Caryl Yasko and Marilyn Fuerstenberg
Community Builders Through Art
The 2nd Annual Paint Wisconsin exhibition links its first two honorees--Marilyn Fuerstenberg and Caryl Yasko--not because they worked together, but because they shared a commitment to extraordinary artistic work and to making art a collaborative, inclusive experience. Though their approaches differed, both sought to create community through shared art experiences, expanding how people encounter and participate in the arts.
Marilyn Fuerstenberg, an extraordinary self-taught watercolorist and the first artist honored by Paint Wisconsin, shaped generations of artists through her teaching, mentorship, and advocacy. Her legacy endures in the creative opportunities she opened for others and in the beautiful work she leaves behind.
Caryl Yasko, this year's honoree, continues that spirit through public art. As a pioneering female muralist and leader in community-mural practice, she built collaboration into her methods-creating murals with and for the people who live alongside them.
Together, Marilyn and Caryl embody Paint Wisconsin's purpose: artists who made creativity a shared experience. Their approaches differ, but their influence aligns-each broadened how Wisconsin residents encounter and participate in the arts, forming a continuum of leadership rooted in generosity and public connection.
Whitewater Arts Alliance and Roberta’s Art Gallery
Present
the 2nd Annual Paint Wisconsin Exhibition
Jury Panel l-r, Frank Juárez, Jeff McDonald, and Greg Porcaro.
The Whitewater Arts Alliance, located at 402 W. Main Street, and Roberta’s Art Gallery, 190 Hamilton Green Way, Room 158 on the UW–Whitewater campus announces the 2nd Annual Paint Wisconsin Exhibition, a collaborative showcase highlighting artwork that reflects the people, places, and character of Wisconsin.
Featuring 73 artists, the exhibition will run from August 13-September 18, 2026, at both the Cultural Arts Center (CAC) and Roberta’s Art Gallery.
Presenting the exhibition across two locations underscores the growing partnership between the organizations and their shared commitment to supporting artists and expanding public access to the arts. This year’s exhibition honors muralist, sculptor, and painter Caryl Yasko, whose long career has been defined by her dedication to making the arts open and accessible to all.
Artist receptions will be held on Friday, August 14, beginning at Roberta’s Art Gallery 3pm-4:30pm and continuing at the Cultural Arts Center from 5pm to 7pm. The exhibitions are free and open to the public. Free parking will also be available in Lot 12 at the University for guests attending the Roberta’s Gallery reception, where visitors will also enjoy Wisconsin‑themed food and refreshments. Refreshments will likewise be served at the Cultural Arts Center, and overflow parking will be available at First English Lutheran Church.
The exhibition includes both a Traditional Salon and a Digital Salon and a total of $3,600 in awards that will be presented to selected artists. Honors for this year include Best of Show, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, Honorable Mentions, the Roberta Fiskum Outstanding Student Award for a current UW–Whitewater student, and the Caryl Yasko Artistic Vision Award. The Caryl Yasko Artistic Vision Award was created to honor Yasko’s enduring influence and her commitment to creativity without boundaries. Members of the public will also have the opportunity to vote for the In-Gallery Viewer’s Choice Award and the Online Public’s Choice Award, both of which will be announced on the final day of the exhibition.
The evening will also feature a lively auction in support of the Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) 250 Campaign, beginning at 6:15pm at the Cultural Arts Center and led by Gregory Stewart. Many paintings by Marilyn Fuerstenberg will be included in the auction, along with contributions from Caryl Yasko and Tom Jewell. Click here fore information.
Stewart is pleased to lead the auction. He is a WAA member and longtime advocate for the arts in Whitewater. He was one of two teachers selected for the 2000 National Geographic Summer Institute, representing Wisconsin in Washington, DC. He received the 2016 Whitewater League of Women Voters Making Democracy Work Award and the 2022 Herb Kohl Teacher Fellowship for the Whitewater Unified School District.
Live piano music by Jim Athas will accompany the evening, and the Whitewater High School classes of 1960, 1961, and 1962 will be celebrated in acknowledgement of their class reunion gatherings during the weekend.
Paint Wisconsin continues the commitment of collaboration of both galleries and the mission of the Whitewater Arts Alliance—“Celebrating the Arts and Creating Community!”
Key Dates:
Exhibition: Thursday, August 13 - Friday, September 18, 2026.
Drop-Off Dates: Saturday, August 1, 2026 - 12pm to 4pm; Friday, August 7, 2026 - 12pm - 4pm
Artist Reception: Friday, August 14
Roberta’s Art Gallery, UW-Whitewater campus, 3pm-4:30pm
Cultural Arts Center, 402 W. Main St., Whitewater, 5pm-7pm.
Pick-Up Dates: Saturday, September 19, 2026 - 12pm - 4pm.
Contacts:
• Jeff McDonald, Exhibit Chair - waa.franachen@gmail.com
• Kim Adams, WAA Gallery Director - wwartsalliance@gmail.com
