Paine Art Center and Gardens — Attraction in Oshkosh

I had the honor of serving as the official photographer at a truly remarkable event—the 10th-anniversary celebration of the Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation. The festivities occurred in the enchanting Garden Room of the Paine Art Center & Garden, which radiated warmth and charm. Sunlight streamed through the expansive windows, casting a soft golden glow that danced across the beautifully set tables. Each table was a work of art, adorned with elegant glass flute centerpieces and delicate White Orchids, creating an inviting atmosphere that perfectly complemented the evening’s vibrant mood.

As guests arrived, they were greeted by the cheerful clinking of glasses at a top-notch mobile bar, where skilled staff perfectly mixed classic cocktails. I wove through the lively crowd, capturing candid moments showcasing the joy and connections blossoming throughout the celebration.

The culinary experience was exceptional, featuring a stunning array of exquisite hors d'œuvres that delighted the senses. The air was filled with mouthwatering aromas from the freshly prepared delicacies, enticing every guest and elevating the festive spirit of the evening.

Laughter and heartfelt conversations filled the room, punctuated by inspiring speeches that honored a decade of growth and achievement. Guests shared uplifting stories of community spirit and collaboration, reflecting on the incredible journey that had brought them together. A palpable sense of pride enveloped everyone, uniting them in a shared vision for the future. This celebration wasn’t just a look back at past triumphs but a shining beacon of the limitless potential that awaits our...

Magical in every way. The formal garden beds mirror the color palette of the Tiffany glass, the exhibition at the Paine until mid -September. The Paine Mansion was designed by an architect to be an English manor house, it was built before the Great Depression, with limestone from Minnesota, and as Mr. Paine was a lumber baron, the interior rooms showcase the artistry of the carpenters, in those years , whose talents were to make wood to appear as folded linen fabric. The carpenters were artisans. The Minnesota limestone inside the house was polished to give it the look of fine marble. There are Tiffany glass lamps in the rooms - on display, and adding to the grand hall of Tiffany glass, many of these works are on well-crafted wood plinths. Colors: orange, blood red, purples, greens, blues, with some of the lamps gilded in gold. Tiffany's art mirrored nature's flora and fauna. Imagine how the plantings in the gardens reflect the colors Tiffany used in his glass. Not to overlook the bronze lamp bases that also mirror leaves, stems, and bark of trees. On this day- mild temperatures and a sun that is absent, imagine too the joy of seeing the glass by Tiffany, and the gardens so beautifully arranged with selected plantings to mirror the colors of the glass. A wonderful experience. There's a new parking area, just steps from the entrance. The lady at the entry was most pleasant. There were gardeners transplanting day lilies and sundry other plantings, happily working and sharing their joy with our group of seven. Beauty in glass and in...

My wife and I have not been to the Paine for their Nutcracker display before and brought our kids (5,7) as we knew they could look for the mice. The kids thought the mice were great and even our 5 year old was finding them. The carriage house was extra great for kids with their Sugar Plum Fairy. Everyone of the staff was great talking to our kids and helping relate the Paine to things the kids cared about. The kids especially loved Elphelia, the Sugar Plum Fair. My daughter loves her. She stayed in character the whole time and rolled with the punches when my rather brought up a million different things with unicorns. 🙈 Obviously, this more of a place to take in the beauty of the house and decor. Only being able to see it by bringing our kids though, there was enough stuff to do for them and history that blew their little minds. Thank you to the staff for the...