ART THROUGH THE AGES. The Cedarburg Museum of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, is exhibiting "The History of Wisconsin Art," featuring artwork that appears in a new book that features over 500 Wisconsin-based artists, titled A Creative Place: The History of Wisconsin Art. (Submitted photos)

A new book, titled A Creative Place: The History of Wisconsin Art, details the 13,000-year history of art in Wisconsin and features work from notable Chippewa Valley artists.

The authors Thomas Lidtke and Annemarie Sawkins spent five years researching the comprehensive history of Wisconsin art – from Mississippian culture through six other art-making periods all the way to today. The book marks the first concerted effort in 85 years to create a comprehensive history of Wisconsin's art, starting with the First Nations through the 20th century. 

Within its pages are over 400 images of Wisconsin art and more than 500 Wisconsin artists. Six of those artists – Bilhenry Walker, Stephen Fischer, Evelyn Patricia Terry, John Balsley, Bruce Niemi, and Barbara Manger – are artists from Eau Claire, most known for their work with Artisan Forge Studios. 

Perhaps the most important element in the book is its accurate inclusion of Native American culture and history, represented through art. 

“By acknowledging their art,” artist Bilhenry Walker said, “we acknowledge their culture and the importance they had in our state.”

To learn more and to purchase the book, visit cedarburgartmuseum.org. Copies of the book are available for purchase at Artisan Forge Studios.