Bay every spring and fall. This is why I am so attracted to water and to sailboats.”

When painting, Klug begins with a “simple idea,” as many philanthropic ventures also begin. “Within my simple idea, I begin to add transitions from one shape to another,” she says, “adding colors to the mix for excitement. I want my paintings full of beautiful colors.”

All the proceeds from the winning bid will go to the Door County charity of the bidder’s choice. The minimum bid for “Bay to Bay” is $2,000 and the winner will be notified by telephone and announced in local publications.

“So many things we enjoy here are a result of the generous gifts of so many,” says Klug. “[Philanthropy] is so important to our quality of life for those who live and vacation here.”

Klug’s work is represented by Edgewood Orchard Galleries in Fish Creek, open daily May through October. View Klug’s work at www.edgewoodorchard.com. For more information call (920) 868-3579.

Local Artists Support Local Charities

Door County Living has successfully partnered with three local artists in the past three years to create paintings for charity. The philanthropic-themed paintings graced the covers of our Philanthropy Issues and were subsequently auctioned off to raise funds for the Door County charity of the winning bidders’ choice.

We are proud to announce that the 2011 cover, donated and painted by Bonnie Paruch, entitled “The Feathered Nest,” raised $5,000 for Door County charities. An individual who wished to remain anonymous placed the winning bid and contributed to the Door County Community Foundation.

The 2010 cover, “A Whispered Invitation,” donated and painted by Judi Ekholm, raised $2,200. Bryan and Diane Troutman placed the winning bid and contributed to Door County Habitat for Humanity, Door County Silent Sports Alliance and the Door County Land Trust.

The first cover, “Philanthropy,” painted and donated by Craig Blietz, raised $1,500. Amy Jo and Curt Campbell, owners of Oilerie Fish Creek, placed the winning bid in 2009 and designated the Door Community Auditorium as the recipient of their donation.