The workshop Gallery

The Workshop regularly hosts local artists to display their work on our gallery walls. Each show usually lasts two or three months. Each artist has the opportunity to interact with the public through a reception and an artist onsite field trip day.

UPCOMING ShowS

September/October 2025: lois taylor, sun prairie WI, watercolor

Current Show

February/March 2025: michael schultz, Columbus WI, print making

Artist Reception: Friday, March 7th, 5-7pm, join us for a reception. Stop in to meet the artist, view beautiful local art, and enjoy refreshments.

Artist onsite day: On Monday, March 3rd, Michael will be onsite at The Workshop to meet with groups. Please email Becky at workshopcolumbus@gmail.com to reserve a timeslot for your group. The time for individuals and homeschool students is 12:00-1:15pm.

In addition to those special days, visitors can also visit the gallery whenever The Workshop is open or call to make a viewing appointment (920-319-6956).

past shows

February - May 2024: Gnomemade art—A gnome’s guide to ceramics

Description of show: We are so excited to announce our new book, A Gnome’s Guide to Ceramics, that we are highlighting art from the book in our gallery.

Reception: Friday, April 5th, 6-8pm

Author Talk: Friday, May 31st, 5:30-7:30pm at The Columbus Library

A Gnome’s Guide to Ceramics takes beginners through the basics of ceramics in a step-by-step way that’s both easy to understand and remember. Colorful pictures in a contemporary graphic novel style bring new life to an age-old process. This book is a wonderful resource for schools, libraries, ceramic studios and art enthusiasts.

December 2023/january 2024: stephen curtis, randolph, WI, oil painting

Description of show: Various shades of realism and impressionism combined to create challenging and focused works centered on beauty, mystery, and divinity.

Artist Reception: Tuesday, January 16th, 7-9pm

Artist onsite day: On Tuesday, January 23rd, Stephen will be onsite at The Workshop to meet with groups. Please email Becky at workshopcolumbus@gmail.com to reserve a timeslot for your group. The time for individuals and homeschool students is 12:00-1:15pm. Registration is required.

In addition to those special days, visitors can also visit the gallery whenever The Workshop is open or call to make a viewing appointment (920-319-6956).

October/November 2023: Laura Wiechert, Columbus, WI, acrylic painting and oil pastel

August/SepTEMBER 2023: Indigo samples

October 2022 to May 2023: Emily Sullivan, Columbus, WI, Photography

Artist Reception: Thursday, May 18th, 7-9pm

Artist onsite day: On Wednesday, October 5th, Emily will be onsite at The Workshop to meet with groups.

In addition to those special days, visitors can also visit the gallery whenever The Workshop is open or call to make a viewing appointment (920-319-6956).

June/July/August 2022: Altered Art Group Show

Traditionally the summer show at The Workshop is a group show. This summer is no exception. Anyone is able to add a painting for this summer show. The crazy twist that makes this an altered art show is that the pieces need to be used art that the new artist adds to. The idea is that you purchase a piece of art at a garage sale or thrift store and change it to make it your own. Check out the samples below.

April/May 2022: Marianne Flynn Statz, Madison, WI, Oil Painting

Artist Reception: Saturday, April 2nd, 4:30-6:30pm. All are welcome for a reception: meet the artist, view this beautiful local art, and enjoy refreshments.

Artist onsite day: On Monday, May 9th, Marianne will be onsite at The Workshop to meet with groups.

Click here to sign up for the homeschool class working with Marianne on Monday, May 9th at 9am.

In addition to those special days, visitors can also visit the gallery whenever The Workshop is open for Open Studio or call to make a viewing appointment (920-319-6956).

February/March 2022: Josie Asmus 0f Lake Mills, WI, Acrylic and Oil Painting

Artist onsite day: On Thursday, March 31st, Josie will be onsite at The Workshop to meet with groups.

In addition to that special day, visitors can also visit the gallery whenever The Workshop is open for Open Studio or call to make a viewing appointment (920-319-6956). Josie is currently a student studying art at UW Whitewater.

October/November 2021: Micka Klauck 0f Columbus, WI, Charcoal

Artist Reception: Friday, October 15th, 4:00 - 6:00pm. All are welcome for a reception: meet the artist, view this creative local art, and enjoy refreshments.

Artist onsite day: On Monday, October 18th, Micka will be onsite at The Workshop to meet with groups.

In addition to those special days, visitors can also visit the gallery whenever The Workshop is open for Open Studio or call to make a viewing appointment (920-319-6956). To learn more about Micka’s art, visit milkhousestudio.wordpress.com.

August/September 2021: Benjamin James, WI, Multimedia Art

Artist Reception: Sunday, August 15th, 3:00 - 5:00pm. All are welcome for a reception: meet the artist, view this creative local art, and enjoy refreshments.

