Madeline Island has been known for its artists and their work. These artists are year round residents. Each has their own talents and story. Simply click on their pictures or names to learn more about them and their artwork.
Diane Marie (Mahn) has been a year-round island resident since 1996. Diane is primarily a painter, specializing in acrylics. She attended North Hennepin Community College and majored in Fine Art and Graphic Design. Diane is inspired by such artists as Georgia O'Keefe and Andrew Wyeth. In addition to painting, she carves stone, working with materials such as soapstone and limestone. In winter, Diane likes to stay in her pajamas all day and paint. Currently she is working on "Trash Art", making things from discarded toys, puzzles, and game pieces as well as old electronics and hardware.
Sara Owen spent many summers coming to the island before finally deciding to move here in 2000. Sara graduated from University of Wisconsin-Superior in May of 2005 with her Master's Degree in Fine Arts with an emphasis in ceramic sculpture. Sara completed her undergraduate degree with a major in Fine Arts and a minor in art history. People, color, and the elements of nature are some of her influences. In addition to sculpture, Sara also does print-making, batik, and jewelry. Currently she is working on jewelry using beach glass and stones from the lake shore, which can be seen at "Adore", Sara's new shop on Main Street in La Pointe.
Holly Tourdot
took painting classes at the University of Wisconsin-Center Rock County before
moving to the island a couple of years ago. Oil is her primary medium but
she also works in watercolors as well. Nature, animals and wildlife
(including humans) are some of Holly's influences. Currently Holly is
working on painting portraits and is taking orders for portrait work.
Deena Schuppe has lived in the Bayfield area peninsula since 1995 before moving to the island in the fall 2003 with her husband Dan and their three kids. Her first real education in art was studying under the late pottery master, Bob Eckels for nearly a year. While raising a family, she also worked in Raku at home, was a member of the Bayfield Art Guild and helped in founding the Clear Water Folk School. In addition to clay work, Deena also weaves and makes soap.
Seri Demorest
Seri first visited the island in 1978 and ten years later she moved here
lock, stock and barrel. Seri is a photographer specializes in black and white.
She attended University of IL, Art Institute-Chicago, Calumet Photographic,
Layton School of Art & Design.
Yousef Karsh, Irving Penn,
Edward Steichen, Annie Leibovitz, Walker Evans are some of her influences.
She is currently working on photo-mosaics and photo studies of various topics
from horses to old junk cars.
Island Carvers aka Chris Thompson and Ken Peterson Ken has been visiting the Island for over fifty years and introduced Chris to the Island in 2003. They are now year-round residents. They share a love of woodcarving and the resolve to make a living doing what they love with someone they love. They create with wood because it is an exciting medium to work in. The visual and structural uniqueness of each piece of wood demands that the artist work with the material to create. This dialog makes the process both more challenging and exciting. The way wood feels, smells, and sounds when a sharp knife or gouge slices through it adds to the excitement. The Island Carvers and constantly creating new pieces that can be seen both here on the website and at their shop.
Kristin Carey
has lived on the island with
her husband for over 12 years. Kristin creates one of a kind original hand-woven
rugs and wall hangings. She has a bachelor's degree in
Environment/Textile/Design, from Univ. of WI Madison. She primarily works in a
weaving style called Log Cabin or Rep weaving. She displays much of her
work during the months of May - October at The Woods Hall Craft Shop, on the
island. During the winter months her work can be seen at her Island Studio.
Her original rug designs compliment many homes on the island as well as homes
throughout the country.
Captain Dick Coleman
is Artwaves latest addition. He has recently wrote an adventure novel
about Lake Superior entitled Superior Passage. Dick has many hours of
sailing under his belt, making some of his own experiences part of his novel.
When asked how long he's been on Madeline Island, he usually responds, "Two
wives, three daughters, six dogs, and a cat."
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