Lakeland Art League

2026 Special Guest Artist Workshops & Studio Visits

The Lakeland Art League is offering great opportunities to get your creativity going in 2026.  Special Guest Artist Workshops and Studio Visits are planned and open to members and non-members.  Studio Visits take place in the artist’s studio giving you a personal experience learning and working on different mediums and techniques and gathering in a small group with other artists.  Special guest artist workshops take place at the Hazelhurst Community Center where larger groups gather to learn from special artists.  All registration, fees and workshop details are listed with each workshop.

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Friday, March 27th

About Terri:  Terri Schaefer opened Shepherd’s Wool in downtown Eagle River, WI in March of 2024.  The store carries everything she enjoys, rug hooking, rug braiding, wool applique, needle felting, stitchery, embroidery & cross stitch. She hopes that others that stop in will want to try their hand at these various fiber arts as well.  There are monthly classes that are held in the store, or people can also book a private class when it is good for them and our schedule. Terri has been rug braiding for 35+ years, rug hooking for over almost 30 years and wool applique & stitchery since she has been in High School.  Terri holds a McGown Certification in Traditional Rug Hooking, has obtained her Canadian Certification and has taught fiber arts at the Niagara Falls College in Ontario, Canada.  She was selected to teach Rug Braiding Classes at the National Braiding Conference in Gig Harbor, WA.  One of her commissioned rugs was published in Celebration of Hand-Hooked Rugs Magazine and she has come out with a step-by-step booklet on “how to rug braid.”

 Students will receive instruction on wool applique and work on individual kits during class time.

Cost of instruction is $35.00 plus the cost of the kit you choose. The price of each kit is shown next/under the picture.  Each kit includes pattern, wool, stabilizer, floss, & needle.

Maximum Class Size: 10 students.

Students are encouraged to bring a lunch. Complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate, & water will be available in class, but you can feel free to bring a beverage, just needs to have a lid.

Payment for kit and instruction are required at the time of registration. You need to let Lisa Krueger know what kit you want when you registration. To Register: Contact Lisa Krueger at: 715-612-5775 • Email: Oakviewstudio@gmail.com Participants are not considered registered until payment is received. Registration deadline is Friday, March 27th.

Cancellations: Registrations will not be refunded unless the workshop is cancelled by the Lakeland Art League. If a participant cannot attend, they may find a replacement to fill their spot.

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About Lisa:  Originally from the West Coast, Lisa Opfer has been creating distinctive pottery for over six years. After relocating to the Northwoods with her husband seven years ago, Lisa transitioned from a successful 25-year career in national sales and marketing, where she directed two divisions for a renowned giftware company, to pursue her passion for ceramics.

Lisa taught ceramic hand-building and beginning pottery wheel classes at the Warehouse Community Arts Center in Eagle River, Wisconsin for four years. She currently teaches workshops at the Campanile Center for the Arts in Minocqua, Wisconsin where she also volunteers as the Campanile Center’s Gallery Curator. Lisa additionally offers a variety of workshops from her home studio, located just five miles north of Minocqua—easily accessible off Highway 51 and nestled on scenic Lake Verna. She is also a participating artist in the Northwoods Art Tour each July and October.”

Tuesday, April 28th

Paint a Hand Made Plate with Birch Trees

Class time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Registration details listed below.

What to Expect: This class will offer 2 hours of instruction in surface decoration using underglaze. Each plate will be unique and handmade from slab of stoneware clay already bisque fired. Plate/Tray approximately 10” in diameter or 10”x5. Instructor will finish by clear glazing and implementing a mid-fire to make each plate/tray food safe. All tools and materials are included. Students will pick up finished work no later than 14 days following the workshop.

Class cost $45.00 per person. Maximum 10 students

Friday, May 29th

Beautiful Garden Birdhouse Workshop

Class time: 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration details listed below.

What to Expect: This workshop will offer 4 hours of instruction constructing a stoneware clay decorative birdhouse approximately 12” tall from clay slabs. Students will learn how to apply clay, three dimensional appliques and add color with underglazes. Following the instructor will bisque fire, clear glaze, and glaze fire, completing each birdhouse and making them indoor/outdoor friendly. All tools and material will be included. Students will pick up finished work no later than 14 days following the workshop.

