"Burning/Curbside, Diptych," by Steve Wadzinski, Oil on Canvas, ca. 1985
Artist, architect, mentor – the talents of Steve Wadzinski defied measure. “Steve Wadinski: A Legacy,” is a selection of the late artist’s Postmodern paintings and installations, as well as his architectural works, on display from April 17 through May 30, at Peninsula School of Art’s Guenzel Gallery, 3900 County Road F in Fish Creek. The reception, which is free and open to the public, is on Saturday, April 18 from 5 – 7 pm.
This posthumous retrospective of Peninsula School of Art’s first executive director features expressive paintings and combines (painting and sculpture in one work) influenced by modern masters Robert Rauschenberg and Jean-Michel Bisquiat, among others. Wadzinski, a former resident of Green Bay and Ellison Bay, was a modern day Rennaissance man with Masters degrees in Fine Art, Architecture and Education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Wadzinski intertwined his studied view of worldwide current events, his love for the natural landscape of Door County, and his spirituality in many of his works.
Before his death in 2006, Wadzinski had taught art at UW-Green Bay in the 1980s and mentored a number of Door County artists. Following his purchase of the family business, Pecard Chemical Company in Green Bay in 1991, Wadzinski devoted his artistic energies to architecture, designing an energy-efficient, low-maintenance home with commercial materials in Ellison Bay. He also converted a barn, and designed and built another smaller structure near Kangaroo Lake in Baileys Harbor, with the intention of providing a space for visual and performance artists to work and present their talents to the public.
“Steve’s legacy is one of inspiration and a continual search for excellence in artistic expression,” says Cathy Hoke-Gonzales, Executive Director Peninsula School of Art. “His legacy and the mission of the Art School coincide in this exhibition.”
For more information about this event and other Peninsula School of Art workshops, exhibitions, and community programs, call 920.868.3455 or email gallery@peninsulaartschool.com.
Peninsula School of Art is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the visual arts through education, exhibitions and community outreach. Peninsula School of Art and Guenzel Gallery are located at 3900 County Hwy F, in Fish Creek, Wisconsin. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9am-5pm. Visit www.peninsulaartschool.com for more information.
