THANK YOU TO THE BUSINESSES THAT DONATED THESE GIFTS FOR OUR CONTEST, AND THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THAT PARTICIATED IN THE CONTEST.
PACKAGE #1 - Jean M. Lamers of Eagle River Wild Eagle Lodge Weekend Riverstone Restaurant Certificate Soda Pops Certificate Muskie Mat Fishing Guide Kneaded Relief Massage Paul's Pump Gas Certificate
PACKAGE #2 - Ken Robinson of Eagle River Eagle Waters Weekend Eagle Waters Sunday Brunch White Spruce Certificate BBT's Certificate Yukon Jack Fishing Guide Kneaded Relief Massage Paul's Pump Gas Certificate
Special thanks to Tim Gaffney of The Shutterbug for taking these fabulous photographs of each "Eagle"!
E-1- “Butterflies & Bubbles” Artist: Jennifer Alward Sponsored by Reach & Schwaiger
I wanted to do something fun with this “Eagle”, something that would make people smile. The images on this “Eagle” kept evolving as paint was added and pictures crossed my path. Eagles brought flight to mind and springtime started me thinking about summertime, sunsets and butterflies. Then, when thinking about things that spontaneously bring smiles to faces, bubbles snuck into the mix.
I grew up enjoying the 4 seasons of the Northwoods on the lakes and in the woods with my family and dogs. I graduated from Bethel College in 2000 and went on to earn an MA in AT & MFT from Notre Dame de Namur University in 2003 before returning to Eagle River. After experiencing life in MN & CA I was lured back to the inspirational short term mission trips. An Art Therapist by trade (Wetzel-Rasmussen Counseling, 977-278-3934), I enjoy learning to create and express myself with different mediums. Clay is my favorite, but I also enjoy painting, drawing and putting together memoirs for family, friends and customers.
E-2 “Beauty and Pride” Artist: Sharon Molinaro Sponsored by Wild Eagle Lodge
My name is Sharon Molinaro. I live in Kenosha, WI and work as a graphic designer at BRP in Waukegan, Illinois. My husband, Mark and I also have a house in Land ‘O Lakes, WI where we like to spend our free time enjoying the outdoors. I love to take wildlife photos and I love to paint wildlife. So, when I was asked to paint one of the “Eagles”, I was really excited and honored.
When I was younger, my sister and I used to get up at the crack of dawn (on vacation) to go canoeing. I would take my camera and we would go looking for the eagles and loons so I could take pictures. Many of my paintings are inspired by those times. Those times, the wildlife around me, and my husband and family encouraging me to paint, keep my paintings going.
The reason I named the eagle “Beauty and Pride” is because when I look at an eagle that is what I think of. But it can also have many meanings to many people because of the flag and the baby. I know eagles are found in more places than America, but I still think of them as our symbol. And, of course, a baby always adds to pride and beauty.
E-3 “Eagle River Highlights” Artist: Bernie Sopinski Sponsored by Boones Building Supply Inc. Displayed at Arrow Gift Shop
Born in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I attended high school and graduated and then joined the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War; I was discharged and came back home and married my high school sweetheart. I raised a family of four, three girls and a boy. I worked in Law Enforcement and retired in 1965. I always had an interest in art and was a member of the Milwaukee Men’s Sketch Club. After retiring, my wife Sylvia and I moved to Minocqua; she also liked to draw and paint, so we joined the Lakeland Art League and met other artists. I also got to know some wood carvers and developed an interest in carving and joined the Muskie Wood Carvers. I have exhibited my art throughout the Northwoods, Upper Michigan and Minnesota.
My “Eagle” is the highlights for Eagle River’s 4th of July, Cranberry Fest, Snowmobile Derby and Klondike Days.
E-4 “Beaky Blue” Artist: Louise Engelbrecht Sponsored by The Fountain Blu
Beaky Blue is a fantasy eagle, made to inhabit downtown Eagle River. The maps represent Wisconsin, especially Eagle River, the all-season vacation destination. The large, imposing presence of the sculpture in my workspace inspired me to regard it as a “him” with a name – Beaky. My artistic interests in collage and painting naturally tended to using those techniques.
