Community ArtShare
T. B. Scott Library’s Community ArtShare program originated in 2006 with a $10,000 grant from the Mead Witter Foundation, Inc. with which secure display cases, easels, and other items were procured that have enabled the library to become a place for local artists and collectors to display their creations and hobbies. Displays featuring one or more artists or collectors are featured each month on an ongoing basis.
Lathe Artistry by Nick Leskey
January – February 2026
Beyond Books: Community ArtShare presents Lathe Artistry by Nick Leskey at the T. B. Scott Free Library. Visit the Carnegie Wing of the library this January and February to view the extraordinary lathe work of Nick Leskey.
Nick grew up in Merrill and graduated from Merrill High School. He continued his education at NTC, earning an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He has now worked for the Marathon County Sheriff’s Department in Corrections for over 10 years.
Around the start of Covid, Nick and his dad were doing some house projects. He became familiar with different tools, including a lathe. It started as a hobby. He has continued perfecting his skill because he loves working with wood. He mainly works on the lathe using carbide tip tools. He creates bowls, trees, snowmen, ornaments, and anything else he feels like trying. Nick has also dabbled in epoxy and some tables in the past.
Nick enjoys sharing a booth at craft fairs with his mother. It’s a fun way to spend time together.
Photo gallery
Past Exhibits
2025
- Artspirations – Debbie Zimmerman
- Precious Memories – Laurie Ollhoff
- Moon Lamps & More – Saint John 8th Grade Students
- Spirit Dolls and Thailand Tribal Handywork – Peter & Dian Ritter
- 4 the Love of LEGO! – Tim & Dawn Dunbar
- Merrill in a Fowl Mood – Dan “Sully” Sullivan
- Norwegian Rosemaling – Peter Engel
2024
- The Beauty of Fabric: Wall Quilts & Vintage Ties – Peter & Dian Ritter
- Precious Pet Portraits – Peggy McDowell
- Emily’s Journey – Emily Lau
- A Look in a Book – Saint John 5th Graders
- LEGO! LEGO! LEGO! – Tim & Dawn Dunbar
- Cultural Threads: Expressing Identity Through Traditional Clothing – Mosaic of North Central Wisconsin
- A Sleigh of Santas and Wild for Christmas Cards – Joan Pregler & Ann Ruder
2023
- It’s all about perspective! – Chase Davis
- Fish Out of Water – Arnie Plamann
- Treasured Book Boxes – St. John School 5th and 6th graders
- Homemade Art – Local Homeschooled Children
- Wait, that’s LEGO too? – Tim and Dawn Dunbar
- Tena’s Kitchen Collectables – Tena Gnewuch
- Into the Fold: Origami – Troy Hanson
2022
- Baskets Galore and More by Cindy Leskey
- Merrill Memorabilia – Leidiger Brewing Company
- Wait, That’s LEGO? – Tim & Dawn Dunbar
- Fins and Feathers of the Northwoods – Bill Pittman
- Rocks, Canvas, and Coasters, Oh My! – Tom Lambrecht
2020
- MAPS High School Seniors Students’ Art Exhibit
- Conversations with God artwork by Ann M. Jaroski
2019
- Borzoi: The Hounds of Russia from the Private Collection of Resolute Farms
- Nautical Instruments from the Private Collection of Carl Weinert
- MAPS High School Seniors Students’ Art Exhibit
- Working Warriors: Military Life Beyond Combat – provided courtesy of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum
2018
- Buttons: Advent, Christmas, Bingo and More! from the Private Collection of Kathleen Marquardt
- “Wire & Found Object” Sculptures by David Jones
- Photography of Tom Algire
- For the Love of Snoopy: Private Collection
- MAPS High School Seniors Students’ Art Exhibit
- Pocket Watches: Robbie Johnson
2017
- Breyer Model Horses: Esther Trostle
- Wisconsin Remembers Traveling Exhibit
- Origami Creations: Troy Hanson
- Universal Creations: Xoché Heller
- Mini Art Fair: Local Artists
- MAPS High School Senior Students’ Art Exhibit
- Portraits of Personalities: David L. Sladky