The opening reception is an opportunity for attendees to get a first peek at one of the premiere art shows in Northern Wisconsin, and then join Brehmer as she shares her remarks on the curation of this prestigious show.

Tickets to the reception are $20 and include heavy appetizers, refreshments, and thoughtful comments by the judge. Purchase tickets in advance through the Nicolet College Art Gallery by calling 715.365.4556 or emailing artgallery@nicoletcollege.edu. Tickets can also be purchased at Childs Frame Company in Rhinelander and from members of the Northern Arts Council. Limited seating available.

The annual Northern National Art Competition is a cooperative venture between Nicolet College Arts & Enrichment and the Northern Arts Council that aims to share resources as well as community art and cultural activities in Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Oneida, and Vilas Counties. The show attracts hundreds of entries nationwide, showcasing a cross section of contemporary art in a variety of two-dimensional mediums.

This year’s show will be juried by Debra Brehmer, an arts writer and curator, who owns and operates Portrait Society Gallery, a contemporary art space in Milwaukee. She was also the former editor and publisher of Art Muscle magazine. Prior to opening the gallery, she taught art history as an adjunct professor for 10 years at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design.