Class cost $75.00 per person. Maximum 8 students

Friday, August 21st

Decorate a Bubble Birdhouse

Class time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Registration details listed below.

What to Expect: This class will offer 3 hours of instruction. Each student will be provided a unique base in greenware clay, wheel thrown. Students will learn how to convert the clay base into a hanging birdhouse for indoor/outdoor use and each can be decorated by using your choice of clay appliques and underglazes making your bubble birdhouse totally unique!  The instructor will bisque fire, clear glaze, and glaze fire to complete the process. All tools and material will be included. Students will pick up finished work no later than 14 days following the workshop.

Class Cost $55.00 per person. Maximum 10 students

To Register for any of Lisa Opfer classes: Contact Lisa Krueger at: 715-612-5775 • Email: Oakviewstudio@gmail.com Participants are not considered registered until payment is received. Registration deadline is one week prior to classes.

Cancellations: Registrations will not be refunded unless the workshop is cancelled by the Lakeland Art League. If a participant cannot attend, they may find a replacement to fill their spot.

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Saturday, June 13th & Sunday, June 14th

Special Guest Artist Ellen Kolbo McDonah

Plein Air Painting in Watercolor and Pastels

Workshop is held at the Hazelhurst Community Center, 7020 Hwy 51, Hazelhurst, just south of Minocqua

About Ellen: Ellen Kolbo McDonah is an educator, practicing artist and author from Trempealeau, Wisconsin. Seldom venturing out without her paints and sketchbook, her style reflects the Adventurism Art Movement. She has kayaked the entire Mississippi River from source to mouth, as well as the Jefferson/Missouri River, the entire Wisconsin River and fjords in Norway. Her artistic journey is described in her book: One Woman’s River: A Solo Source-to-Sea Paddle of the Mighty Mississippi. Ellen’s art has been featured through Artist-in-Residences for elementary students, as well as in many art galleries near her studio.

Saturday, June 13th Pastels

Class time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Maximum 20 students.

What to Expect: Morning instruction will be held indoors. Ellen will be instructing participants in preparing for painting, explanation of materials (see suggested supply list) /composition and focal point using suggested photo prompt/thumbnail planning sketch. Model blocking in/sketching composition/Building up values/Chroma consideration/line/detail/ guided practice with participants.

After a lunch break, participants will walk to the small lakeside park area behind the Hazelhurst Town Hall to create a plein air pastel painting, field questions regarding technique /method/materials/modeling. Returning to the community room, participants will share paintings/review strengths/summarize.

Suggested supplies to bring:
• Soft Pastels: bring what you have or Rembrandt Soft Pastels Basic Set 300C30.5 (Amazon about $40), or I use Jack Richeson and Sennelier and leftovers.
• Pan Pastels: (optional) Golden Starter Shades Set, used for blocking in paintings
• Hard Pastels: (optional) bring if you have them. Sometimes used for underpainting stage. I use an old set of Othello. Prismacolor Premier NuPastel Firm Pastel Color Sticks would be fine.
• Pastel pencils: (optional) bring what you have, Sometimes used for details and lines. I use Cretecolor Fine Art Pastel Pencils.
• Strathmore Pastel Paper 2- 9×12 sheets (affordable option) or 2-UART 9×12 sanded pastel paper, or velour paper, 2- 9×12 cut to shape.
• Masonite Board, or foam Core for paper support. Your paper will be taped to this board. I use Masonite 17-1/2 x 21-1/2 inches.
• Tape: painter’s tape, removeable
• Blending Tools: (optional) stumps, makeup sponges, etc. I use my fingers a lot!
• Kneaded artist eraser
• Wet wipes or paper towel: I prefer a large ziplock bag with a pre-moisened cotton kitchen towel/rag along with a dry finger towel and a “lap” towel (old, smaller bath towel folded in half works great!)
• #2 pencil or vine charcoal and small sketch book for preliminary thumbnail sketches
• table easel: (optional) Masonite support board can be used in place of this, with a towel on the lap. This is my preferred method.
• spray workable fixative (optional)
• plastic bag: used for garbage
• nitrile gloves: (optional) I prefer my bare hands, but some artists are bothered by the feel of the pastels. The gloves work just as well as bare hands.
• Art apron or old painting clothes
• Glassine Paper for transporting home
*BUG SPRAY

Sunday, June 14th Watercolor

Class time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Maximum 20 students.