I have been an artist all my life. I have been a summer resident all my life and a full time Northwoods resident for 36 years. My studio, Black Squirrel Studio, is located on Camp Twelve Lake. It is my husband’s family’s old summer cottage converted into a lakeside workshop.
I create watercolor, oils, acrylics, paper pulp and oriental brush paintings. I also produce collages, woodcuts, marbled paper, pastels, and yarns and textiles. I am a member of the Wisconsin Water Color Society, the Northwoods Art Tour, and Artist’s Interactive.
Color is the pivot of my life!
E-5 “Heroes“ Artist: Wendie A. Rogers-Dreger Sponsored by Eagle River Light & Water and Eagle River Fire Department Displayed at the Eagle River Fire Department
I have always thought of Fire Fighters as Heroes. Whether volunteer or paid, the well trained men and women devoted to fighting fires sacrifice time away from their loved ones to help protect ours.
The phrase “First In Last Out” was the catalyst behind the project.
I grew up in the Chicago area, attended the Art Institute of Chicago, and was mentored by my older brother and sisters who guide me to this day.
I am inspired everyday living in the Northwoods and am grateful for the opportunity to work on the “Eagles” Project of Eagle River
E-6 "They're Not Forgotten" Artist: Shirley Battin Sponsored by the VFW Post 8637
I designed my “Eagle” after the eagle I painted soon after 911. That eagle had a tear reflecting the towers and then the tear turned to blood. A fireman from Green Bay bought it and took it to the Fire House 4-15 in Manhattan where 14 men were lost. This time, I wanted my “Eagle” to remind us all that hundreds of thousands of Americans gave their lives so that we might live in a land of freedom, liberty and opportunity.
I spent 30 years teaching art in Schaumburg, Illinois. After retiring, my husband and I moved to Land O’Lakes where I’ve been doing oil painting and fiber art. I am a member of Oil Painters of America and the American Impressionists Society. My work can be seen at the Artistree Gallery and the Art Impressions summer art show located in Land O’Lakes.
E-7 “Olympic Spirit #27” Artist: Stephen Cl. Hartwig Sponsored by Friendship House
My name is Stephen C. Hartwig and I have lived in Eagle River my whole life. It is quite an honor and a rarity to share the same small hometown as an Olympic medalist. Jinelle Zaugg-Siergierj is the second Olympian from Eagle River, Wisconsin and is the inspiration for the “Eagle” design. I watched each Olympic hockey game to see Jinelle in action as each win brought the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team closer to the Olympic spirit.
I am also proud of my parents, who have been my art teachers throughout my life. From the time I was able to hold a pencil, my parents, Carl and Nancy, have taught me how to draw, how to use color and shading, how to appreciate excellent masterpieces and many other aspects of art. They are the wellspring for my creativity and artistic ability.
Therefore, I dedicate this painted “Eagle” to my parents, Carl and Nancy.
E-8 “Recycled Art from the Waste of the Corporate World” Artist: Scott Bargender Sponsored by Nelson’s Ace Hardware
My goal is to help save waste that people throw out and think have no value and don’t have time to save.
Painting and building my thoughts and feelings; living in the natural world using earth-friendly finishes.
I build custom log furniture, carved signs, wildlife painting and renewable energy information.
E-9 “Serenity” Artist: M. DePuydt Sponsored by Eagle River Revitalization Displayed at BBT’s
This piece depicts our great Northwoods area; the peaceful lakes and surroundings and the habitat for the majestic “Eagle”.
I, as an artist, love to portray God’s beautiful creation and there is no other creator like him.
Most of this work was done by air brush. The fine detail was worked with a sable brush. The air brush gives the effect of both out of focus to bring the subject matter into attention, as well as giving the background a soft misty and distant look.