Artist onsite day: On Friday, September 17th, Ben will be onsite at The Workshop to meet with groups.

In addition to those special days, visitors can also visit the gallery whenever The Workshop is open for Open Studio or call to make a viewing appointment (920-319-6956).

January/February 2020: Leah Crave of Columbus, WI, photography

Artist Reception: Sunday, February 2nd, 1:00 - 3:00pm.

Artist onsite day: On Thursday, February 27th,  Leah Crave will be onsite at The Workshop to meet with groups.

In addition to those special days, visitors can also visit the gallery whenever The Workshop is open for Open Studio or call to make a viewing appointment (920-319-6956).

October/November 2019: Patti O’Connell Wick of Columbus, WI, acrylic impasto painting

Patti O’Connell Wick is an artist who works with acrylic paint in the impasto style, using pallet knives and extruding paint to add depth to her images. Patti is one of the artists whose work was chosen for the banner art in downtown Columbus. Her cow painting, Miss Redbud, is a favorite for downtown visitors.

Artist Reception: Friday, October 18th, 7:00 - 9:00pm.

Artist onsite day: On Wednesday, November 6th, Patti Wick will be onsite at The Workshop to meet with groups. Patti’s work is currently on display on the gallery walls at The Workshop. She will show her acrylic impasto paintings, talk about her creative process, and answer questions. Participants will also be able to create their own impasto art. Space is available in the homeschool class, 1:40 - 2:50p.m. Sign up on signupgenius, pay the day of the event: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0a4caaa62fabfd0-patti

In addition to those special days, visitors can also visit the gallery whenever The Workshop is open for Open Studio or call to make a viewing appointment (920-319-6956).

April/May 2019: Janice Ladwig of Fall River, WI, acrylic painting

Artist Reception: Friday, May 3rd, 6:00 - 8:00pm.

Artist onsite day: On Wednesday, May 1st, painter Jan Ladwig will be onsite at The Workshop to meet with groups. Jan’s work is currently on display on the gallery walls at The Workshop. She will show her paintings, talk about her creative process, and answer questions. Participants will also be able to paint a canvas of their own. Cost is $6 per person.

In addition to those special days, visitors can also visit the gallery whenever The Workshop is open for Open Studio or call to make a viewing appointment (920-319-6956).

January/February/March 2019: Pam Charvat of Columbus, WI, photography

Artist Reception Sunday, February 17th, 4:00 - 6:00pm.

Artist onsite day: On Friday, March 1st, photographer Pam Charvat will be onsite at The Workshop to meet with groups. Pam's work is currently on display on the gallery walls at The Workshop. She will show her photography, talk about her creative process, explain her camera set up, and answer questions. In addition to meeting Pam, kids will also be able to make a cardboard camera project and participate in a photo scavenger hunt. Cost is $6 per child.

In addition to those special days, visitors can also visit the gallery whenever The Workshop is open for Open Studio or call to make a viewing appointment (920-319-6956).

October/November 2018: Deb Haeffner of Columbus, WI, colored pencil and pen & ink drawings

Artist Reception Sunday, November 11th, 1:00 - 3:00pm.

Artist onsite day: Wednesday, November 7th, field trip groups are scheduled throughout the day. Sign up here for homeschool class 1:45 - 2:45 p.m.

In addition to those special days, visitors can also visit the gallery whenever The Workshop is open for Open Studio or call to make a viewing appointment (920-319-6956).

April/May 2018: Becky Weidner of Columbus, WI, flower pounding

February/March 2018: Ron Benisch, acrylic and oil painting

Artist Reception Sunday, February 25th, 3:00 - 5:00pm.

Artist onsite day: Monday, March 12th, field trip groups are scheduled throughout the day. Sign up here.

In addition to those special days, visitors can also visit the gallery whenever The Workshop is open for Open Studio or call to make a viewing appointment (920-319-6956).

November/December 2017: Hilde Brandt

The show by H. Brandt is titled "A Columbus Sketch Book". 

September/October, 2017: Betsy Lampert of Beaver Dam, WI, oil painting

Artist Reception: Saturday, October 28th, 3:00 - 5:00pm.

Artist onsite day: Thursday, October 5th, field trip groups are scheduled throughout the day. Click here to sign up.

In addition to those special days, visitors can also visit the gallery whenever The Workshop is open for Open Studio or call to make a viewing appointment (920-319-6956).

May/June, 2017: Christe Solie of Columbus, WI, photography

Artist Reception: Friday, May 5, 6:30 - 8:00pm.

Artist onsite day: Wednesday, May 3rd, field trip groups are scheduled throughout the day.