What to Expect: Morning instruction will be held indoors. Ellen will be instructing participants in preparing for painting, explanation of materials (see suggested supply list) /composition and focal point using suggested photo prompt/thumbnail planning sketch. Model blocking in/sketching composition/Building up values/Chroma consideration/line/detail/ guided practice with participants.

After a lunch break, participants will walk to the small lakeside park area behind the Hazelhurst Town Hall to create a plein air watercolor painting, field questions regarding technique/method/materials/modeling. Returning to the community room, participants will share paintings/review strengths/summarize.

Suggested supplies to bring:

• Watercolor Paper: 8×10, 140 lb (300 gsm) cold press is ideal. I use Arches and Canson. Can be a watercolor block.
• Watercolor Paints: A small set of pans or tubes (what you have- primaries, 3 cool and 3 warm of each color- yellow, red, and blue), or optional choices: Daniel Smith Essentials Introductory Pack Watercolors, or Winsor and Newton Cotman Water Color Sketcher’s Pocket Box) Note: I use the Sketcher’s Pocket Box often for Plein Aire.
• Brushes: 1-3 round brushes (size #6, #8, #10 or #12) and a flat either 1/2inch or 1-inch flat brush. Synthetic is fine or bring what you have.
• Palette: Plastic folding palette or a white or neutral color ceramic plate for mixing.
• Water Containers: Two jars (5” high x3” opening estimate) (one for rinsing, one for clean water), 2-3” jar cap for rewetting brush,
• Paper towel or rags: for controlling water on the brush.
• Painter’s or Masking tape: To secure paper to support and create clean borders.
• Board: A stiff surface (Masonite, plywood, or foam core) for taping down paper. I like Masonite.
• Table Easel: useful, but not necessary. I prefer using a board on mounted paper.
• Pencil (#2 or HB) and small sketchbook or paper
• Kneaded eraser
• Masking Fluid- Frisket: (occasionally used) and old brush for application
• Small Spray bottle and/or eye dropper (optional)
• Special Effects (optional), toothbrush (spattering effects), Salt (creates texture), plastic wrap (crinkled texture), small natural sponge (texture). I find the sponge is helpful for plein air trees and rocks.
• Fountain Pen- (optional) I sometimes like to sketch with a pen and incorporate watercolor plein air if the subject allows it. Ink can be water soluable.
• BUG SPRAY

Bring lunch, drinks, and snacks daily.

Participants may register for one class or both. Class cost is $50/day or $90 for both days. To Register: Contact Laurie Kopp at: hosta.queen@hotmail.com. Mail your check (made out to Lakeland Art League) to Laurie Kopp, 8589 Waters Edge Lane, St Germain, WI 54558. Participants are not considered registered until payment is received. Registration deadline is June 5th.

Cancellations: Registrations will not be refunded unless the workshop is cancelled by the Lakeland Art League. If a participant cannot attend, they may find a replacement to fill their spot.

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Friday, September 25th

Studio Visit with Kim Ochocinski at Zodiac Stained Glass (Private Class for Lakeland Art League members only.)

810 1st Ave, Woodruff, WI 54568

Class time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

About Kim: Kim is excited to share her passion of working with glass with everyone. Creating many different pieces of stained glass and lamps in her studio in Woodruff, Wisconsin. Offering different projects and classes for all skill levels of glass lovers. She loves teaching others on how to work with glass and create special pieces either from their own designs or premade designs. Many pieces are inspired by the Northwoods and bring the outdoors in, in a creative way or help celebrate the current season. In the future she also looks forward to bringing fused glass to the area, allowing another creative way for people to work with glass and express themselves through bright colors and designs.

