News

We’re thrilled to welcome three talented individuals to the Wisconsin Craft Board of Directors! Please join us in celebrating Mel Kolstad (Member-at-Large), Robert Dickey (Membership Chair), and Mikaela Nummerdor (Treasurer). Each brings a unique blend of creativity, experience, and dedication to the arts community. Their passion for supporting Wisconsin’s makers and strengthening our statewide network will help guide Wisconsin Craft into an exciting new chapter of growth and collaboration. 

 

Mel Kolstad - Tresurer 

Mel Kolstad is an artist, speaker, instructor and arts advocate who makes her home in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. She is a collagist, printmaker, and papermaker, specializing in collages incorporating hand-dyed papers and fabrics, and letterpress.

She is also delighted to be a member of ArtSpace Collective in Oshkosh; Free Range Art in Grafton; Open Door Artists in Fond du Lac; and Wisconsin Craft.

She is the volunteer curator for the Langdon Divers Gallery, located inside the Fond du Lac Public Library. She teaches various art classes to people of all ages, all around the state.

“I love nothing more than to experiment with various techniques and then use them all in one place. If it works, I’ll teach those techniques to others so that they can learn (and hopefully love!) what I’ve discovered to be great fun. Joy is important when creating art - maybe THE most important aspect!” 

 

Robert (Bob) Dickey - Membership Chairperson 

Looking for a stress reliever during a career in the then new world of business software development and marketing, Bob decided to leverage his DIY woodworking into making custom jewelry and keepsake boxes. He participated in juried shows for many years, as well as having an active Etsy shop for 13 years. After retiring from shows, he joined the WDCC board in 2015 and ultimately served as President for about 5 years. Bob has taught group and individual classes. He has been published several times and appeared on Handcrafted America in 2016. Bob is a lifetime member of the organization and is excited to once again be involved with this great organization and contribute wherever he can. 

Mikaela Nummerdor - Treasurer 

Mikaela Nummerdor brings a unique blend of financial expertise, community engagement, and artistic passion to the Wisconsin Craft Board as Treasurer. As the Branch Manager at Horicon Bank’s Menomonee Falls location, Mikaela draws on over five years of experience in banking, with a background spanning eBanking, training, and frontline leadership. Beyond her professional role, she is deeply involved in her community—serving on the boards of the Friends of West Bend Parks and Recreation and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County, Inc.—and chairs Horicon Bank’s Art Committee, which fosters creative connections and community enrichment through the arts.

A published artist herself, Mikaela has exhibited her work in galleries across the Midwest and continues to champion the integration of art into everyday life. Her dedication to both creative and financial stewardship makes her a dynamic addition to Wisconsin Craft’s leadership team. When she’s not supporting local artists or empowering her customers, Mikaela enjoys traveling and has her sights set on attending the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

As Wisconsin Craft continues to grow, we are reminded that our success is rooted in the generosity and dedication of our members and community volunteers. Without your time and energy, we wouldn’t be able to offer the many free programs, exhibitions, and opportunities that support artists and engage the public in the arts. Whether you lend a hand at an event, join a committee, or share your skills behind the scenes, your contribution makes a lasting impact. If you’re passionate about the arts and community connection, we invite you to get involved and volunteer with Wisconsin Craft—together, we can continue to strengthen and celebrate the creative spirit across our state.  

Join the Fun!

Alverno College|Arts & Culture Gallery|MKE, WI 

Exhibition Dates: Feb. 6, 2026 - Mar 6, 2026

Applications Open: Dec. 1, 2025 - Jan. 11, 2026 

Engaging in playful collaboration allows us to break down barriers and encourages innovative thinking. It creates an environment where creativity and imagination can flourish, fostering a sense of fellowship and mutual respect.  By blending artistic techniques, we can spark new ideas, find joy in the process, and expand our creative repertoires.

We encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone and collaborate with someone who works in a medium other than your own and/or an artist you don’t know or don’t know well. This not only offers challenges, but also offers a chance to make a new friend or deepen one that already exists. However, this is not required. If you already have an established creative alliance in your discipline or cross disciplines, by all means, jump right in.

Artists can submit in teams of 2-3 people. Each team can submit up to two projects. And yes, artists can be on more than one team!

