Angling for the Arts!
- Friends of RD Pike Building
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read
Written by: Todd P. Berg, Friends of the R.D. Pike Building, Inc.
In August of 2025, a large crowd attended the "Picnic, Petals & Paintings at The Pike" event at the R.D. Pike Building which was located on the grounds of the Bayfield State Fish Hatchery. The event was designed to showcase the return of the beautiful flower gardens located on the property and to recreate the traditional picnics that were often held in the front yard in the early 1900's.
During the August event, local artists sketched and painted their interpretations of the iconic building, the flower gardens, wildlife on the ponds located just south of the building and much more. These local artists have all graciously donated their wonderful artwork to the Friends of the R.D. Pike Building for auction to raise funds for the restoration of the iconic Porch on the front of the historic hatchery building. The Friends group has been highlighting each of the paintings on their Social Media Channels. These works of art have also been displayed in several public spaces throughout the months of December and January.
We are hoping that all of you mark your calendars for a very special event. The Friends Group is excited to showcase and highlight these local artists’ amazing talent, abilities and interpretations. Beginning on Valentines Day weekend 2026, we will be holding a 10-day silent auction event through the Friends' website for each of these paintings. All funds generated will be dedicated to the porch restoration project on the R.D. Pike Building. Exterior reconstruction and renovation to the building is scheduled to begin in 2026.
The auction will be held online through our website. The paintings are shown here so you can see some of the great work from these artists in advance of the auction. Click each image to enlarge. There are watercolors, pastels, acrylic and more. Full details and specifics of the auction and how to take part will be listed here on the Friends Group’s website prior to the auction.
Interestingly, the paintings of the building will be true collector's items as they represent the historic building “as it sits right now”. The grand front porch and verandah that we are aiming to re-create on the building fell into disrepair and was sadly removed in the 1950’s. Two ante rooms were added at that time, one at the front entrance and a smaller one at the Northeast corner entrance of the building.
With the reconstruction happening in 2026, these two structures are being removed to accommodate the original roof lines on the building which will accommodate replacement of the Grand Front Porch that welcomed visitors from near and far for over 60 years when the building was first constructed in 1897! We hope you will join in the fun by bidding on a true piece of Bayfield History. Come join us on the Grand Front Porch!
To make a secure, online donation toward the renovation via PayPal, click the Online Donation button below.
You may also send a check to:
The Friends of the R.D. Pike Building, Inc., PO Box 511, Washburn, WI 54891.
If you wish to discuss a structured donation, please reach out by email at friendsrdpike@gmail.com or telephone 715-820-2967. The Friends of the R.D. Pike Building, Inc., is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization and your donations are tax deductible.
Thank you for your ongoing support as we Re-Awaken History at the R.D. Pike Building!
Get Involved!
We need your help! There are many ways to support Friends of the R.D. Pike Building. Learn more about volunteering your time, or making a cash donation.
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