What to expect: During this class you will create one of these pieces you pick. Pumpkin – 6″x5.5″, Fall Leaf – 2 options or Honeycomb – 4″x4″.

Class cost is $50.00. Maximum 10 students.

Tools and Equipment – Class requires the use of several tools that can cause harm when not utilized correctly, this includes sharp cutters, grinders, and soldering irons. Students must be capable of firmly gripping tools and handling small glass pieces to be successful. Students should wear clothing that can get dirty, closed toed shoes, and avoid loose fitting sleeves and jewelry.

Safety and Protective Equipment – Students will be provided with safety and protective equipment for use during the class. All students are required to adhere to the safety guidelines provided here and in class. Students who do not follow the safety guidelines will be dismissed from class with no refund.

Food and Beverages – Food is not permitted in the studio. Beverages must come in closed containers with lids. Students are permitted to bring snacks to class but must step outside of the studio area and wash hands prior to their consumption.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding – Stained glass involves direct contact with lead products which can be dangerous to children and fetuses. Studnets who are pregnant or breastfeeding should take extra precautions when participating in stained glass art creation.

Minors – Courses are offered for person age 14 or older, minors (under 18 years old) must have a parent or guardian present in the class in a paid seat.

For this class participants will register directly with Zodiac Stained Glass. Registration can be done online through their website or contacting Kim at 715-358-7455. Cancellation and Refund Policy – Due to limited number of seats available in classes, students must contact the studio 72 hours in advance to cancel reservations and receive a full refund. Any cancellation within 72 hours of class, or no shows, will be ineligible for refunds.

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Thursday, October 29th

Studio Visit at Fort Wilderness with Sandy Robertson – Basket Weaving

6180 Wilderness Trail McNaughton, WI 54543

Class time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

About Sandy: Sandy Robertson has always loved baskets. She made her very first basket in 1984. She still has this basket, and it is in good shape. Sandy and her husband Ron have served on staff at Fort Wilderness for over 50 years. Ron’s father began the camp in 1956. Sandy and Ron are the parents of four grown children and have 12 grandchildren. They are all artistic as well.

What to expect: This basket is a beginner plain weave basket. All the materials and tools will be provided. There will be a choice of several different colors of reed to weave into the basket. No prior basket weaving experience is required to create a beautiful & useful basket that will be enjoyed for years.

Class cost is $40.00. Maximum 15 students.

To Register please contact: Lisa Krueger at: 715-612-5775 • Email: Oakviewstudio@gmail.com Participants are not considered registered until payment is received. Registration deadline is Thursday, October 22nd.

Cancellations: Registrations will not be refunded unless the workshop is cancelled by the Lakeland Art League. If a participant cannot attend, they may find a replacement to fill their spot.

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Wednesday, December 9th

Special Guest Artist Ron Robertson

Making Wire Wrapped Tumbled Glass Pendants

Workshop held at the Hazelhurst Community Center, 7020 Hwy 51, Hazelhurst, just south of Minocqua

Class time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

About Ron: Ron Robertson and his wife Sandy have served on staff at Fort Wilderness for over 50 years. Ron’s father began the camp in 1956. Ron creates pendants from stained glass that is tumbled in a rock tumbler so that it is frosted and the edges are smooth. The pieces are then wire wrapped to make the pendants. Ron and Sandy are the parents of four grown children and have 12 grandchildren. They are all artistic as well.

What to expect: In this workshop you will learn how to combine glass and wire to create a pendant. Ron will share how he prepares the stained glass to give it smooth edges and a frosted sea glass look. If desired, the glass can be layered. There will be an assortment of prepared glass in a variety of colors and sizes for you choose from. To complete the pendant, you will receive simple wire wrapping instructions. All supplies and tools needed to create a unique piece of jewelry will be provided.

Class cost is $25.00. Maximum: 20 students.

To Register please contact: Lisa Krueger at: 715-612-5775 • Email: Oakviewstudio@gmail.com Participants are not considered registered until payment is received. Registration deadline is Thursday, October 22nd.

Cancellations: Registrations will not be refunded unless the workshop is cancelled by the Lakeland Art League. If a participant cannot attend, they may find a replacement to fill their spot.

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