One of the best art exhibits in Wisconsin will open Saturday when the 30th Annual Northern National Art Competition holds an opening reception at 5 p.m. in the Nicolet College Art Gallery.
Gallery Director Katy Ralph says it's a juried contemporary art competition that showcases high-quality work from around the country, with a few artists from the Northwoods....
"....as usual, our judge has selected a wonderful and very diverse exhibit. Photography and fiber art and all kinds of different paintings and I think it's going to be a wonderful show...."
This year's judge is Gary Freeburg, a professor of art and the director of the Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Art at James Madison University in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Freeburg reviewed 444 entries, selecting 92 pieces from artists in 24 different states. The competition features $8,500 in prize money with the winning pieces being named at the reception.
Ralph says the public is invited to the reception Saturday afternoon...
"...the reception is at 5 o'clock and the reception is at Diane's Frame Shop downtown or at Trig's service counter. They will only be available through Thursday the 14th. So we hope you get your tickets and come enjoy the party...."
The Northern National Art Competition for decades had been held during the week of School of the Arts in Rhinelander, but with the end of UW-Madison's sponsorship of School of the Arts, it has moved to September.
Admission to the exhibit will be free after the opening reception. The Nicolet Art Gallery is located in the Northwoods Center on the Rhinelander Campus, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Northern National Art Competition exhibit will run through Oct. 20. At 7 p.m.
Funding for this story was made possible by a grant from the Northern Arts Council.
