Celebrate the arts by attending the 11th annual Merrill Artisans Showcase on Saturday, Feb. 9, in beautiful Assisi Hall at Bell Tower Residence, 1500 O’Day St. in Merrill. The show runs from 12-4:30 p.m. and highlights the creative talents of 22 artisans displaying and selling their work.
You will find artisans who are painters, potters, carvers, jewelry makers, photographers, quilters, stained glass art and more. Featured artists Mary Robinson, Wausau, and Matt Philleo of Eau Claire, both grew up in Merrill and are professional artists.
Mary Robinson was an art educator with the Wausau School District for 35 years. She is active in Wausau’s artistic community, volunteers at Woodson Art Museum and works with the Center for Visual Arts as a board member, committee member and volunteer. Her work has been featured in juried invitational and solo shows. Mary’s art is a reflection of her experiences as her roles and emotions change throughout life. She enjoys using various media and styles.
Matt Philleo is a 1995 graduate of Merrill High School and now works as a professional artist and instructor. He paints custom, realistic portraits from photos and inspirational Christian-themed art. Currently Mass lives in Eau Claire with his wife and three children.
A new attraction at the show is collaborative art which is more than one painter contributing to a work. Jamie Kalvestran has had great success with it in her studio in Tomahawk. Participants will have the opportunity to create a collaborative painting at the show.
Music is also a part of the show. Merrill pianists will provide piano music on the Steinway Grand located in the hall, and again this year an on-site raffle, to which artisans have contributed a piece of art, will offer attendees a chance to win a special art work.
The $7 admission fee includes the show, wine and refreshments. Feed your artistic nature and pick up a one-in-a-kind piece of art. All proceeds will assist residents who have diminishing financial resources and will provide them with dignity and purpose.