Artisan’s Showcase at Bell Tower Residence and Winterfest

Join in the celebration of artistic talent and winter fun on Feb. 2 in Merrill. The Merrill Artisan’s Showcase and Winterfest are both reasons to get out and enjoy Merrill’s diversity.
Patrons of the Arts will be treated to the 5th annual Artisan’s Showcase held at Bell Tower Residence in Assisi Hall. The show gives the community the opportunity to view the work of local artists and runs from 1-5 p.m. The varied show will include artisans displaying works in photography, pottery, basket weaving, jewelry, quilting, carving and painting.
Another exciting activity occurring that weekend is Winterfest, on both Feb 2 & 3. Snow sculpting will be featured at Normal Park and will include at least 10 snow sculptures by local organizations. A co-ed volleyball tournament, sponsored by the Park & Recreation Department will start at 9 a.m. at Kate Goodrich School on Feb. 2. Also included are the sled dog races at Pine River School.
The Artisan’s Showcase will include the work of multi talented Louise Schotz who specializes in artistic quilts, but also makes jewelry, purses and scarves. Louise operates a small teaching and artwork studio in Irma. Since her retirement as a chemistry teacher, she has taken classes throughout the country in quilting and jewelry making. Her studies have included quilting with Nancy Crow, an international art quilting expert in Columbus, Ohio. She has also studied with Mary Hettmansberger, developer of many metal jewelry techniques in Chicago. Her quilts have been included in national exhibits in Chicago, Paducah and Houston. Louise sells her artistic quilts through her website uniquelyschotz.com, in her studio and at selected art shows. At the show she will offer wall hangings, table topping, original jewelry design, purses and scarves. Her studio is open by appointment by calling 715-536-9392 or by email at llschotz@aol.com. Her studio offers quilting and jewelry supplies as well as a variety of specialty sewing threads.
A popular addition to last year’s show was wine tasting by Brigadoon Winery of Tripoli. They will again be included in the show along with the sale of their sample wines.
The public is invited to join the artists, whose talents will be celebrated from 1-5 p.m. at Bell Tower Residence in Assisi Hall. A $5 admission fee will be charged, which will include the show, wine and cheese and other refreshments. It is a relaxing show and offers a chance to pick up one-of-a-kind original artwork. All profits go to Bell Tower Residence.