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Art in the Door

Meet the Winners of 2024 Art in the Door

Destination Door County is thrilled to announce the winners of the Art in the Door contest. Four talented regional artists each received a $2,000 prize, and their artwork will appear in marketing campaigns promoting our inspiring destination. 


Ann Lee

Ridgeland, Wisconsin

"Calm Waters at Cave Point County Park" • Oil

The feeling of tranquility inspires Ann Lee’s oil painting. She invites you to lose yourself in the calm waters at Cave Point County Park, where the water is so clear that you can see every submerged stone on the shore's bottom while you listen to the waves gently drumming out the ancient cadence of Lake Michigan's heartbeat. The warmth of the sun brings you a sense of healing while the stresses of everyday life melt away. Here, you find solace in the vastness of the water that washes over you while the quiet breeze carries a fresh, new beginning that fills you with well-being and hope for tomorrow.

Matylin Demars

St. Paul, Minnesota

"“Ablaze"" • Acrylic

The feeling of awe inspired Matylin Demars. Her acrylic on canvas painting was inspired by a moment that caught her breath and made her heart beat faster. She felt like a child again, staring with her mouth open, struck by the beauty of our world. Demars’ paintings attempt to capture those moments in nature that stop you in your tracks, those moments that remind you how incredible it is to be alive, to be breathing, to be exactly where you are at that exact moment.

Ken Zenger

Burr Ridge, Illinois

"Sunset Memories" • Pastels & Watercolors

Ken Zenger set out to capture a moment of tranquility that will resonate with your soul. Using pastels on hardwood, he painted a scene that speaks to the heart of Door County, Wisconsin and the memories made there. Imagine standing at the edge of a peaceful lake, watching as gentle ripples stretch into the distance under the warm glow of a sunset painted in vibrant shades of orange and yellow. It's a scene that feels like a dream from the past, filled with nostalgia. He carefully depicted a vintage boat, its handcrafted beauty gently floating before a rustic boat house. These elements hold within them the weight of countless summer memories, each stroke of his pastels bringing them to life on the wooden canvas.

Angela Faber

Marshfield, Wisconsin

"Camping Under the Milky Way" • Acrylic

The feeling of awe inspires Angela Faber’s acrylic painting. The piece depicts a solitary camp under the beautiful dark sky over Door County, where the Milky Way is the absolute star of the show. The lonely tent, the soft glow of the campfire, a rock to sit on... all humbled and a bit out of focus beneath the vast universe, which can only be truly appreciated in all its glory in such a dark and sacred place like Newport State Park. The scene illustrates her personal experience that Door County is a magical place where, year after year, she finds new ways to be in awe of the nature and beauty of the world.

Meet the Winners of 2023 Art in the Door

We invite you to meet the artists and learn more about them, their practice and how Door County inspired their masterpieces. 

Brian Pier

"Setting Out" • Oil

Originally from Kenosha, Wisconsin, Brian retired from a 20-year career as a heavy equipment operator to become a professional artist in Door County. At 56, he took a leap of faith, setting up an easel on his counter to explore the world of painting. What started as a pastime soon became a passion he couldn't ignore. Captivated by water and maritime scenes, Brian uses his talents to capture reflections of the region's enchanting beauty.

Linda Welch

"Mother Earth Cherry Tree" • Alcohol Ink

With roots tied to Door County through her family's history, Linda Welch's journey led her back time and again to the region she adored. While not initially an artist, her move to Door County ignited a transformative passion. Enrolling in art classes at The Clearing, Linda discovered her affinity for alcohol ink — an exuberant, challenging medium. Her captivating artwork tells stories, like the one of an ancient cherry tree perched upon a hill overlooking the water, with a young Cherry Orchard below. Within each weathered wrinkle of the old mother earth tree, Linda imagines the tales it holds. Her art reflects the essence of Door County — a haven of relaxation, enjoyment, and limitless creativity.

Mac Schueppert

"Bay Sunset" • Pastel

A master of capturing the region's ever-changing beauty across all seasons, Mac Schueppert's canvases reflect the dynamic harmony between nature and time. As a landscape artist, her work pulsates with the vivid colors drawn from sunsets that paint the skies in hues beyond imagination. Through her art, Mac invites viewers to pause and immerse themselves in the splendor of sunsets over the water, offering a gift of expansive views often unseen in bustling city life. Her profound connection to Door County is a testament to the allure of small-town charm, the warmth of its residents, and the boundless opportunities for creativity that inspire her artistic journey.

Pam Schmitz

"Mink River Reveal" • Oil

Hailing from Sister Bay, Wisconsin, Pam seamlessly intertwines her passion for art with her deep connection to nature, resulting in creations that evoke a sense of wonder. With an innate affinity for water and the intricacies of light, shadows, and colors, Pam's artistic journey finds its inspiration in Door County's breathtaking scenery. Her art becomes a vessel to share her visceral experiences amidst woods and shores. Through her work, Pam invites viewers to embrace the same senses she does, fostering a profound connection between the observer and nature's beauty. Pam's creations stand as a testament to the refuge that can be found within this unparalleled terrain in Door County.

Explore the Arts in Door County

Now that you have seen the artwork and met the award-winning artists, it is time to get in the act of Art in the Door yourself. Explore the ways Door County can inspire your artistic spirit and plan your trip.