June Artist of the Month:

Sarah Fox-Wangler

A Fusion of Art, Technology, and Tradition

The Fourth Street Gallery & Artisan Market is thrilled to feature local mixed-media artist Sarah Fox-Wangler as our June Artist of the Month.

From the historic fox farms of her childhood to her current high-energy welding and art studio tucked into the woods of West Branch, Sarah’s life and work represent a striking boundary-pushing journey. Raised in Traverse City by an artist mother and a software engineer father, her unique upbringing seamlessly blended creative expression with a hands-on love for structural tools and machinery.

"My art is a unique expression inspired by dreams, memories, history, and legends, reflecting the creative spirit of my small-town home on a windy hill, surrounded by the forest." — Sarah Fox-Wangler

About the Artist & Style

With a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the University of Michigan and a professional background as a tattoo artist, Sarah creates provocative, "off the wall" mixed-media masterpieces that challenge traditional communication.

Her high-octane pieces are a deep exploration of folklore, ancient history, and natural elements. Heavily influenced by modern masters like Eva Hesse, Jackson Pollock, and Damien Hirst, Sarah rejects the ordinary—frequently utilizing a welding torch alongside her paintbrush to layer rich textures and embed fascinating found objects such as:

Raw and Welded Metals
Weathered Burlap & Wire
Old Twine & Found Bone

Whether she is spark-welding a heavy steel structural frame with her husband Gerry or meticulously blending thick oils, chalk pastels, and graphite on canvas, Sarah’s work is designed to evoke a soulful, visceral response.

Creative Inspiration

What truly drives Sarah’s portfolio isn't grand, sweeping historical events, but the quiet, fleeting moments of human connection. She is deeply moved by the subtle, soulful dynamics between friends, family, and strangers—a friend at peace while immersed in a project, a couple sharing a quiet embrace, or small daily acts of community kindness. Her lifelong artistic pursuit is to translate that light, beauty, and texture of the human experience into tangible form.

Featured Event: Artist Gala

Date: Saturday, June 27th

Location: Fourth Street Gallery (Across from City Hall)

Join us for an exclusive evening to celebrate Sarah's collection, view her incredible texture-rich displays in person, and meet the artist behind the welding torch. Come enjoy a warm coffee, explore the gallery, and strike up a creative conversation with your neighbors.

Sarah's featured collection will remain on display at the gallery through June 30th.

Creative Inspiration

What truly drives Sarah’s portfolio isn't grand, sweeping historical events, but the quiet, fleeting moments of human connection. She is deeply moved by the subtle, soulful dynamics between friends, family, and strangers—a friend at peace while immersed in a project, a couple sharing a quiet embrace, or small daily acts of community kindness. Her lifelong artistic pursuit is to translate that light, beauty, and texture of the human experience into tangible form.