More Details

The energy was high, the artwork was stunning, and the community came out in full force—the Opening Reception of the 2025 Wisconsin Craft Members Biennial Exhibition was nothing short of extraordinary. Held on March 7 at the beautiful Plymouth Arts Center, the evening was a joyful celebration of artistry, connection, and craft.

From heartfelt speeches to spontaneous reunions and new introductions, the event reflected the very best of Wisconsin Craft’s mission: to uplift artists who design and create by hand, and to foster a vibrant, connected creative community.

A Night to Remember

Our members took to social media to share their excitement and gratitude:

• @melkolstadart wrote: “YAYYYY! I had a fabulous time... It was a huge honor to have been selected to be part of the exhibit! Here I am with my collage – it’s part of my Forest Floor collection!”

• @sarahvandersee, who received an Honorable Mention, shared: “I had a wonderful time meeting other artists and art enthusiasts... I’d recommend stopping by, it’s a very nice selection of work!”

• @baenenboxes, this year’s First Place winner, said: “Beyond honored to have received first place... I was inspired by the level of craft and art in the exhibit.”

• @katie.hogan reflected on the bigger picture: “Having my work juried into the Biennial is wonderful, but it’s also about the connections, experience, and being in community.”

• @jarpin_printmaker, our Third Place winner, expressed: “Shocked and excited to have received third place... This was printed at @ap3mke in Milwaukee.”

• @neilstickel added: “I was honored to have a piece in this amazing exhibition… many thanks to Wisconsin Craft and the Plymouth Arts Center for hosting!”

• @betsy_david_pottery summed it up simply: “I feel grateful to be surrounded by such beautiful and talented people.”

Recognizing Excellence

We were proud to present the following 2025 Biennial Awards:

First Place: Jeff Baenen

Second Place: Pat Kroth

Third Place: Jay Arpin

• Honorable Mentions: June Ambro, John Whitney, Tony Drehfal, and Sarah Vandersee

These artists represent the wide range of skill, media, and vision that make up the heart of Wisconsin Craft.

A Community Effort

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and leadership of the Wisconsin Craft Biennial Committee, the Plymouth Arts Center volunteers, and the exceptional guidance of Kate Marotz, Wisconsin Craft President, and Jean Wells, Emeritus President. A very special thank you goes to Joan Kennedy, our Biennial Committee Chairperson, whose tireless work brought the exhibition to life.

As we reflect on a successful opening night, we’re reminded that events like this are built on the energy of our members, supporters, and the broader creative community.

See It For Yourself

The 2025 Wisconsin Craft Biennial Exhibition will be on view through April 25, 2025 at the Plymouth Arts Center in Plymouth, WI. If you haven’t seen it yet, we encourage you to stop by and witness the remarkable range of work our members have created.

Stay tuned—over the coming weeks, we’ll be highlighting more artwork, sharing stories from our artists, and celebrating the continued success of this truly special exhibition.

Thank you for being part of it all.

The 2025 Wisconsin Craft Members Biennial Exhibition is making waves not just within the arts community, but also in the digital press. With coverage from multiple media outlets, our exhibition at the Plymouth Arts Center is reaching a wider audience than ever before, highlighting the incredible talent of our members and the importance of craft in Wisconsin’s creative landscape.

Media Spotlights on the Biennial Exhibition

We’re thrilled to see the Biennial featured in several news articles, each showcasing different aspects of the exhibition and the artists involved:

CBS 58 highlighted the unique story of Joesph Thrasher, a martial artist-turned-woodworker, whose discipline in martial arts translates beautifully into his craft. This feature not only brings attention to the Biennial but also underscores the diverse backgrounds and artistic journeys of our members.

Watch CBS 58 New Segment

WHBL provided a broader look at the Biennial Exhibition in Plymouth, emphasizing the significance of Wisconsin Craft’s mission and the opportunity for members to showcase their finest work. This article reinforces the importance of exhibitions like ours in bringing handcrafted art to new audiences.

Read more about the exhibition here.

Door County Pulse featured John Whitney, a Baileys Harbor artist whose intricate metal sculptures are among the standout pieces in the Biennial. This article not only highlights Jim’s work but also connects the exhibition to the larger Wisconsin arts scene, demonstrating the reach and impact of our members across the state.

Check out the article here. 

