Art Indoors: Finding Warmth and Creativity in the Northwoods

When snow swirls outside, stepping into an artsy space will defrost your imagination. Northern Wisconsin boasts many places where you and your favorite people can make the most of the quiet season by escaping into warm light, slowing down and immersing yourselves in creativity.

Hayward

Animal lovers can discover Wisconsin wildlife at Lures of the North, an art gallery where you’ll see awe-inspiring creatures captured in paint, wood, metal and more. Experience the wonder of the Northwoods and immerse yourself in cabincore. You’ll also find beautiful landscapes and artwork created from stones and driftwood. Support an artist while you literally take a piece of the Northwoods home with you!

Wrap yourself up in cozy vibes at River’s Edge Antiques & Quilt Loft. Hunt for vintage art, then visit the loft to see kaleidoscopic quilts and everything you need to make them, including more than 4,000 bolts of fabric! Feeling inspired, but not a quilter? Pick up an embroidery kit for a smaller sewing craft to enjoy later. Nothing says cozy cabin more than decorative, handmade quilts.

Step into beauty at Sweetgrass & Sage, an Indigenous-woman-owned boutique featuring locally inspired wares. Browse stylish apparel, jewelry, specialty foods, home décor, soaps and more, some created by Indigenous makers. Find a unique gift or something lovely for yourself while shopping local.

Open by appointment, Red Pine Studios is where the resident “functional potter”, John Prosen, creates dishes, vases, lamps and other handy artworks. Made of stoneware, these creations are as useful as they are beautiful. Learn about the ceramics process, take home a couple of mugs, and remember your Northwoods trip every time you have your morning coffee together.

Shell Lake 

Surround yourself with artwork at Brickyard Pottery & Folk House, an artist-owned studio and gallery about 45 minutes from Hayward. (Appointments are recommended during the winter season.) Nestled in a century-old, former two-room schoolhouse with soaring ceilings and large windows, the shop is loaded with Midwest artists’ work in clay, paint, glass, fabric and more. Afterward, stop for a bite at Shell Lake Lunchbox, known for serving breakfast all day, playing 80s music and its vintage lunchbox collection.

Cumberland

About an hour from Hayward is artist-owned Emporium Boutique and Art Studio, which showcases works from women artists and small-business owners. Discover gorgeous prints, handmade housewares, self-care items and local specialty foods. Get creative with your crew at an art class, held at the studio or at Bear Lake Coffee Company in Barronett. Past offerings include hand-building pottery, watercolor painting and printmaking.

Spooner

Hop in the car with your group and head to Arts in Hand Gallery, about a half-hour drive from Hayward. This artist-run gallery features works from 40 area artists. Explore paintings, photography and wood crafts featuring the flora and fauna of the Northwoods, plus leather goods, batik, collage and other unusual media. Fortify yourself for the drive home with a stop at family-owned Mayana Chocolate. Choose from creatively concocted items such as their Space Bar, with toasted almond-vanilla bean nougat, fleur de sel caramel, and 66% dark chocolate. Or purchase boxed chocolates to enjoy at home (or on the way).

Looking for more sweet treats to savor in the Northwoods? From classic confections to locally loved desserts, this article has you covered. (link to new sweets article)

Seasonal tip: Many stores and venues have limited hours during the winter season. Be sure to check hours of operation.