Ephraim
Ephraim's Anderson Dock is More Than a Marina
By Tegan Grant
Sep 2, 2010 - 9:00:00 AM

Boats can tie up for the day

For those of you that are repeat visitors to Ephraim, there are certain landmarks that you would insist newcomers have to see in order to state that they had been to this town. For most, these landmarks include the Anderson complex, which is composed of four main buildings. One such building is the Anderson Barn, which contains photographs, artwork, artifacts and stories of Ephraim’s history. The Barn is also home to the wheel of the ship Ebenezer, which was the only schooner that was built in Ephraim. 

One other must-see part of this complex is the Anderson Dock, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Anderson Dock is a working dock, with seasonal and transient slips available for rent, and is best known for the graffiti-covered dock warehouse.

Chillin' out

The original warehouse was destroyed by storm, the second by fire. Third time seems to be the charm, and that is the warehouse that still stands today. The warehouse and dock continued to be the hub of Ephraim’s well-being until roads replaced shipping, and the buildings began to deteriorate. In 1951, the Anderson family sold the dock and warehouse to the village of Ephraim.

As the sign posted to the old dock warehouse states, boaters and visitors are encouraged to continue with the tradition of “signing” the warehouse walls with the boat name and the year(s) they docked there. Of course, they do ask that all graffiti be appropriate, yet they encourage you to be creative but tasteful.

Fishing off the pier

Fishing is allowed off the dock, though people aged sixteen years or older must have a fishing license. You can pick up a fishing license at several locations around the county, including Nan & Jerry’s Bait & Tackle located at 4083 Highway 42 in Fish Creek.

Bring your boat right up to the dock.

The warehouse is now home to the Francis Hardy Center for the Arts (FHCA), founded in 1962 by the Peninsula Arts Association. The mission of the FHCA is to “promote the awareness, understanding and appreciation of the arts through outreach programs, events and exhibitions.” The gallery is home to several exhibitions each year. Exhibits for 2009:

Wall-to-Wall Salon Exhibition

May 24 until May 28

Kick off Party Saturday, May 23, 5 PM to 7PM

The walls of the Francis Hardy Center are covered floor to ceiling with all forms of artwork submitted to the 47^th Annual Juried Exhibition prior to the jury selection. The exhibit will remain up for a week, and visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorite pieces for the “People’s Choice Awards.”

47^th Annual Juried Exhibition

June 6 until July 12

Opening Reception Friday, June 5, 5 PM to 7 PM

Features work of local, regional and national artists representing a wide variety of media selected by jury.

2009 Collection Invitation Exhibition and Collector’s Choice Benefit

July 18 until August 30

Opening Reception Friday, July 17, 5 PM to 7 PM

Collection of art by select, established regional artists. Two pieces from each artists will be featured – one for display, one for donation. A silent auction will run for the duration of the exhibit for the donated pieces.

The Community Mosaic Project

July 18 until August 30

Opening Reception Friday, July 17, 5 PM to 7 PM

This will be the second year of the Community Mosaic Project and is an “outreach effort conceived by the FHCA that focuses on encouraging a community-wide united arts effort that will perpetuate the growth and awareness of the arts in Door County.” A collection of 375 individual six inch by six inch canvases will be constructed into a large-scale mosaic. Individual canvases will be sold by a blind lottery (You purchase a number without knowing which canvas corresponds to your pick. Your piece will be sent to you once the exhibit is over).

The Hardy Celebrates: A Century of Inspiration for the Door County Artist

September 5 until October 13

Opening Reception Friday, September 4, 5 PM to 7 PM

Collection of invited artists with work displaying Wisconsin’s state treasures. This exhibit is part of the Peninsula State park’s year long centennial celebration.

The Francis Hardy Center for the Arts also has several art outreach programs for both youth and adults alike. For more information about these programs, check out the Francis Hardy Center.

To find the dock, travel north on Highway 42 into Ephraim. Anderson Dock is located at the corner of Anderson Lane and Highway 42. Parking is available.