50 Artists for 50 Years: Dale Whittaker

Dale Whittaker is a year around Madeline Island resident that likes to capture the natural moods and beauty of the Apostle Islands in watercolor. He spends as much time in the woods and on the water listening and seeing as he does painting. Dale is primarily self-taught, and his formal training was done through workshops with master artists Eric Weigardt, Chien Chung Wei, Marc Folly and Kim English.

Dale is an active part of the island artist community and is represented by the Bell Street Gallery in both LaPointe and Bayfield.  

Dale spent much of his career in universities and currently works remotely for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as a Senior Advisor for higher education.

What energizes you about the future of the arts in Wisconsin?

I am energized by the natural beauty of northern Wisconsin that is becoming more precious as the northern coast of the US.  I am also very excited by the young artists and indigenous artists from around the country that are attracted to Wisconsin.  Our state has a future that will be enriched by art.

Why do you think public funding for the arts matters?

Experiencing art that evokes the moods of Lake Superior, the purity of the Apostle Islands, and small moments that still the mind should not be only for those who can afford to access them. Public funding for the arts allows everyone to experience the transformative power of art.

Is there anything else you would like to share as the Arts Board celebrates the past 50 years?

I appreciate WAB’s investments in small towns, tribal lands, and the northland because opportunities to create and experience art tend to be denser where there are more people. WAB’s attention and funding helps offset that difference.

Where can we find your work?

Dale is represented by Bell Street Gallery.