When the executive committee for Rhinelander’s ArtStart Museum got together to decide what the fall exhibit at the art gallery should be, they did not envision that it would look like this.

The exhibit, title “Flora and Fauna”, brings together different looks at nature along with a nod to the history of Native Tribes of North America.

“It is a very interesting exhibit,” Ken Juon, president of the ArtStart Board of Directors said. “It is a whole different way of looking at things. It all matched up in a nice way.”

Leading the way in the exhibit is a series of photogravures from German photographer Karl Blossfeldt. The exhibit shows plants as “totally artistic and architectural structures.”

“The photographs make the plants look like stone or metal,” Juon said.

The exhibit is featured in the newly constructed glass enclosed room which has a very modern edge much like the photos.

“The photographs go very well with the new room,” Juon said. “It was a natural fit.”

The exhibit continues with several pieces on loan from the Jessica Ehmann Collection. One part of the exhibit shows scientific drawings and natural history artwork from the 17th and 19th centuries when creating sketches of plants and animals was the best way to create a representation of them.

“She has these prints and found frames that matched them beautifully,” Juon said. “All put together, it is more than just a biological study.”

While the museum was happy to get the drawings, Ehmann asked if the gallery would show her collection of Native American portraits.

“Jessica wanted to show these too,” Juon said. “We had the bright colored biological prints and the drawings are so bright and colorful and lively it all worked well together. Putting this show together was not at all intimidating.”

Juon said the uniqueness of this exhibit is one reason people should come see the pieces.

“You are not going to see something like this outside here or in other museums,” he said.

Zombie Prom
One way to see the exhibit and share in some Halloween festivities is to attend the museum’s Zombie Prom Friday, Oct. 25 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Admission is by donation at the door and a complimentary snack buffet and cash bar will be offered.

If you don’t have a costume, not to worry as Zombie makeovers will be offered free onsite.

For more information, visit the ArtStart website at www.artstartrhinelander.org.