WTMJ’s Wisconsin’s Weekend Morning News featured an interview with Joan Kennedy, Chairperson of the 2025 Wisconsin Craft Members' Biennial Exhibition. In the segment, Joan shares insights into the history and mission of Wisconsin Craft, emphasizing the importance of supporting local artisans and the handmade tradition. She also highlights the juried exhibition at the Plymouth Arts Center as a unique opportunity to experience high-quality craft from across the state. 

Listen to Radio Segment

Why This Publicity Matters

This kind of media exposure is invaluable for Wisconsin Craft, our members, and the Plymouth Arts Center. It helps:

• Bring more visitors to the exhibition, giving artists greater exposure.
• Highlight the diversity of craft and the incredible talent in our organization.
• Strengthen Wisconsin Craft’s presence in the broader arts community.

With the Biennial running through April 24, 2025, we encourage everyone to visit the exhibition in person and continue spreading the word. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing even more highlights, behind-the-scenes moments, and featured works from our talented members.

Thank you to everyone who has helped promote this event, whether through press, social media, or word of mouth. This exhibition is a testament to the power of craft and community, and we’re honored to share it with you.

Wisconsin Craft is thrilled to announce our 2025 Signature Events, offering incredible opportunities for artists and the arts community. Whether you’re looking to exhibit your work, connect with fellow makers, or engage in professional development, this year’s lineup includes our biggest events yet.

Call for Artists – Apply Today!

50th Annual Morning Glory Art Fair

Dates: August 9-10, 2025
Location: Downtown Milwaukee, WI
Application Deadline: March 19, 2025 

The Morning Glory Art Fair celebrates 50 years as one of Wisconsin’s most prestigious fine craft fairs. Held in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, this juried event welcomes talented artists from across the region to exhibit and sell their work to thousands of visitors. Don’t miss this milestone event—apply now to be part of the legacy. 

Morning Glory Application Link

7th Annual MKE Studio Tour

Dates: October 4-5, 2025
Location: Artist Studios Throughout Milwaukee County
Application Deadline: April 8, 2025

The MKE Studio Tour offers a one-of-a-kind experience where artists open their creative spaces to the public, allowing visitors to see the artistic process firsthand. This self-guided tour is a fantastic way to connect with collectors, share your craft, and sell directly from your workspace. Join us for this unique opportunity to showcase your work in an intimate setting.

MKE Studio Tour Application Link

2025 Wisconsin Craft Members’ Biennial – Attend & Celebrate!

Opening Reception: March 7, 2025 from 5:30 - 7:30pm
Location: Plymouth Arts Center, Plymouth, WI

The Wisconsin Craft Members’ Biennial is a highlight of our programming, showcasing the incredible work of our artist members in a juried exhibition. Join us at the Opening Reception to celebrate our talented members, enjoy an evening of art, and connect with fellow creatives.

Additionally, we encourage all members and art supporters to attend our Annual Meeting during the exhibition—an opportunity to hear updates on Wisconsin Craft, network with peers, and help shape the future of our organization.

Biennial Opening Reception Information

Annual Member Meeting Information

*Art friends are encouraged, registration required. 

Wisconsin Craft Membership – Education & Programming

A Wisconsin Craft membership provides exclusive access to education and professional development opportunities throughout the year. Members enjoy:

• Workshops & Panel Discussions (sometimes free or at discounted rates)
• Marketing Opportunities – Instagram collaborations, newsletter promotions & more
• Artist Networking & Resources

Membership is the best way to stay connected and access benefits that support your creative career. If you haven’t renewed your membership yet, don’t miss out—join today!

Become A Member

2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for Wisconsin Craft—whether you’re applying to exhibit, attending an event, or expanding your professional development, we look forward to seeing you there.

Showcase Runs March 7 – April 25 at Plymouth Arts Center 

Milwaukee (January 29, 2025) – Every other year, Wisconsin Craft, a nonprofit organization  dedicated to supporting Wisconsin artists by celebrating and promoting their craft, stages a  large-scale exhibit of work created by the state’s talented artists. In 2025, the organization’s  biennial exhibition will feature more than 70 pieces by 66 Wisconsin-based artists. 

