A wine cooler or vase by Gills Rock Stoneware (Judy and Thor Thoreson). Submitted.
by KAY McKINLEY, Land Trust communications coordinator
It’s well known that the dramatic landscapes and abundance of wildlife in Door County have captured the imagination of artists for centuries. So, it would be only natural for the Door County Land Trust (Land Trust) to celebrate the work of today’s Door County artists at their Annual Gathering auction on Aug. 9.
The event will be held at Grand View Scenic Overlook and Park in Ellison Bay from 2-5 pm (see related story on the protection of that land in this week’s Green section).
The Annual Gathering, which is open to members of the public who hold tickets to the event, has featured an art auction since 2001. That year, the single entry was a limited-edition photo of the Cana Island Lighthouse donated by Hank Erdmann.
This year, the Land Trust’s Annual Gathering has a field of 12 notable, local artists whose works range from oil paintings to jewelry. The artists include Peter Ciesla, Dan Collins, David Heilman, Liz Maltman, Julia Redwine, Rick Risch, Mac Schueppert, Tyson Weiss, Rob Williams, Dale Vanden Houten and Judy and Thor Thoreson. All auction and Gathering proceeds support the Land Trust’s 2024 Conservation and Stewardship Campaign.
“Door County’s scenic beauty is woven into local artists’ work,” said Cinnamon Rossman, Land Trust director of Charitable Giving. “We’re honored that they give back to the Land Trust by donating their artwork in support of the mission.”
Painter Liz Maltman, of Fish Creek, has consistently shown her support for the Land Trust throughout the years. Whether completing plein air paintings on site at the Annual Gathering, or donating a piece painted prior to the event, she gifts her work to the Land Trust in thanks for the limitless subject matter the Land Trust’s nature preserves provide.
“As a plein air painter, I so much appreciate having the freedom to paint on the inspiring Land Trust preserves whenever I like,” Maltman said. “Contributing a painting to the fundraising efforts is a small way in which I can support those efforts and show my appreciation at the same time.”
In addition to the art auction, packages of Door County experiences will be up for bid.
The Annual Gathering will also feature live music by Cool Bay Jazz Quartet; Executive Director Emily Wood’s update on 2024 land protection projects; picnic and dessert buffets; and beer provided by Bridge Up Brewing Company.
All proceeds from event tickets and the auction will benefit the Land Trust’s 2024 Conservation and Stewardship Campaign to fund land protection projects. For additional information, photographs of the artwork and to purchase tickets to the event, visit: doorcountylandtrust.org/gathering.