E-10 “Peace Eagle” Artist: Caitlyn Hook & Katie Turner from Northland Pines High School Sponsored by Soda Pops
This rendition of a “peace eagle” was inspired by the 1970’s pop culture. The use of simple and well-know 70s patterns revives the idea and concepts of the peace movement. Northland Pines High School students, Caitlyn Hook, junior, and Katie Turner, senior, brought the peace eagle to life, using only simple acrylic paints and their artistic imaginations. Both plan to utilize their creativity in their futures.
E-11 “Benjamin Franklin” – Benjy Artist: Val Bogdan and The Artists Palette Cooperative Inc. Sponsored by First National Bank of Eagle River
We decided to make our “Eagle” into Benjamin Franklin who wanted the turkey to be our country’s symbol. It was suggested by one of the artists’ husband, and we all agreed, it would be fun and different, an “original” idea. The Artists Palette is a co-op of local artists and we carry only original artwork; we have 5 members that run and work the gallery and represent 31 consignment artists. We are in our 14th year and carry a wide variety of 2 & 3 dimensional artwork.
The gallery members are Vlasta Polacek who does etchings, oil paintings, acrylics and pastels, and also owns the building and pays herself rent! Jeannine Achauer does oil painting and painted Benjy. Jane Erickson does multi-media, photography and our custom matting & framing, painted Benjy. Val Bogdan does dichroic jewelry and fused and slumped glass, also painted Benjy. Our newest member is Dennis Hill who does nature photography.
E-12 “Northwoods Preservation” Artist: Rae Piper Sponsored by Americas Best Tree Displayed at Northwoods Reflections
The Northwoods of Wisconsin is a wonderland for children and a relaxing vacation for adults. Ever since I was a child I was in love with the forests and wildlife. Memories of late night campfires with my family and crayfish hunting with my friends are events, among others, I share with my daughter when we come to visit. I watch in awe as she discovers the magic of the lakeshore or the brilliance of a deer as we stumble upon it in the woods. Many of us have spent summer vacations in a boat or tent, and we try to pass the respect that we have to our children – so that their children will show that same respect.
E-13 “Groovy Gaia” Artist: Wendy Powalisz Sponsored by Wall Street Health Care Pharmacy
Gaia is the ancient Greek goddess of the earth, who represented the idea of the earth as a living system. Moving to Land O’ Lakes from the Milwaukee area in 1991 has been an artful adventure for me. The beauty of our north woods landscape is always inspiring. Living on the “back 40” of our property with plenty of wild creatures to keep me company, including the same pair of ravens who have nested in our yard for the past nine years, I am never out of ideas for painting. Ravens are clever, crafty and delightful to watch. They often show up in my work as a symbol of my respect for the natural world.
Taking on the “Eagle” sculpture challenge was a must-do for me. Getting to show my respect for our beautiful north woods in a public way is an honor. “Groovy Gaia” is a fun look at just a small part of an eagle’s world. Another re-occurring theme in my work is one of “connectedness”.
Running throughout the eagle, to show that we are connected to all parts of this planet, is the ancient spiral symbol – meaning: circle of life. Everything we do has an impact on everything else. I believe it is crucial that we pay attention to our impacts or we will damage what we love about our woods and what eagles need to be in their world.
My original water color paintings and handmade beaded jewelry can be seen at ARTISTREE GALLERY in Land O’Lakes, the THREE LAKES CENTER FOR THE ARTS and BASSETT JEWELERS in Minocqua. Also, I travel with the ART GYPSIES to various art shows in the area, such as ART IN THE YARD in Land O’ Lakes on June 19th, ART IMPRESSIONS in Land O’ Lakes on July 24th, and ART ON MAIN in Three Lakes on August 8th.
The “Eagle” that I painted was sponsored by “Riverstone”. They suggested to have wine as part of the design. I painted the brand of wine they serve along with types of food served. The name I gave is “Wine and Roses”.
I started painting in the late 90’s and have been enjoying all types and styles since. I belong to Northern Wisconsin Decorative Artists which is a chapter of the National Society of Decorative Painters (SDP). There are chapters throughout the world. Our chapter meets monthly to paint with local members. We have Certified Teachers come to the seminars to teach various methods and demonstrate the new paints and products available. I also go to the Decorah, Iowa’s Vesterheim Norwegian Museum for Rosemaling classes. Painting is a hobby that relaxes me and gives a lot of pleasure looking at the final product.
