NE Wisconsin News

The Miller Art Museum recently acknowledged the achievements of local high school artists at the 51st Annual Salon of Door County High School Art. The event took place on April 7, 2025, and celebrated young creatives aged 14 to 18 from the five Door County high schools: Gibraltar, Sevastopol, Southern Door, Sturgeon Bay, and Washington Island.

Certificates of Participation were given to all student artists by their art teachers, recognizing their creativity across nearly 150 works on display. Additionally, Certificates of Excellence, Honorable Mentions, and the Rericha Legacy Award were presented by Executive Director Elizabeth Meissner-Gigstead, commending outstanding artistic achievements.

The Certificates of Excellence, along with a $100 cash prize, were awarded to students for their exceptional creativity, execution, and conceptual strength. The recipients were Dasia Daubner from Gibraltar High School, Rachel Rock from Sevastopol High School, Charlotte Bloniarz from Southern Door High School, Mack Teska from Sturgeon Bay High School, and Jocelyn Mann from Washington Island High School.

Honorable Mentions with a $50 cash prize for artistic promise were given to Ombeline Finck from Gibraltar High School, Liliahna Snyder from Sevastopol High School, Miya Sanchez-Gutierrez from Southern Door High School, Ryan Felhofer from Sturgeon Bay High School, and Madelyn Kellerman from Washington Island High School.

The Jim Rericha Legacy Award, which includes a $100 cash prize, was presented to Kylie Sikorski from Sevastopol High School. The award commemorates Jim Rericha's contributions as a beloved art teacher and theater director in Door County. His legacy continues through the Legacy Collection displayed at Sevastopol School.

"This annual exhibition continues to affirm the tremendous talent that exists within our local schools," said Executive Director Elizabeth Meissner-Gigstead. "We are honored to celebrate these students and grateful to the educators who mentor and guide their creative journeys."

The museum also presented monetary awards to the art departments of each high school, thanks to contributions from the Cramer Family Fund and the Door County Art League (DCAL). DCAL, which disbanded in 2016, provided a financial gift to support the annual exhibition.

The exhibit's sponsors include Dennis and Bonnie Connolly, Hermke and Elke Timm, John and Kathy Campbell, Chris Cramer, the Jacksonport Women’s Club, Barb and Mike Madden, the MMG Foundation, and Ruth Scholz and Family. Additional support comes from the Artists Guild LLC, the Peninsula School of Art, and the Wisconsin Arts Board, funded by the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.

“We are particularly grateful for our sponsors and their partnership in celebrating these young artists. Gerhard’s spirit is ever present and we are honored to be able to provide a platform for the celebration of young artists in our community each year,” Gigstead concluded.

The exhibition will remain open to the public in downtown Sturgeon Bay until May 27, 2025.