New exhibit opens at The Alexander House

MARSHFIELD-- “Evolving Dimensions: A Multifaceted Journey Through Art,” a solo exhibition featuring the two- and three-dimensional works of William Karberg from Port Edwards, Wisconsin opens at The Alexander House on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The artist will be present, and refreshments will be provided. The exhibition will remain on display until Jan. 7, 2025.
The Alexander House, located at 1131 Wisconsin River Drive in Port Edwards, is open to the public on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., or by special appointment. For more details, visit the Alexander House Center for Art and History Facebook page or website at alexanderhouseonline.org.
Artist Statement:
“The Art Director at the Alexander House told me I have to write an introduction about myself, but if the truth be known, there are a lot of things I would rather be doing than writing, such as almost any outdoor activity, spending time with family an friends, working in my shop or studio, planning/preparing a gourmet dinner, curling, playing cards…Well, I would rather be doing almost anything, except maybe watching football or having a root canal.
So, now you know I am not a wordsmith, but I am not going to waste time apologizing or attempting to become one. After all, what was the quotation about art, something about a picture being worth more than words? Yes, I know I could look it up on the internet and quote it accurately, but I don’t spend a lot of time on the computer either. I would rather be doing any outdoor activity, working in my shop or studio, spending time with family and friends, etc., etc., etc.

With that said, here’s an idea of who I am. I was raised on a farm in Port Edwards, Wisconsin where I developed a strong appreciation of nature which has influenced my art. Farm life also gave me plenty of opportunities to learn how things work and to tinker with them to make them work differently. Actually, maybe that wasn’t so much because of farm life, but because of my imaginative sense of humor. Even my practical jokes are works of art, you know, like building tunnels and secret compartments under stacked hay bales or rigging up a curling broom with flashing red and green lights!!!
Okay, after the childhood on the farm came college and a career as an art teacher, a job that gave me an opportunity to expand and share my skills as an artist. During those years I designed and directed construction of the corten steel sculptures that stand in front of Lincoln High School and the First English Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Since retiring I have done artist residencies at elementary schools, and you can see my kinetic sculptures outside of Vesper and Grant schools, also in the Rapids district.
You know, when I sit down and think about it (if I have to sit down and think about it), I realize my life is art. Well, not in so many words! My life is art sounds a little too poetic, and I am solidly grounded in the real world! What I mean is that I approach everything I do with imagination, innovation and an eye for both design and function. I am not just an artist when I walk through my studio door. My art takes on many forms, and I love the challenge of discovering, learning about, and being able to work with a variety of materials and techniques. My artwork includes sculpture, kinetic sculpture, jewelry (which I think of as small sculpture), mixed media and also watercolor.”