In March, VIVA Gallery in Viroqua welcomes Ken and Michelle Workowski as guest artists. The couple works with nature’s materials to create willow furnishings, poplar-bark baskets, birch-bark frames, lamps and lampshades, antler chandeliers, and cabinetry. The Workowskis’ lifestyle and business have always kept them close to nature. In 1986 they purchased 50 acres of land near Viola, and built their log home with trees they cut and peeled themselves. While many of the materials they use in their business, aptly called The Nature of Things, come from their land, they also lease willow thickets from local landowners. They both teach classes on making willow chairs, paper lampshades, and bark baskets at the Sievers School of Fiber Arts on Washington Island.
This month, the gallery’s First Thursday will be followed by a dinner next door at Rooted Spoon Kitchen Table. A set menu with a vegetarian option will be offered for $21.00. Please make reservations by calling (608) 627-2223 or emailing rootedspoon@gmail.com.
Meet Ken and Michelle and view their work at VIVA’s First Thursday reception on March 1 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. The gallery is located at 217 South Main Street in Viroqua. For more information about this and future First Thursday events, contact the gallery at 608-637-6918 or info@vivagallery.net. You may see Ken and Michelle’s work at the gallery throughout the month of March, as well as the work of 17 member artists.
