CJ Connor’s Fear of Dark, a former V1 cover and recent Best in Show at Chippewa Valley Spring Art Show

    With very few artistic avenues in Chetek, a handful of artists are teaming up in a collaborative effort to start the Area Artists Emporium. As part of the effort, the building formerly known as The Dog Dance Art Center already houses Rustic Rover, Red Cat Antiques, Kitten’s Closet, Eckaki, Talented Toes Dance School, Bobbi’s Scentsy, and individual artist studios like that of painter CJ Connor – all under one roof. In addition to bringing artists together, the endeavor is hoping to draw out-of-town visitors. Owner Nancy Erickson Dutmer said, “We’re working on some goofy art that will draw the tourists into the place. For the summer, my daughter won’t teach dance class, so we’re going to use her studio to have tourists paint wooden fish that will be posted outside on our interactive mural.” The Emporium also has community art shows, one of which will be “Miniature Art,” opening May 7.