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Garnavillo artists featured at annual library art show

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The Garnavillo Public Library will have local artwork on display throughout the month of February. Displaying their artistic offerings from left are Cathy McLane, Elaine Stocks and Sharon Schmelzer. (Photo submitted)

By Caroline Rosacker

Each February the Garnavillo Public Library invites local artists living in and around the community to share their latest artistic endeavors. This year six artists — Denise Saunders, Cathy McLane, Elaine Stocks, Ron Kaiser, and Sharon and Mike Schmelzer — submitted their work to the annual display. "February is our favorite time of year because we get to enjoy all this local talent," says the library staff. 

Denise Saunders

Denise Saunders contributed a selection of watercolor paintings, handcrafted quilts and knit afghans, woodcarvings and examples of mudding, a simplistic technique using ceramic glaze on recycled glass. "I learned about "mudding" at a wood carving class. It is very easy," she noted.  

Denise began her creative journey with oil painting and attended a class taught by Vee Wille at “The Side Door” in the late 70’s. Since her retirement in 2009, Saunders, along with McLane and Stocks, attend a weekly watercolor painting class under the direction of Natalie Campbell at the McGregor Middle School. “Watercolor is much different than oil painting, and I think more difficult. When it comes to watercolor, I have no confidence and am often amazed when the painting turns out well. I like to work on projects that I can finish in class," Denise commented.  

Denise has been fascinated with woodworking and carving since she was a child.  "It was always something I wanted to do. I used to watch my uncle turn out wood projects in his workshop. My only project was making a letter opener, even though it never opened any mail," she said. 

"I purchased a wood carving kit while vacationing in Colorado in the 80’s and eventually got around to carving it," she remembered. "Wood carving is pretty messy. I prefer to do it outside in the summer. I do enjoy the weekly classes under the instruction of experienced and helpful craftsmen that are held at the Monona Historical Museum." 

The diverse artist has plenty of confidence when it comes to quilting. She said, "Piecing a quilt is like putting together a puzzle to me. I very seldom use a pattern, and I enjoy creating my own. I feel honored when I present a Quilt of Valor to a veteran." 

Mike & Sharon Schmelzer 

Mike Schmelzer has been working with wood for as long as he can remember. His wife, Sharon, is an avid quilter and basket weaver. 

Sharon elaborated on her years as a seamstress. "I learned to sew in junior high in Home Economics class. While in school I made some of my clothes and remember making my prom dress one year," she shared. "I have made a few baskets, but have always taken a class or got together with a group to weave them."

Sharon also pieces together quilts for Veterans. "I got started making quilts by taking classes, and each year the class would be a different pattern," she noted. "As our children got busier the quilting got put on the back burner. About 10 years ago I started making 'Quilts of Valor' quilts. I enjoy making these quilts because I feel I can give back a little something to veterans who gave their time and sacrifice for us. It is a honor to make a 'Quilts of Valor' quilt. I piece the quilt and send it to a long-arm machine quilter to be finalized."

Mike began working with wood as a teenager. "I started out in high school. Mr. Bangs, the shop teacher in Garny, got me started," said Mike. "I worked with Eldon Swisher right after I graduated from high school, but eventually got into farming."

Mike served his country during the Vietnam War from 1971-1973. His duty to his country and fellow soldiers still remains strong. "Gary Meyer, Rick Blitz, Dennis Mason and I, who are members of the Northeast Iowa Vietnam Veterans, get together and make flag boxes for fallen soldiers and wood urns for their cremains," noted Mike. "We all contribute to the process which makes the work move along faster. We don't charge the family, and if they give a donation it goes directly into the Northeast Iowa Vietnam Veterans' fund. The wood is donated from Yellow River Forest and is all red oak, which is my favorite because of its durability and nice grain." 

Mike has retired from farming, but still enjoys working with his hands and giving back to his community. "I made two corner hutches for the wife, and four grandfather clocks. I gave one to the Garnavillo Fire Department for their fund-raiser and one to St. Joseph's Church for the fish fry fund-raiser. The other two went to private individuals," he explained. 

Elaine Stocks 

Elaine Stocks is a watercolor, and pen and ink artist. She was inspired to pick up the hobby when she learned of others in her community were attending classes. "I found out some other ladies were doing painting classes and thought that looked like fun!" she said. 

Elaine has been pursuing her artistic endeavor for approximately 10 years. She has taken classes to improve her painting technique but likes to keep it fun. "I just paint for fun. It takes me about two or three hours to complete a project depending on the level of difficulty," she noted. 

The watercolor artist paints year-round and usually works on multiple projects at the same time. "I paint all year round, and also do zentangle – a kind of doodling," she explained. 

In addition, Stocks has done some quilting in the past, and currently enjoys crocheting, knitting and cake decorating. 

Cathy McLane

In 2009, Cathy McLane retired from her Garnavillo Postmaster position and picked up a watercolor brush. “I saw an ad for a watercolor class in Prairie du Chien. I had never worked with watercolors so I signed up,” says Cathy. “I have enjoyed the medium so much that I am still taking watercolor classes from Natalie Campbell in McGregor.”

The talented watercolor artist calls her painting a hobby. “Watercolor is just a hobby for me. I don’t commission or sell my art, but I have donated or gifted my art. I paint year-round and my paintings vary on how long they take to finish.” 

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