NWTC Artisan and Business Center welcomed artists, supporters, and community members to an opening reception for INTERWOVEN, an exhibition celebrating five years of the NWTC Artist Residency Program. The show, hosted at The Art Garage (1400 Cedar Street), runs through August 4 and features work from current and former residents representing a wide range of disciplines, including ceramics, textiles, printmaking, and mixed media.
The exhibition brings together six current residents — Annie Stenseth, Ben Thibodeau, Sam Rowe, Laura Schley, Jill Steen, and Lynn Peters — along with selected works from past artists-in-residence. This curated collection offers a dynamic snapshot of how the program supports artistic development, encourages collaboration, and strengthens the region’s creative economy.
The NWTC Artist Residency Program, housed at the Artisan and Business Center, offers studio space, mentorship, and professional development for emerging and mid-career artists. With a focus on sustainable creative practice, the residency bridges the gap between art and entrepreneurship—helping participants grow both artistically and professionally.
NWTC’s Community Education and Artisan and Business Center Manager, Carrie Dorski, says, ““This residency has always been about more than supporting individual artists — it’s about building a stronger, more sustainable creative community. Over the past five years, we've seen how investing in artists and giving them space, tools, and real-world business skills creates a ripple effect. When artists succeed, they don’t just build businesses — they make this a place people want to live, work, and stay. They bring energy, identity, and opportunity to our region. That’s how you grow a creative economy that lasts — by making sure artists have what they need to thrive right here.”
One of this highlights at the exhibition launch was the Community Supported Art (CSA) Bowl — a limited-edition offering that includes one original piece from each of the six artists. Available for $150 on a first-come, first-served basis, the CSA Bowl invites community members to directly support local creatives while taking home a truly unique collection of handmade works.
INTERWOVEN is more than an exhibition—it's a reflection of how art, business, and community are deeply connected in Northeast Wisconsin.
For more information about the residency or the exhibition, visit: Resources & Opportunities
