On the evening of April 17, the halls of Northcentral Technical College – Antigo Campus were alive with creativity and community as the Wisconsin Regional Art Program–Teen (WRAP-Teen) held its annual exhibit reception from 6 to 7 PM. Sponsored by the Association of Wisconsin Artists (AWA) and Antigo Visual Arts (AVA), the event celebrated the talents and accomplishments of teen artists from across the region.
The Antigo Regional WRAP-Teen exhibit, held each spring in Antigo to coincide with the Antigo School District Art Exhibit, is part of the AWA’s broader mission to inspire, educate, and support Wisconsin artists. The program offers young artists, ages 13–19, a chance to showcase their work in a professional setting and compete for state-level recognition.
Langlade County Circuit Court Judge John Rhode was among the featured speakers and offered heartfelt remarks on the importance of creative expression. “It was standing room only!” he said. “People heard inspiring messages about the life-changing power of the visual arts from speakers of a variety of backgrounds.” Rhode encouraged students to pursue their passions, noting that art can provide a sense of purpose and connection in life. “Passions should be shared,” he added.
Tom Barnett, owner of Tom’s Drawing Board in Rhinelander, also spoke at the reception, sharing a moving message about the transformative and healing power of art, especially in the lives of at-risk youth. Drawing on his experience leading art sessions for children facing adversity, Barnett emphasized how creative expression can open emotional pathways, build resilience, and promote healing. “Art is not merely a pastime or a hobby,” he said. “It’s a profound tool for healing.” Barnett shared stories of young people finding their voices through painting and drawing—sometimes with breakthroughs more impactful than traditional therapy. “When we embrace art as a healing tool, we’re not just helping a child create—we’re helping them find their voice, their purpose, and perhaps even their future,” he said.
The exhibit’s judge, Alicia Schroeder-Haag, was impressed with the work submitted by students from around the region. “It was such a pleasure to judge this show,” she said. “The level of talent these students brought to the table was impressive. You can really see how much heart and effort went into each piece—it made selecting winners a tough but rewarding job.”
This year’s state award-winning artworks included:
While these pieces received state honors, every student who participated showed remarkable bravery and creativity in presenting their work.
Danna Gabriel, regional coordinator for the WRAP-Teen exhibit, emphasized the vital role of community support in nurturing young talent. “I specifically want to thank all of the mentors for the artists—if it wasn’t for them, the students wouldn’t be showcasing their talent at this exhibit,” Gabriel shared.
The WRAP-Teen program is part of a suite of outreach initiatives offered by the Association of Wisconsin Artists, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization and the only one of its kind in the nation. AWA supports artists of all ages through programs like WRAP-Kids (ages 5–12), WRAP (ages 18+), and Tiny Treasures (ages 14+).
For the past four years, Antigo Visual Arts has proudly partnered with AWA to host both WRAP and WRAP-Teen exhibits, ensuring that the arts remain a vibrant and vital part of the Northwoods community.
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