E-15 “Americas Pride“ Artist: Rob Johnson Sponsored by Eagle River Memorial Hospital
Growing up in a small suburb of Chicago, at a young age I was attracted to aerosol art, a subculture of street art. I am now focusing my time painting on canvas in acrylic, getting my inspiration from subjects I used to photograph on the streets of numerous suburbs of Denver, including Ft. Collins, Arvada, Boulder and Longmont. Now, living in the Northwoods, (Eagle River) I hope to become an intregral part of the local art scene. With Acrylic and aerosol, I hope to capture the activity, expression and beauty of the Northwoods.
E-16 “Eagle River 1700’s” Artist: Marsha Newkirk Sponsored by Trig’s Food
This Eagle was inspired by Klondike Days held in Eagle River in February each year.
Klondike Days features re-enactments of English, French and Native American life in the 1700’s.
Set in winter, this event takes a look at life people faced with oppressive conditions in a wild cold place. People had to be hearty, stoic and brave to survive. Animals were hunted for food and fur. This is a fantastic event to experience.
Knowing our history creates a bond with the past and present, there is a need to protect Eagle River’s wilderness for the future.
I am a local artist lucky to use my talents to tell a visual story of Eagle River History.
E-17 “Recycling Reviews” Artist: Gail Gilson Pierce & Donna Welhoefer Sponsored by Eagle Waste Displayed at White Spruce Restaurant
Medium is acrylic paint, broken china, metal assemblage
Our design represents how recycling can make the old new and beautiful again.
Gail Gilson Pierce is part owner of a textile and design business and creates art quilts for gallery sales.
Donna Wehoefer is a junior high school teacher of science and language arts and enjoys dabbling in mixed media.
Both reside year round on Anvil Lake in the Nicolet National Forest.
E-18 “Yankee Doodle Dandy” Artist: Catherine Calvetti and Diane Anderson Sponsored by The Northwoods Childrens Museum
Diane Anderson and Catherine Calvetti collaborated to create this unique eagle. We wanted to create something that represents the Children’s Museum that would be fun for adults and children alike to interact with. Color swatches were painted on before adding black lines with paint between each color patch. Next, each area was hand drawn with markers.
Catherine is a mixed media artist, photographer and author. She grew up in Eagle River and earned her Associate of Arts degree from Nicolet College and her Bachelor of Science degree from UW-Superior. You can see more of her work on her website at http://catherinemariecalvetti.com
Diane Anderson’s passion has been to integrate art into her everyday life. A commercial artist for close to 30 years, Diane has enjoyed a career in graphic design creating logos and a wide range of advertising materials. She also enjoys producing “altered art” often integrating computer illustration with hand-created materials in addition to stained glass projects for friends and family. Diane loves being able to be an artist in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin.
E-19 “Our Four Seasons of Eagle River” by Artist: Betty S. Shufelt Sponsored by the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce
I have a passion for painting and this “Eagle” was a fun project. I would dream about it and the next portion would appear and I felt the Chamber represents all our seasons in the Northwoods. I still take art classes through Nicolet and will never quit learning. I am a member of The Wisconsin Decorative Artists and also belong to The Society of Decorative Painters.
Thank you for letting me be a part of this project.
E-20“Gone Fishing“ Artist: Wendie A. Rogers-Dreger Sponsored by the Headwaters Chapter Muskies Inc. Displayed at the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce
My husband’s collection of vintage lures and our love of fishing in the great Northwoods is where this project began.
The lures, twice in size were chosen by name, color or shape. 85 lures and seventeen bobbers are depicted.
I grew up in the Chicago area. Attended the Art Institute of Chicago and was mentored by my older brother and sisters, who guide me to this day.
I am inspired every day living in the Northwoods and am grateful for the opportunity to work on the “Eagle” Project of Eagle River.
