Hanseatic Art Gallery: Southern Sun

Friday, January 7, 2011

Southern Sun

It's a lazy siesta-afternoon on the Spanish island of Tenerife. Ellen artistically expresses her impressions of the whitewashed walls, an abundance of flowers; a sleepy donkey and the island's colorful people. Acrylic painting. 20" x 24".

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ABOUT THE ARTISTS

KARSTEN AND ELLEN TOPELMANN

Born in Munich, Germany, Karsten's first art influences came from his parents--his architect father and sculptress mother. He reeived his formal training at the Munich Royal Academy of Art. Following graduation he traveled around Europe painting its cityscapes and landscapes. Karsten came to America in 1955, where he had an illustrious career as a graphic designer and illustrator in the Midwest.

While working in Chicago, Karsten met another artist, Ellen Sprogoe. Ellen was also from Germany. She had grown up in the Hanseatic city of Hamburg, where she also studied art. When she came to Chicago in the '50s, she created animation art for television and worked as fashion designer.

In 1959 they married and started their family. In the '60s they visited Door County on a family vacation, falling in love with the Wisconsin peninsula's rugged beauty. Two years later, they purchased the historic Larson Rooming House in Ephraim and transformed it into the Hanseatic Art Gallery.

Now, their children, Lars and Lisa, are grown and have moved away. But Karsten and Ellen continue to paint Door County and their favorite things in oil, watercolor and acrylic. On any summer's day, they are at the gallery to greet their friends and visitors.

Meet Viva

For many summer seasons, her royal highness Jessica the cat welcomed visitors to the Hanseatic Art Gallery. Sadly, she is no longer with us.

This winter, Lars and Lisa suggested it was time for their parents to bring a new cat into their home and gallery. After a brief search, they found princess Viva, a feisty, strong-willed Siamese.

Here's Viva--looking as though she has always belonged--reclining on her new throne beneath Ellen's acrylic painting of the beautiful, beloved and unforgettable Jessica.

About the Gallery

Karsten and Ellen opened the doors of their ever-evolving gallery over forty years ago. At that time, it occupied two rooms while the rest of the house was the family home. Nowadays, their original paintings, prints and greeting card designs decorate five rooms, upstairs and downstairs. There is always new art to see.
Though the Topelmanns have moved their home next door, the gallery retains that cozy atmosphere that makes visiting the Hanseatic Art Gallery such a unique experience.
If you are planning to visit Door County next season, stop by any afternoon except Sunday. The gallery is located just a few doors down from the main Hwy 42 in the heart of Ephraim.
Hanseatic Art Gallery
P.O. Box 13
3060 County Q (Church St.)
Ephraim, WI 54211
Contact us at karstenandellen
@charter.net