CURATE & CREATE. There is a wide array of local artwork on display throughout the Chippewa Valley, aided by the curatorial eye of local photographer, Lloyd Fleig. While Fleig assists with the visual art displays in the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport — or the Eau Claire County Courthouse — his own photography, like "Summer Shadows" (pictured above) also appears throughout the area displays. (Photo by Lloyd Fleig)

There are many reasons why you might be walking through the halls of the Eau Claire County Courthouse (721 Oxford Ave., Eau Claire). Taxpayers, attorneys, jurors, and happy wedding attendants are all there, too.

The courthouse is open to the public, and that means, a person like me — without any other reason to be there — you can also walk around the building simply to enjoy the creative art on display!

There is a fabulous variety of local artwork on display, all curated by local photographer, Lloyd Fleig. Keith Zehms, corporation counsel in Eau Claire, noticed the art installations are on display at the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (3800 Starr Ave., Eau Claire) and wanted to do something similar due to the remodel of the Eau Claire County Jail.

A gallery hanging system was introduced to allow for easy installation. It’s labeled with descriptions by artist and medium to help you understand and appreciate each artwork.

Artists currently display their works on four floors in the courthouse building with a selection also in the Eau Claire County Human Services building.

“We started this in 2012 and displayed the work of photographers from the Chippewa Valley Photo Club, so we had a pool of photographers who we started with,” Fleig said. “Now, we are in contact with the Chippewa Valley Art Association and other art mediums, so there is a nice mix of art styles represented.

The art ranges from architecture sketches to photography, acrylic works, oil paintings, and watercolor — with approximately 180 pieces now hanging, Fleig added.

The corner of Eau Claire and Barstow street, captured by Fleig.

“It's a lot of work to get the art created and framed. The work is changed every six months,” he said. “At the courthouse, if someone likes an art piece, they talk to the County Clerk's office, and then she gets them in touch with the artist. A percentage of sales goes into a general scholarship fund.”

Chief Deputy County Clerk Andrea Helland said, “Employees look forward to when the artwork is getting changed out. It definitely adds to the hallways.”

Lloyd also curates art for the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport, displaying art in the main terminal area and then in the hallway by the restaurant. Usually there are ten pieces in the hallway and good-sized pieces in the main terminal with up to 12 or 13 pieces, depending on the size.

Charity Zich, the airport director, enjoys the rotating art on display at the airport.

“Our office receives so much positive feedback about the Art in the Airport program, and we are extremely grateful for Lloyd’s dedication to leading it,” Zich said. “I’m certain the success of the program is due to his ongoing dedication.”

Lloyd also curates art in the Altoona Extension Office (227 1st St. W).

These three community displays were not originally designed to sell art, but to give local artists more opportunities to display their work.

“Some artists do not have their work for sale, but I would say a good percentage have it for sale,” Fleig said. “There are signs in each location that give you information on how to support these local artists. The primary thing that I would want to stress most — come out to view the art!”

"Behind the Easel” is a periodic column by Patricia Hawkenson, a visual artist and one of the proprietors of Decadent Gifts & Gallery in Eau Claire.