Theresa Anacker Wohlers
an illustrator/author, portrait and landscape artist and creator of unique clay sculpture figures.
Born in Madison, Wisconsin, I grew up on a Columbia County farm in a family of 11. The small 84-acre farm offered plenty of adventure and allowed ample opportunity for creativity. I learned to use my imagination to come up with games and play things when few could be afforded.
After studying art at UW-Superior, I was employed as a high school gymnastics coach for three years. During that time I also began my career as a freelance artist.
I met and married my husband in my final year of coaching and subsequently raised three beautiful and talented daughters, volunteering my time as a costume designer for show choirs and musicals during their high school years.
Galleries and Awards
Madison artists have multiple opportunities to display and view art in our thriving, creative, Midwest culture. I have had the pleasure of being represented in a few of these Wisconsin art galleries. My first exposure was in The Little Church Gallery in Columbus and secondly at the Gaston School Gallery in Cottage Grove. I’ve also taken advantage of the opportunity to showcase my artwork in a myriad of public art fairs throughout our beautiful state.
I am an active member of SCBWI, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. I’ve been honored to have been recognized for my artwork, having been chosen as winner of the Illustration contest at the Wisconsin SCBWI Conference in 2016, and again as the winner of the People’s Choice Award at the SCBWI Marvelous Midwest Conference in 2019.
Past recognitions include:
• Honorable Mention at the Wisconsin Regional Art Program for one of my sculpted figures.
• Waupaca Foundry Award at the 2009 Waupaca Fine Arts Festival – Purchase Award for my chalk drawing “Venice Waterway”.