The 2025 Wisconsin Craft Biennial Members’ Exhibition will be on display at the Plymouth Arts  Center, 520 E. Mill St., Plymouth, March 7 – April 25. Located in historic downtown Plymouth,  the arts center is the leading arts destination in western Sheboygan County. Admission to the  Plymouth Arts Center and Wisconsin Craft exhibit is free but donations are gladly accepted. 

A wide range of media will be featured in the exhibition, including sculpture, ceramics, fiber,  jewelry, wood, metal, glass, mixed media, photography, printmaking and painting. To support  Wisconsin artists and their craft, most items are available for purchase through the Plymouth  Arts Center. 

“For more than a century, our organization has worked to promote crafts persons as artisans who  design and produce work of their own hands. Partnering with the Plymouth Arts Center gives us  the opportunity to expand our reach throughout the state and share our members’ work more  broadly in the east central region of Wisconsin,” says Kate Marotz, president of Wisconsin Craft.  “The biennial is a fantastic an opportunity for our members to showcase their most innovative  work in a juried gallery setting.” 

From Small Towns to Big Cities 

Artists often say art and artmaking can happen all sorts of ways and in all sorts of places.  

Case in point, artists juried into the 2025 biennial exhibition come from small communities like Adell (population 517) and Baileys Harbor (population 1,035) to larger areas like Madison, Oshkosh and Milwaukee. 

Many artists also have an interesting path to finding their career, having pursued other livelihoods before realizing art is their true calling and passion.  

As part of its focus on supporting artists, each year Wisconsin Craft presents two signature events  – Morning Glory Art Fair and MKE Studio Tour. The next biennial exhibition will be held in 2027.  

For more information, visit Wisconsincraft.org.  

About Wisconsin Craft

Wisconsin Craft’s rich history dates back to 1916 with the founding of the Wisconsin Society of  Applied Arts. Over the decades, the organization evolved, eventually adopting the name  Wisconsin Craft in 2021 after nearly 40 years as the Wisconsin Designer Crafts Council. Its diverse membership spans generations, with artists ranging from their early 20s to over 90  years old, working in a variety of media, including ceramics, fiber, enamel, glass, jewelry,  leather, metal, photography, wood, sculpture, handmade paper, painting and mixed media.  Dedicated to fostering creativity and craftsmanship, Wisconsin Craft's mission is to develop and  promote the art of craft and its makers, enriching the cultural fabric of Wisconsin communities  and beyond.

Written By: Monica Baer from Baer Carlson Communications

2025 Wisconsin Craft Member
Biennial Exhibition
March 7 - April 25, 2025
Gallery 10 North, Plymouth Art Center - Plymouth, WI

We are excited to announce our Spring Biennial Member Exhibition is scheduled at Gallery 110 North in Plymouth, WI in the Plymouth Art Center!

A Call for Art has opened and applications will be accepted from October 3, 2024 - January 3, 2025.

Time to start planning what you might want to submit to our Member Exhibition! 

Learn More

Local artists are gearing up to open their studios to the public this weekend. It’s called MKE STUDIO TOUR. Twenty-two studio locations will be open throughout Milwaukee County.

In today’s Steph Connects, Steph takes us to the studio of a local quilt artist. Rosy Petri - Tour Stop 6, gives us a little taste of her North Side studio and her creative process. Petri describes her artistry as multi-disciplinary. That quilting journey is where we begin our connection.

Watch Interview

Listen to Radar Hess of Audacy Radio and 99.1 The Mix, chat with Jean Wells and Kyle Hendrix, both artists participating in the MKE Studio Tour talk about what you can encounter on the upcoming MKE Studio Tour!

20 minute interview
Listen Now

MKE Studio Tour: https://mkestudiotour.com
Saturday, September 30th & Sunday, October 1st, 2023

MKE Studio Tour
September 30 & October 1 - 10 AM - 5 PM Both Days

Join us for the MKE Studio Tour, a unique and self-guided journey that celebrates creativity and craftsmanship in Milwaukee County! Discover 67 artists at 22 tour stops showcasing exquisite handcrafted items for sale. Invite a friend for this fun filled weekend where ou will get the chance to meet artists in a relaxed atmosphere. Take a break to enjoy your favorite lunch spot, and then continue the tour, immersing yourself in the creative process and forging meaningful connections with the artists.

Tour Map and more information available at:

 MKE Studio Tour