This year Art From the Barn is thrilled to welcome back some old friends from the original event, held in October of 2009.  Returning artists include Karen Heilsberg, whose “Gas Can Jack-o-lanterns” were a huge hit at the first AFTB, Jenni Hopfinger with her beautiful hand-painted glassware, and Elaine Coll with her unique and graceful monotypes from natural materials. Click on the Artists Gallery on the right of the Art From the Barn Homepage to learn more about returning Art From the Barn Artists.

In addition to these old friends, Art From the Barn is excited to welcome several new faces at this years event.  Among these new Art From the Barn Artists is Diane Peterson, fiber artist and maker of hand knit and felted fashion accessories. 

Diane Peterson makes her first appearance at Art From the Barn

Diane grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  Both she and her husband taught in the Metro Detroit area for over 30 years.

Here is Diane’s story in her own words:

“I began doing hand crafts as a youngster and the interest continued throughout my adult life.  At one time in my teaching career, I even taught 7th grade boys to knit.

Knitting became a retirement “therapy” for me and when “wool felting” piqued my interest, an idea planted by my older sister (you should really sell your things) grew into our doing shows together.

I only do a few shows a year.  One is in the Upper Peninsula as we spend the summer at our “camp” there.  Most of them are in Wisconsin because my sister (The Marketing Department) lives in Neshkoro and Milwaukee.

My youngest sister came up with name for our small business.  Our only daughter’s name is Annaliese (Anna, for short).  Hence, “annaThings.”   

Mouse Purses by Diane Peterson

 A visitor to Art From the Barn will have a chance to experience the ambiance and architecture of a beautiful Wisconsin barn (and pet the goats!), revel in the beautiful autumn colors, and talk to local artists.  Hay rides will be available, weather permitting.  Don’t miss this opportunity to do some holiday shopping, meet your neighbors, and support the arts in your area. 

For more information, contact Jennifer Frank at (920)685-2094 or email frank6kids@yahoo.com.  Visit us on the web at www.artfromthebarn.com.  . 

In October of 2009 the Foote and Frank families decided to hold an art show and sale in their recently renovated 100 year old barn.  The show, dubbed “Art From the Barn”, was a great success.  The several hundred visitors to the barn enjoyed the rural surroundings, the beautiful architecture of the old barn, and the wonderful art work displayed by nearly 30 local artists and crafters..

On the heels of this triumph, though, came a terrible set back. On Christmas Eve, 2009, the venerable old structure burned down,  leaving nothing but charred remains silhouetted against the grey December sky.  This was a heavy and discouraging loss to be sure, but there were some bright spots amid the gloom – no one  (neither people nor animals) was harmed in the fire, and the building was well enough insured to build something new on the site of the old structure.  A group of Amish contractors, led by Lynn Miller of Markesan, Wisconsin, came up with a plan and set to work.  By spring of 2010 a fine new barn stood in place of the old one.

Nothing could replace the old barn, but the new one proved to have its own charming characteristics, including a beautiful  loft with sky-lights all along the ridge line, and nice new pens for the goats!  Upon reflection, and with encouragement from friends and neighbors who had enjoyed the first Art From the Barn, the decision was made to do another show in the new building– Art From the Barn, 2011!

Art From the Barn 2011 will be held October first and second at 6320 County Rd K in Omro, Wisconsin.  The show will run from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday, and 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday.  Both days will be filled with music, food, demonstrations, and a dazzling array of beautiful and affordable works of art.  

A visitor to Art From the Barn will have a chance to experience the ambiance and architecture of a beautiful Wisconsin barn (and pet the goats!), revel in the beautiful autumn colors, and talk to local artists.  Hay rides will be available, weather permitting.  Don’t miss this opportunity to do some holiday shopping, meet your neighbors, and support the arts in your area. 

For more information, contact Jennifer Frank at (920)685-2094 or email jen@artfromthebarn.com   Visit us on the web at www.artfromthebarn.com.  .