Community ArtShare
T. B. Scott Library’s Community ArtShare program originated in 2006 with a $10,000 grant from the Mead Witter Foundation, Inc. with which secure display cases, easels, and other items were procured that have enabled the library to become a place for local artists and collectors to display their creations and hobbies. Displays featuring one or more artists or collectors are featured each month on an ongoing basis.
Spirit Dolls and Thailand Tribal Handywork
May – June 2025
Beyond Books Community ArtShare presents: Spirit Dolls and Thailand Tribal Handywork for the months of May and June. The exhibition is located on the 2nd floor of the T. B. Scott Library. Enjoy the unique and colorful pieces owned by Lincoln County residents, Peter and Dian Ritter.
SPIRIT DOLLS
The idea of Spirit Dolls evolved from a childhood reading of folklore based on the Slavic witch named Baba Yaga. Her magic hut had chicken legs and could relocate at will.
In the fall of ’23, Dian was pulling out old Geraniums with crazy roots. She shook off the soil and thought what fun hair that would make for an art doll. The idea blossomed. Dian had always enjoyed collecting and saving interesting materials of all kinds. She said it was satisfying to recycle and repurpose remnants of fabric, fibers, old jewelry, metal bits, and items found in the natural world. Some of the hair was made from garden roots, while other dolls have hair of unraveled yarns, twines, and carpet fibers. Hands and feet were constructed from twigs off dead branches she had collected in the yard.
Dian has always found cultural myths fascinating and enjoys occasional humor in art.
SAMPLES OF TRADITIONAL CLOTHING FROM THAILAND’S HILL TRIBES
Between 1990 and 1996, Peter and Dian were teaching at the International School of Bangkok. They bought a pickup truck and customized it for camping. After traveling extensively throughout the entire country, they found Northern Thailand to hold the greatest interest. The scenery and the colorful and industrious people were always welcoming. On their many trips upcountry, Peter and Dian met several unique Hill Tribes. They collected numerous examples of the tribes’ handiworks and personal adornments that they proudly display on their clothing.
Past Exhibits
2025
- Artspirations – Debbie Zimmerman
- Precious Memories – Laurie Ollhoff
- Moon Lamps & More – Saint John 8th Grade Students
2024
- The Beauty of Fabric: Wall Quilts & Vintage Ties – Peter & Dian Ritter
- Precious Pet Portraits – Peggy McDowell
- Emily’s Journey – Emily Lau
- A Look in a Book – Saint John 5th Graders
- LEGO! LEGO! LEGO! – Tim & Dawn Dunbar
- Cultural Threads: Expressing Identity Through Traditional Clothing – Mosaic of North Central Wisconsin
- A Sleigh of Santas and Wild for Christmas Cards – Joan Pregler & Ann Ruder
2023
- It’s all about perspective! – Chase Davis
- Fish Out of Water – Arnie Plamann
- Treasured Book Boxes – St. John School 5th and 6th graders
- Homemade Art – Local Homeschooled Children
- Wait, that’s LEGO too? – Tim and Dawn Dunbar
- Tena’s Kitchen Collectables – Tena Gnewuch
- Into the Fold: Origami – Troy Hanson
2022
- Baskets Galore and More by Cindy Leskey
- Merrill Memorabilia – Leidiger Brewing Company
- Wait, That’s LEGO? – Tim & Dawn Dunbar
- Fins and Feathers of the Northwoods – Bill Pittman
- Rocks, Canvas, and Coasters, Oh My! – Tom Lambrecht
2020
- MAPS High School Seniors Students’ Art Exhibit
- Conversations with God artwork by Ann M. Jaroski
2019
- Borzoi: The Hounds of Russia from the Private Collection of Resolute Farms
- Nautical Instruments from the Private Collection of Carl Weinert
- MAPS High School Seniors Students’ Art Exhibit
- Working Warriors: Military Life Beyond Combat – provided courtesy of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum
2018
- Buttons: Advent, Christmas, Bingo and More! from the Private Collection of Kathleen Marquardt
- “Wire & Found Object” Sculptures by David Jones
- Photography of Tom Algire
- For the Love of Snoopy: Private Collection
- MAPS High School Seniors Students’ Art Exhibit
- Pocket Watches: Robbie Johnson
2017
- Breyer Model Horses: Esther Trostle
- Wisconsin Remembers Traveling Exhibit
- Origami Creations: Troy Hanson
- Universal Creations: Xoché Heller
- Mini Art Fair: Local Artists
- MAPS High School Senior Students’ Art Exhibit
- Portraits of Personalities: David L. Sladky