by Barbara Dixson
Every year, dozens of Schmeeckle lovers go out into the Reserve creating images in words, art, and photos. The annual Friends of Schmeeckle Writing, Art, and Photo contest invites these creators to submit their pieces. While only some receive awards, all are displayed in downtown Stevens Point, on the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve website, and, this year, in the in-progress museum space in the visitor center.
Our downtown Stevens Point space this year, 949 Main Street, was warmly hosted by William Schierl. Members of the Arts Subcommittee taped the 2025 contest entries to the display windows on one of those mid-August days where the temperature was in the 90s outside, and who knows how hot in the enclosed spaces. The majority of the matted pieces promptly fell down and were then taped within an inch of their lives!
Jerry Lineberger and Alan Smith consult about taping techniques.
Jim Rogers considers layout design.
This front view features a poster created by Rae Henneman, reminding passersby that they too can enter the contest, and right now is the moment to begin. Information can be found on the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve website.
The six weeks of the downtown display interested many passers-by, as other users of the building mentioned. But then along came October, and it was time to take the pieces down and prepare them for their next show in the Visitor Center. Melissa Ruether sits here in a cascade of photographs.
Jim Rogers works to ready the mats for subsequent use.
Alan Smith tackles the glue left by the miles of packing tape that had been required to keep the pieces on the glass.
We hope to see your entry for this year’s arts contest. Entries are due December 4. See the Friends website for details.