Area artist on display at Michael Fields
The works of Charles Kilmer, of Palmyra, will be on display at the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute Gallery, W2493 Highway ES, East Troy, in the “Creatures and Carvings of Spring” exhibit beginning Saturday.
The exhibit will open with a reception from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Saturday and run through June 9.
The Michael Fields Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and Sunday mornings by appointment for public viewing of the exhibit. All sales of artwork are direct to the artist.
Kilmer began carving wood when he created a wooden cane for his own father.
“I started wood carving when my father needed a cane,” he said. “I then made my uncles each a cane.”
Kilmer grew up in the Wisconsin driftless area on a small dairy farm, where he said he gained a great appreciation for the outdoors and nature.
“Now I live in the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest with my wife, Chris, and our dog, Zephyr,” he said. “We enjoy hiking, skiing, kayaking and bicycling, which makes the Southern Kettle Moraine a great fit for our lifestyle.
After carving the cane for his family members, Kilmer moved on to artistic pieces. He said he often uses wood from his own property for his artwork and inspiration from events in his life.
“My boat carvings were an inspiration from a kayaking trip that we took,” Kilmer said. “I started making whirly-gigs when a friend asked me to repair one for him.”
Kilmer’s works are part of a series of quarterly art exhibitions featured at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute and hosted by the Good Earth Church of the Divine. Part of the Good Earth mission is to recognize the healing effects of the arts upon the human spirit, even as it draws attention to Earth care as a moral obligation and sacred calling.
“I continue carving for the joy of bringing wood back to life,” Kilmer said.
For more information, call (262) 684-5193.
