NE Wisconsin News

The Miller Art Museum in Sturgeon Bay will begin its 2025 Dome House Al & Mickey Quinlan Artist Residency Program with painter Douglas Pendleton. The program opens with a public event on August 8 at the Dome House, where attendees can meet Pendleton and learn about his work.

Pendleton is recognized for integrating classical painting traditions with contemporary themes. During his residency, he plans to focus on plein air painting, drawing from Door County’s landscape to inform his larger studio pieces.

“The opportunity to work in Door County represents a meaningful chance to shift the rhythm of my practice and deepen my relationship with painting from observation,” said Pendleton. “I plan to immerse myself in the landscape—spending extended periods working en plein air—and reflect on how that direct engagement can inform my studio work. Ultimately, I hope to develop large-scale work that weaves together figurative elements with visual language drawn from place.”

Pendleton holds an MFA in Painting from Cranbrook Academy of Art and a BFA from the University of Iowa. His paintings often use allegory and humor to examine cultural systems by combining historical imagery with modern consumer references.

The Dome House Residency began in 2021 as a partnership between the Miller Art Museum and the Quinlan family. It provides artists time and space for creative exploration, supporting both established and emerging artists from across the Midwest region each year. Artists are encouraged to engage with the community through public programs and open studios during their eight-week stay.

“This residency program continues to grow in impact and visibility,” said Elizabeth Meissner-Gigstead, executive director of the Miller Art Museum. “Douglas’ thoughtful approach to painting and storytelling will add an exciting new chapter to the residency’s evolving legacy.”

In addition to the opening celebration, Pendleton will lead several free public workshops throughout August at the Dome House:

- On August 15, he will host "Mastering the Masters," guiding participants through hands-on studies of historical artworks.

- On August 20, "Objects in Focus" will focus on still life painting from observation.

- On August 27, "Building the Scene" offers advanced instruction for those interested in further developing their still life skills.

All events take place at 5015 South Cave Point Drive in Sturgeon Bay.

Pendleton lives and works in Hamtramck, Michigan. He has participated in exhibitions nationally—including Louis Buhl & Co. Gallery (Detroit) and Cranbrook Museum of Art—and held residencies such as Rotation Works (Brooklyn). His education includes study at institutions like Florence Classical Arts Academy in Italy.

The Dome House itself was built by artist Albert F. Quinlan as a live/work space integrated into its natural setting. Renovated by his family starting in 2018, it now serves as both residence and working studio for selected artists each year through this ongoing collaboration between museum and family partners.

More information about current programming is available at domehouseart.org.