In addition to those special days, visitors can also visit the gallery whenever The Workshop is open for Open Studio or call to make a viewing appointment (920-319-6956).

March/April, 2017: Kelsey Curkeet and Preston Posthuma of Eleventyonestudio, Columbus WI

Artist Reception: Sunday, March 19th, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Artist onsite day: April 5th, field trip groups are scheduled throughout the day.

In addition to those special days, visitors can also visit the gallery whenever The Workshop is open for Open Studio or call to make a viewing appointment (920-319-6956).

October/November, 2016: Rod Melotte of Columbus, WI, digital imagery

Artist Reception: Saturday, October 8, 1:00 - 3:00pm.

Artist onsite day: TBD Field trip groups will be scheduled throughout the day.

In addition to those special days, visitors can also visit the gallery whenever The Workshop is open for Open Studio or call to make a viewing appointment (920-319-6956).

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER, 2016: Drew Garris of Fon du Lac, WI, acrylic painting

Reception:  Sunday, July 31, 2:00 - 4:00pm

Artist Onsite Day: Thursday, September 29, 2016

The Workshop welcomes Drew Garris to the gallery for the months of August and September. Join us on Sunday, July 31st for a celebration of Garris's show of acylic landscapes, seascapes, and farmscapes. The Artist Reception is a FREE event. Stop by to meet Drew Garris and check out his work. Also from 2:00 to 4:00pm on Sunday, July 31st The Workshop will have Open Studio at the regular $5 rate, for those inclined to make some art of their own.

MAY/JUNE, 2016: Rod Hill of Beaver Dam, WI, acrylic and oil painting

Reception: Saturday, May 7, 1-3pm

Artist Statement

I am excited to announce this 2 month exhibit of some of my favorite art works. I've been a big fan of Bob Ross and his painting method for years. So much, in fact, that between 2008 and 2011 I studied and became certified to teach classes utilizing this method. I am a certified Ross instructor in "landscape", "floral", and "wildlife" styles using oil pant medium, on canvas and drum heads. I also dabble in acrylics on canvas and wood, and watercolors on canvas. Come in to the 'Workshop' and see my works. Many of which can be purchased. Rod Hill CRI, CRFI, CRWI©

Photos of Rods Paintings at The Workshop.

MARCH/APRIL , 2016: Tina Lainberger of Columbus, WI

Reception: Saturday, April 9, 4-7pm

Onsite date: Friday, April 22

The Workshop welcomes Tina Lainberger and her show "Leftovers" to the gallery for the months of March and April. Join us on Saturday, April 9th for a celebration of Lainberger's show.

The Artist Reception is a FREE event. The show is titled "Leftovers" because many of the pieces were made using leftovers from other projects Lainberger was working on. If you would like to make your own "leftover" art at this time there is a $5.00 project fee. Work on an 8x10 canvas or board to create a one of a kind project in the style of Lainberger's work.

Artist Statement
Art has always been my passion of expression. I enjoy abstract and the endless array of options abstract presents. My newspaper collages are born from the time spent with my grandparents. I would read them with them often. My abstract often hides deeper themes that sometimes are very open to interpretation.

January/February, 2016: Ray Easley of Columbus, WI

Reception: Saturday, January 30, 7-9pm

Ghost Party

Ray Easley received his B.A. from the University of Houston in 2012 and his M.F.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2014. Easley focuses on the experimentation of paint application and the use of ambiguous characters to serve as a template to generate identifiable elements. This year Easley has participated in group shows "The art of Collage" at the Frank Juarez Gallery in Sheboygan, WI. and "We Got Spirit, Yes We Do" in Fairfield IA. and was a visiting artist for the University of Arkansas during the month of November.  "Ghost Party" will be a collection of Easleys' work from his M.F.A. thesis show from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Easley is currently working on his first solo shows for Underground gallery in Fayetteville, AR. in March 2016 and Madison Public Library Gallery for the Madison Spring Gallery Night on May 6th, 2016. 

August/September, 2015: Stephenie Hamen of Sun Prairie, WI

Mixed media/collage art

Reception: Saturday, August 1, 6-9pm

Onsite day: Wednesday, September 16, 9am-3pm

Field Trip Project: mixed media, 1 hour, $3.00/student

Home: Heart

I have been creating as long as I can remember.  I have had a hammer in one hand and crayons in the other since I was old enough to walk.  My father is a carpenter, creating furniture that filled our home.  He taught me the discipline needed to create this way, but also provided me the freedom to try and learn on my own.  My parents supplied me with an endless pile of paper and supplies to create whatever my heart desired.

Over the years I have dabbled in different crafts, materials, styles, and mediums.  What I have learned is that mixed media speaks to me most, as it is ever evolving, just like me.