E-21 “Playful Generations” Artist: Jenna Brill Sponsored by Grandma's Toy Box
I am 17 years old and have grown up in this area. I have been home schooled my whole life and just finished my junior year of high school. I enjoy doing many creative activities and the Lord has blessed me with many opportunities to provide this talent. Painting this “Eagle” was my first professional art project and helped me learn many new things. I am thankful that I had this opportunity and I am happy to contribute to the Eagle River Business Association project.
E-22 - "Ms Snowy" Artist: Susie Erickson Sponsored by City of Eagle River
My name is Susie Erickson and I live in Eagle River west of town. My husband Cliff and I moved here in 1997, but owned a home in the area since 1991. I am mostly known for my athletic ability-bowling, horseshoes, or golfing.
I went to CW Business, saw an Eagle on display, asked Gail if she was looking for artists, and said I would be interested in painting one if there was one available to paint. I did not hear from her for sometime and thought there wasn’t any left to paint. Then about the 10th of May, she called to ask if I was still interested. I said sure, she then told me I had a choice, I picked the Eagle for City Hall. They had two prerequisites – Snowmobile capital of the world and Hockey capital of Wisconsin somehow displayed on the Eagle, and I thought it would be great to have an Ice Castle on it in glass tiles.
I have never had an experience that I enjoyed more than this. I told Gail I was a jack of all trades but master of none. Now maybe I have found my niche as I felt I always had an artistic talent hidden somewhere waiting for one shining moment.
I am so thankful that I could contribute something to the Eagle River Business Association – “Eagle” project and be a part of something in this wonderful community.
E-24 “God Bless America” Artist: Jane O’Brien Sponsored by Kings Bookshelf and Donna’s Cafe
Mostly self-taught, Jane has taken some painting classes and attended numerous workshops from many nationally known artists. Jane has been painting for about twenty years, loves watercolor, but enjoys experimenting with other media. She enjoys using a variety of techniques to achieve different patterns and textures in her paintings. Her inspiration comes from the beautiful natural environment - the land, flowers, lakes, trees, seasons, and especially the winter when the Northwoods is often turned into a frosty fairyland. Jane’s work can be seen by appointment in her home studio, (715) 479-8329.
E-25 "From The Heart" Artist: Dave Oswold Sponsored by DWO Fiberglass
Dave is the fiberglass artist that produced all the eagles before our artists decorated them.
I am a retired Art Teacher who loves the outdoors and nature. You can see more of my paintings at the Artistree Gallery in Land O' Lakes. I have spent many hours at the Eagle Waters Resort enjoying both the indoors and outdoors activities. A number of my paintings were inspired there. I hope my eagle painting will cause many of you to remember the good times you have had at Eagle Waters and the Eagle River area.
I feel that Eagle River is the ideal vacation spot, a place where the whole family can have fun in the great north woods. Fishing, swimming, boating, hunting, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing is available for families and friends. And did I mention great food and music. Come and experience my point of view and you may never want to leave. I know because I stayed.
E-1- “Butterflies & Bubbles” 
E-2 “Beauty and Pride” 
E-3 “Eagle River Highlights” 
E-4 “Beaky Blue” 
E-5 “Heroes“ 
E-6 "They're Not Forgotten"
E-7 “Olympic Spirit #27” 
E-8 “Recycled Art from the Waste of the Corporate World” 
E-9 “Serenity” 
E-10 “Peace Eagle” 
E-11 “Benjamin Franklin” – Benjy 
E-12 “Northwoods Preservation” 
E-13 “Groovy Gaia” 
E-14 “Wine & Roses” 
E-15 “Americas Pride“ 
E-16 “Eagle River 1700’s” 
E-17 “Recycling Reviews” 
E-18 “Yankee Doodle Dandy” 
E-19 “Our Four Seasons of Eagle River” by Artist: Betty S. Shufelt
E-20“Gone Fishing“ 
E-21 “Playful Generations” 
E-22 - "Ms Snowy"
E-24 “God Bless America”
E-25 "From The Heart" 
E-26 “Eagle Waters View Point” 