For Hub City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – An upcoming exhibit at the Alexander House will feature two artists that showcase the talents of scratchboard and sculpture, as works by Melissa Helene, Bloomington, MN, and Don Esser, Waunakee, are on display.

Melissa Helene is a scratchboard artist living and working in the Midwest.  She is an “uncredentialed artist who has been learning and growing as an artist for over 15 years in a variety of mediums.” The bulk of her work consists of highly detailed, photo realistic wildlife scratchboard portraits and landscapes.  Melissa Helene Fine Arts and Photography, launched in January 2015, is dedicated to using art and creative expression to raise awareness of wildlife, wild places, and conservation issues to help protect the very places and creatures that inspire her work.

Melissa’s fine art scratchboard work is inspired by endangered species and wild places.  This high contrast, hyper-detailed medium is perfect for wildlife portraits and expansive landscapes.  Her work is photo realistic and exclusively black and white.

Don Esser is an artist with 40 years of experience in creating metal works. He has a portfolio of varied accomplishments, including commissions, exhibitions and awards. He has a strong history of innovation and forward thinking across a wide array of techniques.

Esser creates thousands of art pieces using hot forged steel, copper, and bronze.  You can find his work in various locations including:  Marshfield Cancer Clinic, Stevens Point, McFarland Lutheran Church, McFarland, Cross Plains Library, Cross Plains, and Waunakee High School, Waunakee.

An opening reception will be held June 1, 5-8 p.m. The exhibit is on display through July 17.

The Alexander House is open from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday and by special appointment.

For more information, visit alexanderhouseonline.org