Art in the Door Returns in 2024

What started with the Frogtown Art Colony has blossomed into our world-renowned arts community. Our picturesque peninsula and its surrounding islands, with their stunning natural beauty and ever-changing seasons, have inspired artists to pay homage to the breathtaking landscapes surrounding us. To celebrate these creative folks while spotlighting our communities, the juried art competition, Art in the Door, debuted in 2023. It’s been so successful that it’s back for another year. 

What is Art in the Door? 
Art in the Door is a competition designed to elevate the artists of Door County. Local artists were invited to submit 2D artwork based on the feelings our communities inspire. Each entrant vied to be one of four winners whose artwork would appear in upcoming Door County ad campaigns. 

From March 8 to April 23, 2023, 99 fine art entries were received. An expert jury selected eight finalists and their masterpieces were posted online so the public could vote for their favorites. Ultimately four winners emerged, each earning a $2,000 prize and artist features on the Destination Door County website and promotional pieces. 

Who Won Art in the Door in 2023?
The winners of the first-ever Art in the Door contest showcased a variety of mediums and styles. Brian Pier captured the reflection of the region’s enchanting beauty in an oil painting called “Setting Out.” Linda Welch used alcohol ink to create an ancient cherry tree perched upon a hill overlooking the water, with a young Cherry Orchard below titled “Mother Earth Cherry Tree.” Landscape artist Mac Scheuppert used pastels for her landscape called “Bay Sunset,” and Pam Schmitz shared her visceral experiences amidst woods and shores in an oil painting called “Mink River Reveal.”

Artwork Raises Money for Door County
The winning masterpieces were on display at Destination Door County’s 2023 annual gathering in November. A silent auction was held, and the four art pieces raised a total of $1,150, which DDC donated to the Peninsula Arts and Humanities Alliance to help support local arts initiatives and arts advocacy efforts in Door County.

Call for Art: Art in the Door 2024
Art in the Door is returning in 2024, and the call for artists is underway. Like the inaugural year, 2D artists are invited to submit artwork inspired by the feelings Door County evokes. A jury will select eight semi-finalists who will each receive a Door County care package. That artwork will be posted on the Door County website and social media channels for the public to vote on their favorite piece of art, and four more artists will become Art in the Door winners. 

These winning artists will each receive $2,000, their artwork will be used to promote Door County in future tourism campaigns, and their masterpieces will be auctioned off to raise funds for a local charity. Moreover, videos and artist profiles will feature each artist on the website. 

Learn more about the competition and how to enter.