ASSOCIATION of Wisconsin Artists 

Young Artists Shine at WRAP-Teen State Exhibit in Wausau

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 Contact: Association of Wisconsin Artists
 Website:https://wiscartists.wildapricot.org/

Young Artists Shine at WRAP-Teen State Exhibit in Wausau

Wausau, WI – August 8, 2025 — The Association of Wisconsin Artists (AWA) concluded its 2025 WRAP-Teen State Exhibit with an enthusiastic reception at the Center for the Visual Arts (CVA) in Wausau on August 8. The event celebrated the creative accomplishments of 41 teen artists, ages 13 to 19, selected from regional shows across the state.

The exhibition drew a standing-room-only crowd of more than 100 attendees, many of whom were the young artists themselves, along with their families, teachers, and supporters. The high turnout and energy at the event far exceeded expectations, signaling growing community support for youth arts.

WRAP-Teen, the Wisconsin Regional Art Program for Teens, provides young artists with opportunities to exhibit their work at both local and state levels while gaining recognition and encouragement from the broader arts community. The program also highlights the importance of mentorship from educators, professional artists, and organizations that support creative growth.

Among the top honorees this year were Fiona Ballard of Wausau, who earned First Place; Avi Meyer of Crandon, Second Place; and Morgan Hansen of Platteville, Third Place. Special awards were presented to Mariana Aceves (Jean Johnson Memorial Award), Sadie Peissig (Bobby Walker Award), Ariana Simplot (Cindy Martin Award), and Dave Pawl (AWA Youth Service Award). Ember Jesperson of Antigo and Lily Sisulak of Watertown received Duck Lake Awards. Honorable Mentions included Peighton Frederick, Sienna Mahner, Nico Ulm, Kaydence Stanley, and Vivian Spencer.

Cindy Martin, who served as the exhibit’s judge, was also a featured speaker at the event. Her leadership and contributions in planning the exhibit were recognized by AWA President and WRAP-Teen State Coordinator Jeanne Ferriera, who said:

“Tonight was a roaring success for WRAP-Teen at the CVA in Wausau! Over 100 guests came to support these young artists. We were overwhelmed in the best way — standing room only! Thank you to CVA, WVAA, AVA, and all the supporters of northern Wisconsin’s art community. My heart truly sang tonight.”

The teen artists were selected from regional WRAP-Teen exhibits held earlier this year in Antigo, Beloit, Platteville, Spring Green, Wausau, and Watertown.

As the WRAP-Teen exhibition concludes, the CVA is now hosting the 2025 WRAP State Exhibit for adult artists (ages 18+), which runs through September 27. The WRAP State Conference — including awards presentations, artist talks, and networking opportunities — will take place at the CVA on Saturday, September 27.

The WRAP-Teen State Exhibit was made possible with the support of the Center for the Visual Arts (event host), Wisconsin Valley Art Association, Antigo Visual Arts, Blick Art Materials, the Wisconsin Arts Board, and dedicated volunteers including Vicki Eldridge, Danna Gabriel, and Shyanne Borchardt. Event photography was provided by Brenna Osbourne of Be-YOU-tiful Photography by Brenna.

For more information about WRAP-Teen and upcoming events, visit:
  https://wiscartists.wildapricot.org/