Story and photo by Fred Noer
LAKE GENEVA — Visitors to the latest Winter Show exhibit of art at Gallery 223 in downtown Lake Geneva are bound to find works of interest because of the wide variety of media.
Members of the Geneva Lake Arts Foundation, which owns and operates the gallery, have produced pieces in such media as painting, drawing, photography, pottery, glass, jewelry, sculpture, mixed media, weaving, fiber, and wood.
The Winter Show opened Nov. 6 and continues through Dec. 28 at the gallery at 223 Broad St. The hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday-Monday.
A special feature of the exhibit is the Holiday Cheer Market. Visitors will find special original artwork, prints, cards, jewelry, unique gifts, décor, and ornaments with a holiday theme.
One of the artists showing his work is Billy Bishop, a 20-year Williams Bay resident and five-year foundation member. He has been drawing and painting since he was a youngster.
After he graduated from college, he had a 40-year career as a commercial graphic artist and illustrator.
“I knew I wanted to be an artist right away when I was young, and my parents knew it, too,” Bishop said. “Even when I was working, I was showing in galleries.
“Since I retired and sold my first few paintings of ravens and crows, that was a big accelerator, and I have sold several hundred in different sizes,” he said. “I have hit on a subject matter that is really popular with people because the birds are so unique from other birds. It’s been very rewarding, and I’ve been fortunate.
“I’m making a decent living and allowing other people to enjoy my art by hanging it in their businesses and homes,” Bishop said.
His sales have been to people in 36 states, Canada, two European countries, and Australia due to his Facebook page, website, and word of mouth.
Bishop is particularly keen on painting ravens and crows, which he does from photographs using acrylic paints on canvas up to 46×52 inches.
“The ravens have captured my imagination and appreciation,” he said. “They are a great subject matter for an artist because they have hard and soft edges, and the velvety black can reflect all sorts of colors when light hits it.”
Other artists exhibiting their works in the new exhibit are Sharon Larson, Sarah Saddler Christian, John Cahill, Caryn Leverence Rothschild, Sarah McConnell, Robin Russart, Julie Sarton, Annette Conley, Nancy Wolff, Caroll Pearson, Silvie Sturmova-Meyer.
Additionally, Christine Sotos-Barrera, Shelly Heiss, Patricia Barnes, Nancy Boyle, Pat Braker, Margaret Burlingham, Barbara Chasnoff, Lisa Dukowitz, Kathie Stevens, Kristine Maher, Bonnie Siegel.
Also, Claudette McShane, Linda Oeffling, Bonnie Siegel, Rick Zentz, Kerstin Alischoewski, Theresa Best, Lynn Cabin, Ellen House, Nicholette Marsicano, Dorae Bowen, Star Norini, Lori Indovina Valus.
Also, Eileen Martin, Susan Peters, Susan Schroeder, Christiane Bouret, Cynthia Adamson, Bonny Blake, David Rubenstein, Barbara Peterson, Eileen Streu, Theresa Marton, Carrie Dodt, and Dee Abbate.
For more information, visit www.genevalakeartsfoundation.org.