Door County Community Foundation opens fall Lobby Gallery exhibition with September 11 reception.
STURGEON BAY, Wis. — Rather than Door County’s familiar bluffs, open water and sunsets, artist Elysia Michaelsen finds inspiration in the quirky recreational spaces and overlooked places that take on a different character after the summer crowds are gone.
Michaelsen brings that perspective to the Door County Community Foundation’s fall Lobby Gallery exhibition, opening with a public reception from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the Community Foundation, 222 N. Third Ave., Sturgeon Bay.
A Door County painter and installation artist, Michaelsen explores places associated with sports and recreation, feelings of in-betweenness and the everyday evidence of things left to be dealt with later. Her work reflects an interest in the ordinary spaces and details that often go unnoticed.
“My work has always responded to place, and living and working in Door County is no exception,” Michaelsen said. “While many are attracted to the bluffs, open water, and sunsets of our area, I’m more drawn to the quirky spots that keep visitors and residents alike entertained. And these spaces and places are even more interesting to me in the offseason.”
Michaelsen’s paintings and installations have appeared in solo and group exhibitions at galleries, artist-run spaces and museums across the country. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Plymouth State University in New Hampshire and a Master of Fine Arts from Arizona State University. She also has been awarded fully funded residencies at Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Colorado and Ox-Bow in Michigan.
In addition to her studio practice, Michaelsen is artistic director at PenArt in Fish Creek. She has lived and worked in Door County for more than 10 years.
Following the opening reception, the Lobby Gallery will be open to the public during the Community Foundation’s regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
About Door County Community Foundation
The Door County Community Foundation, Inc. is a collection of separate charitable funds set up by individuals, families, non-profit organizations, private foundations and businesses that are managed, invested and disbursed for the current and future good of Door County. The Community Foundation was launched in 1999, currently administers more than $75 million in assets, and distributes more than $10 million to charities every year.
Media Contact
Kim Schumacher
(920) 746-1786
kim@givedoorcounty.org
