Laurie Tenpas's original paintings are inspired by the Midwestern wildlife and landscape. Laurie's choice of colors and shapes evoke a sense of adventure and the feeling of exploration in the natural world. The visual ambiguity of her abstract works allows viewers to invent meaning and context.

Laurie lives with her family in a farmhouse built in 1854 nestled next to the Wisconsin River. She retired from the Nekoosa School District after teaching art for 24 years to 9 - 12th graders. Laurie's work can be seen in many of the regional galleries such as the Central Wisconsin Cultural Center in Wisconsin Rapids,and Wildes Art Gallery in Tomah, Wisconsin.

Laurie Tenpas
TenpasWinds Studio
Nekoosa, Wisconsin 54457
715-886-3883

Education and Professional Employment

1. Full-time Artist & Teacher / 9-12 grade, Nekoosa High School, Nekoosa, WI, 1997 - present
2. M.S.E., Art,  Universtiy of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, 2001
3. B.S., Art Education Major, & Environmental Science Minor, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, 1997

Affiliations/Memberships

1. National Art Education Association (NAEA)
2. National Teachers Association (NTA)
3. Wisconsin Visual Artist Guild (WVAG)
4. Central Wisconsin Teachers & Artists (CWTA)
5. Central Wisconsin Cultural Center in Wisconsin Rapids
6. Historic Point Basse - Living History Center, Nekoosa, WI
7. Marshfield Clinic's - Weston Center
8. Reaching New Heights Gallery in Weston
9. Wildes Art Gallery in Tomah

International Studies Programs - University of Wisconsin Stevens Point

1. Art History & Architectural Design - Italy, Summer 1996
2. Art History & Architectural Design - England, France, Belgium & Scotland, Summer 1994

Related Experiences

*"Head, Heart, Hands, Synergy" Mosaic Mural - Davita Dialysis Building, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin - Collaboration with Nekoosa High School Painting and Multi-Media Students, April 2012.
 
* "Celebrating Natures Web" Mosaic Mural - Nekoosa Flora Building, Nekoosa Wisconsin - Community collaboration with Bonnie Dhein, Dawn Olson, Isabel Goetz, Martha Karris, Roxine Karbowski & Nekoosa schools students and community members - August 2010 - June 2011.

*SwiftWater Community Mural Project   
Collaboration with mosaic artist Martha Karris & Ceramic artist Bonnie Dhein, Kolar Eye Building, Nekoosa, WI  August    2008 – June 2009

1. Mosaic/Paint Mural Collaboration with mosaic artist Martha Karris & Rock Youth Ministry church group, Wisconsin Rapids, WI  July, 2008
2. Giant Pumpkin Fest Mural Collaboration with Nekoosa High School Students, Riverside Park, Nekoosa, WI, June-July, 2007
3. Dumbek & Udu Art/Music Collaboration with Nekoosa High School art & band students & Professor Bob Rosen & percussion majors of University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, December 2006
4. Woodlake Apartment Makeover Collaboration with Nekoosa High School Students & apartment owners W Squared Apartments LLC, Nekoosa, WI, March 2006
5. Nekoosa Fire Department Mural Collaboration with Nekoosa High School Students, Nekoosa Safety Building, Nekoosa, WI, 2001
6. Tiled archway "Enchanted Forest" library entrance Collaboration with Professor Anne-Bridget Gary of University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Riverview Elementary School, Wausau, WI., 1998
7. Painting Workshop Coordinator for Lian Zhen (International Chinese Painter) in Nekoosa area through Viterbo University, 2001-2008
8. Assistant/Counselor Conservatory for Creative Expression, Arts Quest Program, Stevens Point, WI, 1996
9. Juried on the selection committee for the Neceedah Wildlife Refuge Artist in Residence Program. 2006-present
10. Served as judge for the Wisconsin Federal Junior Duck Stamp competition, Neceedah, WI, April 1996
11. Central Wisconsin Environmental Station Activities Designer, fall semester 1994

Exhibitions/Awards

1. Colorama - The Fall Show, 2Awards of Excellence, Marshfield Clinic Reaching New Heights Gallery, Weston, WI, October 2008
2. Grand Affair Art Show, Peoples Choice Award, Centralia Center, Wisconsin Rapids, WI, September 2008
3. Women With Attitude Show, Central Wisconsin Cultural Center, Wisconsin Rapids, WI May, 2008
4. Cattails & Flowers - The Spring Exhibit, Marshfield Clinic Reaching New Heights Gallery, Weston, WI, March, 2008
5. Peace on Earth -The Winter Show, Runner Up - Best of Show, Marshfield Clinic Reaching New Heights Gallery, Weston, WI, December 2007

Corporate Collections

• Lester, Smart, Fehrmen Insurance Agency, Wisconsin Rapids, WI
• ThedaCare Physicians, Inc. Waupaca, WI