The Friends of the Mercer Public Library are proud to welcome oil painter McCall Hocking as the Mercer Public Library Artist in Residence for the second quarter of 2024. Hocking’s work will be featured in exhibits and events at the library from now through the end of June 2024. The library exhibit includes 29 original oil paintings and mixed media collage ranging in size from 8” by 10” to 4’ by 4’ canvases.
The library will host an Opening Reception on Wednesday, April 17 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Mercer Public Library. This event is free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be served. Hocking will present brief remarks about her work and her experience as an artist at 5:30 p.m.
Hocking’s oil paintings are a whimsical and humorous take on the beauty and absurdity of modern life, featuring Northwoods-influenced landscapes combined with anthropomorphized woodland creatures inspired by friends, family, and self. “It’s a crazy time we’re living through,” said Hocking, “Sometimes all you can do is appreciate the beauty, laugh at the absurdity, and do the best you can.”
“McCall’s work is a delightful addition to our library exhibit space,” said library director Teresa Schmidt. “Her work is so different than many of the other artists working in the area. Her skill is undeniable, and her work makes you smile and see the natural world in a new way.”
Hocking grew up in central, then southeastern Wisconsin, using art as an escape from her loud, loving family. After earning a degree in ceramics from UW-Madison, she received her teaching degree in K12 Art from the University of Denver and taught for five years before burning out and moving to the mountains. She and her husband moved to the Northwoods of Wisconsin in 2018, where McCall is currently painting in the free time between being a mom to two feral young boys.
Hocking will be teaching two free workshops at the Mercer Library during her residency: a landscape in oil workshop on May 25 and a class on mindful art creating on June 15. Both classes are free, but space is limited, and registration is required. More information will be posted on the library’s website.
The Mercer Library Artist in Residence program is sponsored by the Friends of the Mercer Public Library. Each quarter the library will welcome a new artist for exhibits and workshops for the public. For more information, visit the library’s website at mercerpubliclibrary.org or call the library at 715-476-2366.