Veterans to show art at Highground

The Highground Veterans Memorial Park will be a host site for the 2021 “Spring Into the Arts” Tour in Clark County this weekend, April 24-25.

Several military veteran artists will be displaying their works at The Highground Museum, including local veteran artist Shawn Ganther as well as Ashley Spangberg (Patriot Beads & Brass), Merle Retzlaff (unique birdhouses), and Dave Petenpohl (carved wooden bowls and quilts). In addition, military poetry volumes by Steve Maddox and art prints by The Highground founder Tom Miller will be available.

The park is home to several worldclass outdoor sculptures and tributes, including the National Native American Vietnam Veterans Tribute, “The Forgotten Warrior.” Guided tours of The Highground will be available at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Guests can also go on self-guided walking tours of The Highground at all times.

As part of The Highground’s mission of healing, sample art items and instructions will be available free of charge to veterans and families who are working their way through PTSD and other mental health issues. These items will also be available to all guests for a small donation. There is no “wrong way” to be an artist, and the road to healing could start with this one small step.

The public is invited to add a stop at the museum as part of the “Spring Into the Arts” weekend. The hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. The Highground is located at W7031 Ridge Rd, Neillsville WI 54456. For more information, contact Theresa at 715-743-4224 or by email at museum@thehighground.us.