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.