Community remembers a lifelong contributor to local arts and culture
The Waupaca County arts community is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved and influential members. Doris Weed, a well-known local artist whose dedication and talent shaped the Waupaca Fine Arts Festival (WFAF) and the broader community for over six decades, died this week, according to an announcement made on Friday, Aug. 15, by the Waupaca Art Show.
The news, shared in a heartfelt Facebook post, has touched the hearts of countless residents, artists, and admirers who saw Doris not only as an exceptional creative force but also as a cherished friend and neighbor. “It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Doris Weed, a cherished member of the Waupaca Fine Arts Festival (WFAF) Art Show community,” read the announcement. “Whether you knew her as a close friend, fellow artist, admirer of her work, or simply as someone who has stepped into a Waupaca business, chances are you’ve encountered a D. WEED work of art.”
The legacy of Doris Weed is woven into the very fabric of Waupaca’s arts scene. Her remarkable record speaks for itself: Doris is the only artist to have entered the WFAF Art Show every single year since its inception in 1963. That’s an extraordinary 62 consecutive years of contributions, marking her as a pillar of steadfast creativity and community engagement. Festival organizers say her artwork and involvement have shaped the annual event and enriched the lives of all who attended.
“Her dedication, artistry, and presence have shaped our festival and enriched our community in immeasurable ways,” the announcement continued. “Even in the weeks before her passing, she was painting a piece for the Waupaca Community Arts Board’s Art on the Square Ferris Wheel installation.” This tireless commitment to her craft, evident throughout her final days, has inspired generations of artists and art lovers in Waupaca and the surrounding areas.
The Waupaca Fine Arts Festival owes much of its unique character to Doris Weed’s enduring presence. From its humble beginnings in 1963 to its current position as a centerpiece of Waupaca’s cultural calendar, the festival has benefited from Doris’s commitment, leadership, and vision.
“She is the reason we now host the event at Waupaca’s historic Danes Hall,” the festival’s organizers noted. “Her determination to enjoy a glass of wine or a beer while strolling through an art show (license or not!) is part of the very reason we now host the event at Waupaca’s historic Danes Hall.”
Her story is one of breaking boundaries and setting new standards for what it means to be an engaged artist within a close-knit community.