Feature image: Lois Bielefeld at the Miller Art Museum. Image courtesy of the museum.
By Frank Juárez
If you visited the Miller Art Museum in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, you may have seen seasonal exhibitions on the 2nd floor, paying homage to artist Gerhard Miller, a Sturgeon Bay artist and founder of the Miller Art Museum. The exhibition space was set up as a vignette of his studio, furniture, and artifacts. Sturgeon Bay, often referred to as Door County, is the gateway to local and regional art in the upper northeast part of the state. Miller along with fellow artists James Ingreson and Charles Peterson established an art scene in the 70s that continues to thrive today. Their innovative approach to selling art through multiples made it possible to sustain their creative practice and livelihood. In the creative spirit of Miller, reimagining this space to compliment his legacy of mentoring, championing, and creating opportunities for artists seemed like a perfect pairing.
In early June, I learned about the 12 x 12 Project from the Miller Art Museum’s Curator of Exhibitions and Collections Suzanne Rose. But it wasn’t until a few months earlier that I heard about it through its first inaugural artist Adam Fulwiler. So, this project already caught my attention by its format of 12 contemporary artists x 12 months. Rose states, “Door County has long been celebrated for its commitment to the arts, yet much of today’s contemporary practice is centered in larger urban areas, where artists often build their careers through universities, galleries, and museums. For many in our community, regularly experiencing the breadth of work being created across the region simply isn’t possible.” The 12 x 12 Project addresses that need for new perspectives, conversations, and connections.
Invited artists would exhibit their work for a month. At the beginning of each month, the museum would host an opening followed by an artist talk. Artworks would be available for purchase. At the closing of the exhibition, the museum would select a piece for its permanent art collection.
There are similar exhibitions and projects that come to mind that create an intensive programming experience on both ends of the spectrum – institution/gallery to artists. They are 30 x 30 x 30 Annual Exhibition and the 365 Artists 365 Days Project (2014-2015). However, the 12 x 12 Project places the artist in the center by providing more opportunities for engagement in contemporary art.
Feature artists are Adam Fulwiler (Sturgeon Bay), Linda Marcus (Milwaukee), Lois Bielefeld (Milwaukee), Laura Semivan (Appleton), Jean Robert’s-Guequirre (Milwaukee), Ciel Skål (Madison), Barbi Gossen (Green Bay), Michael Nitsch (Egg Harbor), Donna Brown (Bailey’s Harbor), Todd Mrozinski (Milwaukee), Doug Faith (Madison), and Frank Juárez (Sheboygan).
To learn more about the 12 x 12 Project, click here.
About the 12 x 12 Project
The 12×12 Project is an ongoing initiative that centers on a single contemporary artist each month, offering focused, 30–day solo exhibitions that trace the evolving voices of emerging to mid–career artists. The series is dedicated to foregrounding the vitality of an active studio practice while offering artists a platform for supported visibility and meaningful engagement. Through the combined framework of a solo museum exhibition and acquisition into the museum’s collection, the 12×12 Project provides foundational professional recognition that supports artistic growth and career advancement. The Miller Art Museum serves as a catalyst for artists to expand their practice, explore new work, and position their contribution within a broader cultural and historical context.
About the Miller Art Museum
Nestled in the heart of downtown Sturgeon Bay, the Miller Art Museum stands as a beacon of cultural enrichment and artistic exploration. Established in 1975, this dynamic institution has been a pillar of the Door County community, fostering creativity and appreciation for the visual arts. With a diverse collection of more than 1,500 works spanning historical to contemporary along with regularly changing exhibitions, visitors are treated to a compelling and diverse array of art. From powerful exhibitions highlighting regional and national talent to thought-provoking exhibits that explore the depths, joys, and complexities of our world, the museum offers something for art enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds. Beyond its exhibits, the Museum presents an array of educational programs, tours, performances, and events, engaging visitors in experiences that deepen their understanding and appreciation for art. With a commitment to excellence and accessibility, the Miller Art Museum continues to foster connections between artists and community through the creation of opportunities to explore, appreciate, and advance the visual arts. Visitors are invited to visit the Museum Store to browse a diverse selection of books, artisan crafts, paper goods, and unique gifts.
Frank Juárez is an award-winning art educator, curator, and arts advocate based in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Known for his commitment to elevating contemporary art and supporting Wisconsin artists, Juárez has spearheaded numerous initiatives, including the Midwest Artist Studios Project and the 365 Artists 365 Days Project. In addition to his roles as publisher of Artdose magazine and editor-in-chief of SchoolArts magazine, Juárez has curated exhibitions and juried art shows throughout the Midwest. His dedication to art education and advocacy has earned him numerous accolades, making him a pivotal figure in Wisconsin’s art community.