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School of the Arts at Rhinelander offers workshops in a unique setting

May 1, 2015

Photo: Woman writing by lake

A School of the Arts at Rhinelander participant finds inspiration for her writing in the natural surroundings of the Northwoods.

Photo: Daryl Youngstrum

For more than 50 years, the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s School of the Arts at Rhinelander has fostered creativity in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. The 2015 event, held July 17-19, features workshops in visual arts, culinary arts, mind/body/spirit, performing arts and writing. Part of its appeal is the distinctive setting, which inspires instructors to design one-of-a-kind courses.

Photo: Quiet lake with boats and trees

“Serenity,” photograph by instructor Phil Ziesemer.

“The Northwoods is largely undeveloped, and it still holds on to the feeling of solitude,” says Phil Ziesemer, who will teach “The Ins and Outs of Still Life Photography.” “There is a tremendous amount of green space to visit and employ in our compositions. The quiet we enjoy encourages creativity.”

Ziesemer has taught at School of the Arts since 2011, and he considers it a special place.

“The tone is one of happiness and camaraderie,” he says. “The students are excited about learning new techniques, and the instructors are eager to share. Where else does a diverse group of people gather for an educational experience that is so much fun? I never walk away from the school as the same person who arrived a few days earlier.”

Photo: Wade Fernandez

Wade Fernandez

Wade Fernandez is a touring musician and recording artist who has taught Native American-style flute at School of the Arts for four years. He believes this instrument embodies northern Wisconsin, where he grew up on the Menominee Indian Reservation.

“School of the Arts at Rhinelander is unique because it creates a safe and nurturing nest in the Northwoods,” says Fernandez, who will teach beginning and advanced workshops in “Finding Your Voice Through the Native Flute.” “It provides students with a vision to see the possibilities of art within themselves.”

Photo: Quilt of woman’s face

“Bubbly Blonde,” portrait quilt by fiber arts instructor Laurie Ceesay.

Fiber artist Laurie Ceesay will teach a workshop on creating portrait quilts this year. Like her fellow instructors, she finds the setting conducive to creative experimentation.

“Rhinelander is a great yet small artsy community,” she says. “Everyone is welcoming, and the other artists are very kindhearted.”

School of the Arts at Rhinelander offers workshops pitched at varying levels, so participants can create at the pace that’s right for them. Everyone is welcome, from newcomers to professionals.

—Dean Robbins

Enroll or learn more about the School of the Arts