In Memoriam: Marilyn Fuerstenberg

As difficult as it is to part with a painting, I realize my painting will travel where it needs to go and be seen by those who need to see it.

—Marilyn Fuerstenberg

Marilyn Fuerstenberg, founding member and supporter of the Whitewater Arts Alliance, passed away on June 27, 2024, at the age of 81. She left behind an endearing watercolor art career that spanned over 35 years, her works being showcased both locally and internationally.

 Having initially started in oil painting before moving to using watercolors in 1988, Marilyn reflected in her artist statement on the Portal Wisconsin website saying, “I discovered that transparent watercolor allows me to capture both subtle and vibrant color through multiple washes applied to paper.” Marilyn would use her art to “recreate reality, life and emotion as I have felt it or envisioned it.”

 While creating a painting out of the watercolor medium is never easy, Marilyn had always found enjoyment in the challenge of developing her beautiful works, noting the excitement she would get from “watching the colors mingle and flow as the painting comes to life.” Some of her works were not planned out ahead of time, with Marilyn just “going with the flow of the paints,” while others were filled with impeccable detail for any on-looker to find as they gave the work a closer look.

 Marilyn was a self-taught artist, having no formal training prior to starting her watercolor career. Marilyn was described as being instrumental in helping her Whitewater High School classmate and friend, Tom Jewell, enroll in his formal art training at the Layton School of Art.

 Marilyn’s works have been shown in many parts of the world including, but not limited to, Old World Wisconsin, The Georgia Watercolor Society Juried Show, Hoard Museum, and Whitewater’s own Cultural Arts Center (CAC), among many others.

Her works have also won many awards, including Artist of the Month for the American Artist Magazine and several Wisconsin Regional Artist Program (WRAP) awards.  Marilyn was also a member of the Visionary Artists and the Wisconsin Watercolor Society.

Over the years, Marilyn was known for organizing and leading watercolor workshops for others to learn and explore the medium. She also enjoyed working with children in creating art projects, including providing encouragement to her grandchildren. Marilyn was supportive of the direction of the Whitewater Arts Alliance during the past year. As recently as February 2024, Marilyn wanted to do a watercolor workshop (sponsored by the WAA), but her health would not allow for this wish.

Marilyn dedicated 25 years of helping children in Walworth County by serving as a child protection social worker for Walworth County and Social Services. She had a sense of love for children and stayed in touch with some of those she helped earlier in their lives.

Marilyn was also very good at keeping in touch with her friends from Whitewater High School, being a part of the class of 1961. Until her passing, she had organized a lunch meet-up with all her local friends on the third Monday of every month. Marilyn was described as the glue that held them together. In addition to the monthly lunches, Marilyn coordinated consecutive class reunions every five years—right after their 5th reunion was held.

 Marilyn made an impact on the Whitewater and surrounding communities in ways that are beyond a single imagination. She will be remembered with great respect and gratitude by so many. 

 The Whitewater Arts Alliance, in collaboration with the Whitewater High School Class of 1961, aims to pay ongoing tribute to Marilyn through the Annual Marilyn Fuerstenberg Legacy Campaign.

The Legacy

To honor Marilyn, the Marilyn Fuerstenberg Legacy Campaign is being launched to generate funds to sustain and support the annual Paint Wisconsin exhibition. Paint Wisconsin is an annual exhibition held every August, beginning in 2025. The theme is to create artistic works that capture the aesthetics and life of Wisconsin. Artists will be invited to submit up to three pieces for the exhibition and encouraged to donate one of the pieces to be auctioned off as a fundraiser. The proceeds from the campaign will:

• Support the annual costs of the exhibition,

• Provide operational funding for the gallery,

• Create continuous educational opportunities and implement children’s art programs.

These endeavors are ways in which the Whitewater Arts Alliance can sustain the hopes and dreams of Marilyn Fuerstenberg and build on her legacy of “celebrating the arts and creating community.”

The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) is a charitable, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that produces numerous visual and performing arts events throughout each year. Most of these events are provided to the public free of charge and all members of the public are welcome to attend. The WAA depends on the generosity of its members, donors, sponsors, and volunteers.

How to Give

Gifts by check may be made payable to Whitewater Arts Alliance and mailed to Whitewater Arts Alliance, PO Box 311, Whitewater, WI 53190, or dropped off at the Cultural Arts Center Gallery at 402 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI, during posted gallery exhibit hours. Please notate on your check “Marilyn Fuerstenberg Legacy Campaign”.

Gifts by credit card, debit card, or PayPal account may be made by clicking on the “Donate” button below within the “Marilyn Fuerstenberg Legacy Campaign” box: