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.
Nature’s Beauty Reimagined by Rita Wiechman
September – October 2026
T.B. Scott Free Library presents Beyond Books: Community ArtShare: Nature’s Beauty Reimagined by Rita Wiechman. For the months of September and October, Rita will have her creations, including baskets, garments, and wall hangings on display in the Carnegie Wing on the 2nd floor of the library.
A simple love of the earth and its many changing seasons, hidden surprises, and unending beauty give Rita the inspiration to create. From early times when life revolved around tying, twisting, twining, and knotting grasses, twigs, and skin together for clothing, fishing, and shelter, man has used his ingenuity to survive. For Rita, it is the exploration of colors, textures, and shapes, sometimes functional or just to look at nature in a new way. She includes reeds, antlers, corn husks, and other natural materials in her creations. Blankets and garments are woven on a loom using mostly hand-spun, naturally dyed wool.
Rita owes her basic quests to her parents, who provided a home in the country to explore nature, make clothes and food from scratch, and a family business in a floral shop. Then a college program in art at Iowa State, followed by 31 years teaching elementary art at Merrill Area Public Schools, and membership in the local weaving and art clubs helped develop her skills. A master thesis in art and numerous shows at The Center for the Visual Arts, T. B. Scott Free Library, The Okoboji Art Center, Bell Tower, or just sharing with friends, gives Rita continued incentive to explore our world visually and reimagine nature’s beauty.
Photo gallery
Past Exhibits
2026
- Lathe Artistry by Nick Leskey
- Spirit of the Horse by Esther Trostle
- Rockhounding by Carter Gnewuch
- High 5 for LEGO! by Tim & Dawn Dunbar
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