A familiar face and celebrated talent, Pete Sandker was the 2025 Best of Show winner and perennial favorite among festival-goers. Pete’s work is taken from cross-disciplinary inspiration, featuring a striking visual language that blends the bold precision of Japanese block prints, the charm of classic book illustrations, and the sharp, graphic linework of tattoo art. His artistic philosophy is rooted in the idea of universal connection—the belief that everything is intricately linked.

If you are an artist, you’ve almost certainly shared a conversation with her. If you’re a festival-goer, you’ve felt the impact of her planning. Zoe Morning is an indispensable part of the Wausau Festival of Arts (WFoA), serving as the Festival Coordinator—the vital link between our artists and the board that keeps the festival thriving year after year.

If you’ve seen any promotional material for the Wausau Festival of Arts (WFoA) over the years, you’ve likely experienced the work of Gary Carle. Gary has been a driving force and an integral part of the festival’s success for decades, and we are thrilled that he continues to lend his artistic vision to our annual themes.