I always want to include a bit of whimsy and fun into my pieces, as well as a sense wonder. 

I primarily work on canvas and wood, using a number of materials including acrylics, vintage papers and dress patterns, gesso, mediums, and ephemera.  My drawings primarily use pen and watercolors or Gelatos.  Being able to move between media, form, and styles is something that helps me to continue to evolve and grow as an artist. 

Being able to stand back and see something new and inspiring in a piece makes me happy.  Seeing the reaction of my children to a finished piece is the true test, however.  They are still young enough to be honest – brutally so at times – and that forces me to look at through other eyes and see it for how it will be perceived out in the world and not just in my studio

Find out more about Stephenie at http://mycraftyadventures.com/

October/November, 2015: Kristen Westlake of Reeseville, WI

Landscape Photography

Reception: Saturday, October 10, 3-6pm

Onsite day: Tuesday, October 6, 9am-3pm

Field Trip Project: photography experience, 1.5 hours, $4.00/student

www.kristenwestlake.com

Bio / Mission

I was born in a Naval Hospital in Rhode Island. My family moved to a Wisconsin farm when I was eight - perfect for me! A highly energized youngster, I delighted in adventure, running, roaming, and stopping to memorize landscapes and watch wild animals for hours. To capture my love of nature my Dad gave me a camera for my confirmation gift at age 12. He taught me the technical aspects of using the Minolta SLR and its interchangeable lenses. We sat out in the field together often, where I learned to 'see' photographically.

I am a 'manual' photographer. I intimately know the technical aspects of my tools (cameras, lenses, filters, etc). I enjoy envisioning an image and then the challenge of creating it. Sometimes the vision is spontaneous and the set up to create it happens quickly (as with lightning). Other times I plan far in advance (for example, the full moon over the Wisconsin Capitol) and then hope that the weather cooperates. The point is, I enjoy the thinking aspect of creating my work manually versus the utilization of all of the automated processes that are readily available these days.

Grasping a complete knowledge and understanding of how the equipment works is a lifelong practice. The choice to create by figuring out manually how to create my own interpretation of a scene involves the ability to think both concretely and abstractly. For me, over time the technical side of photography became the 'easy' stuff. I began to pair photography with the study of color theory. Rather than working primarily with luminosity contrast in post production, I utilize my knowledge of how color works to further the mood and feel of my work.

I have always aspired to show the world as I uniquely see it. However, through my deliberate practice of manually working my photography, I no longer simply transfer what I see to the world in pictures. I now see in my work what it is that I feel / felt. My intent is to transport the viewer into my work; to smell the rain, feel the wind, taste the dew, hear the thunder, and see with all of the senses.

May, 2015: Kelly Seidl of Columbus, WI

Photography   http://www.kellyseidl.com

Reception: Friday, May 8, 7-9pm

Onsite day: Thursday, May 14, 9am-3pm   

Field Trip Project: digital photography lesson/photo scavenger hunt, $4.00/student

Expressing the Fractal: Songs of Nature

A Photographic Exhibition by Kelly Seidl

Featured artist in October-November, 2014: Rod Melotte

Artist Reception: Saturday, October 11, 2:00 - 4:00pm.

Artist onsite day: Thursday, October 16, 9:00am - 2:30pm. Field trip groups are scheduled throughout the day.

In addition to those special days, visitors can also visit the gallery whenever The Workshop is open for Open Studio.

Featured artist in September, 2014: Cara Moseley (radicaltextiles.com)

Artist onsite day: Friday, September 19, 9:00am - 2:30pm. Field trip groups are scheduled throughout the day.

Closing reception: Friday, September 26, 7:00 - 9:00pm.

Class: Indigo Dyeing. During the closing reception, visitors are welcome to experiment with dipping textiles in an indigo dye vat. The cost is $5 per item.

In addition to those special days, visitors can also visit the gallery whenever The Workshop is open for Open Studio.

Featured artist in May, 2014: Jaemeson Pohlmeier

Opening reception: Friday, May 9, 7:00 - 9:00pm.

Class: Abstract Acrylic, Saturday, May 24, 2:00 - 3:30. Cost is $25, all materials included.

In addition to those special days, visitors can also visit the gallery whenever The Workshop is open for Open Studio.

Featured artist in April, 2014: Kelsey Curkeet

Opening reception is Friday, April 4, 7:00 - 9:00pm.

Class: Watercolor Colormixing on Sunday, April 13, 2:00 - 3:30. Cost is $15, all materials included.

Artist onsite day: Friday, April 25, 9:00am - 5:00pm. Field trip groups are scheduled throughout the day--we have one field trip slot still available.

In addition to those special days, visitors can also visit the gallery whenever The Workshop is open for Open Studio.