
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.
Fish out of Water
March 2023 – April 2023
T.B. Scott Free Library is pleased to present our March/April Beyond Books: Community ArtShare Program: Fish Out of Water – Carvings by Arnie Plamann.
Arnie Plamann was born and raised in the Merrill area. He moved to Rhinelander where he did a lot of fishing. For a time, he had moved out of state, but recently, Arnie and his wife returned to live on the land where he was raised.
Arnie is a self-taught artist. He first started carving little fish and toys for the neighborhood children. Painting his creations came later, and he admits that painting is more difficult to get results that are satisfying to him.
On average, it takes Arnie one month to finish a piece. Basswood and oil paints are his preferred materials. Arnie uses multiple resources including pictures of fish he has caught and reference books. He can only work for about 2 hours at a time before his body says it’s time to get up and walk. His work has included a request to recreate a fish from a picture for a special gift from father to son.
When asked how he became so good at his craft, Arnie responded with, “The more you carve, the better you get.” His creations can be seen at the T. B. Scott Free Library during the months of March and April.
Past Exhibits
2023
- It’s all about perspective! – Chase Davis
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
T.B. Scott Free Library
106 West First Street
Merrill, WI 54452
Telephone (715) 536 - 7191
Monday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Tuesday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Wednesday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Thursday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday: Closed