Ria Di Salvo

This is a strange thing for me to do! I don’t talk about myself very much! I come from a large family originally from Milwaukee, and in 1967 my parents moved up to Stevens Point. In the photo you see me and my twin, and my father. (Guess which one I am!) When I say large I mean large by today’s standard. There were 11 of us in a small ranch style home. Somehow it worked until my sisters and I aged enough to move out. Six girls first, then the three boys. Chaos and fights yes, but love was always a constant!

I have always been an artist. I did not aspire I just was. Even when we were young we had crayons and paper. Mother made sure to enable us to be creative early on! I looked at the world and said why not and I can try to do. It was only later in life that I had any doubts because of outside forces, ie schools and other people that did not see what I saw and what I was trying to create. I grew in my experiences to see what I liked and what I did not. I have learned to be more open minded about what “ART” is. It is funny that I felt more rigid when I was young, what I thought was acceptable. There are many ways for everyone to show their way of seeing the world and it is a thrill to go with an open heart and open mind!

I draw Inspiration from observing my world and wanting to share it with everyone through art. Sometimes I am successful and sometimes I am not. But, it does not stop me from continuing to strive for more new experiences and new ways to be express them! I have had opportunities to try many technics through drawing and painting, photography, jewelry designing, ceramics, graphic designing, stained glass and other crafts, like pressed flower creations.

I will always be up for trying new things. As I have aged I realize life is way too short, and if you feel passionate about something to just go for it!

You can find Ria’s 3D Alley Art on the back of Stratton Drugs (#13). She lives in Amherst.

Bruce Doscher

Bruce Doscher is an Creative Director / Art Director / Illustrator / Artist / Dad. Originally from Long Island, New York, he's lived and worked in New York City, San Francisco, and Auckland, New Zealand. He now resides in Waupaca and works remotely. His work in Waupaca is bright, arresting, and has a whimsical sense of humor. More of his work can be found at brucedoscher.com

You can see his 3D Alley Art on the side of Stange’s (#4 & 5), behind Antiques on Main (#6), and behind Tre of Life (#18). He lives in Waupaca.

Stephon Kiba Freeman

My name is Stephon Kiba Freeman, creator and owner of Kiba Freeman Art, LLC.

Over the last seven years or so, I have primarily created landscapes and scenery spray paint art. While the paint is wet, I am able to utilize layering, masking, and reductive techniques to produce unique effects. Since the birth of my daughter in 2018, my spray paintings have become a bit more whimsical in nature; pulling from how I imagine she views the world around her.

My recent work is still made mostly with spray paint; however, I have started to incorporate paint marker, water based spray paint, and the use of some stencils. Using my hands, palette knives, magazine paper, and other found objects are other ways I have been able manipulate the wet paint. I have to cycle between working quickly and being patient because spray paint dries fast, but stays sticky too long to use a stencil or marker right away. It is because of my understanding of this balance that I am able to produce work that captivates the viewer. 

Even with the slight change in my recent work, my objective remains the same: to allow the viewer to visit the places I mentally create as a form of escape. Welcome to my worlds: I hope you enjoy your stay.  Go to Stephon’s website to see more of his work.

You can find Stephon’s 3D Alley Art on the back of Aquamos Coffee Collaborative (#24), and a sewer grate in Rotary Riverview Park (#21)! He lives in Steven’s Point.

Kris Morse

I am a contemporary nature artist. Our family resides within a few miles of the beautiful Kettle Moraine State Forest. This wonderful, wooded Wisconsin area is also where I grew up, and has offered me years of endless inspiration!

My designs are painted in acrylic, a medium creating a fast dry time which results in a quicker end time for my art piece. This is wonderful, as I tend to lack patience, always anxious to see the finished piece. My works have evolved over the years, but it seems my love for creating bird life is what my paintings most often reflect.

My works are currently displayed throughout the U.S. – in private collections, coffee houses, breweries, wineries, and corporate buildings. In 2014, 2015 & 2016, I was honored to be commissioned to create the signature art piece for the Blind Match World Championship, sailing those years from Sheboygan.

I have designed and painted many indoor and outdoor murals, the largest of those being a design depicting historic Manitowoc on the side of the Artist Lofts apartments there. Other local examples include the pelican and lakefront mural, and bike path inspired works outside of RCS Empowers in Sheboygan; the Harley inspired mural at Fat Cow in Sheboygan Falls; and a now a Waupaca 3D Alley Art piece featuring a Sandhill Crane. You can reach Kris at www.instagram.com/krissykdesign

You can see Kris’ 3D Alley Art behind Panache. (#2) She lives in Cascade, WI.

Laura Reynolds

Laura Reynolds is a retired physical therapist who loves to be creative. She enjoys pottery, printmaking and weaving.

You can see Laura’s 3D Alley Art on the side of Office Outfitters. (#1) She lives in Waupaca.

Antiques on Main

A huge thank you to Mona Thoreson, owner of Antiques on Main, who offered her back room as a supply and staging area for our artists. Her generosity made it so easy for us to share supplies between our artists over the course of several months, saving us a lot of money and making life much easier for everyone involved in the project! Mona, you’re the absolute best!