Old Town Hall Studio and Gallery honors visitors’ requests

By MITCH MAERSCH

Ozaukee Press staff

Don Urness retired from Cedar Grove-Belgium High School a couple of years ago, but apparently not from teaching, and his wife Eileen is joining him.

Demand from visitors to the couple’s Old Town Hall Studio and Gallery in Belgium has driven them to act.

“Over the last couple of years we have had several people asking for more classes, so we decided to accommodate them,” Don said.

Last Saturday, Eileen led a class on making silk flower fairies complete with kits that allow adults and children to make their paper flowers at the studio or at home.

Don led a class on handmade paper art in honor of Earth Day, continuing the tradition he started with his students. Classes would pick up litter and combine it into a large piece of art.

The pair of classes are the first in a series the Urnesses will offer throughout spring and summer.

“Most of these classes are open to children and adults alike. I will also be giving some classes throughout the summer geared to beginning and continuing artists,” Don said.

Snow globe/fairy environments will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 13, the day of the annual village rummage sale. The cost is $6.

Simple intaglio printmaking on a plastic etching plate for high schoolers through adults will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 24. The  cost is $15.

At least five more classes are set for June through August.

People are asked to register in advance by emailing oldtownhallstudio@gmail.com.

The Urnesses bought the building at 814 Main St. for $8,000 from the Town of Belgium in the summer of 2021 and renovated the building, including adding a bathroom.

The Urnesses named the studio after its former use.

The Town of Belgium moved its Town Hall to 171 Main St.