Keep it Hot
Boiler Fundraiser
ArtStart Reaches Keep it Hot Fundraising Goal; Boiler Replacement Underway
ArtStart is thrilled to announce that it has reached its Keep it Hot fundraising goal, and work has begun on the replacement of the aging boiler inside the historic building at 68 S. Stevens Street in Rhinelander.
"On behalf of ArtStart, I want to sincerely thank everyone who came out to support this fundraiser. Those who came out to our Brat Sale, those who sent a contribution...we thank you." Sue Bessert, ArtStart Board President.
Because of the incredible generosity of our donors, partners, and friends, we can move forward with this essential infrastructure project. Replacing the boiler not only protects the historic building but ensures that ArtStart remains a warm, safe, and welcoming space for arts and culture.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ArtStart Launches "Keep It Hot at ArtStart" Fundraiser to Replace Historic Boiler
August 1, 2025...Rhinelander, WI…ArtStart, Rhinelander’s vibrant arts and cultural hub, is turning up the heat—literally. The organization has launched a fundraising campaign to replace the original 1919 boiler in its historic building at 68 S. Stevens Street.
After more than a century of service and a last major overhaul in the late 1960s, the boiler has become nearly impossible to maintain and no longer provides reliable heat. The total cost of removal, asbestos abatement, and installation of a modern heating system is estimated at $196,000.
“This building is more than just bricks and mortar—it’s a creative cornerstone that welcomes thousands of visitors each year for exhibitions, concerts, programs, and community events,” said Board President Sue Bessert. “Without a functioning heating system, we can’t continue serving the region the way we have for the past 14 years.”
To date, ArtStart has secured a $50,000 grant from Focus on Energy and received an incredible anonymous donation of $100,000, leaving $46,000 left to raise.
To rally community support, ArtStart has launched the “Keep It Hot at ArtStart” campaign, inviting everyone to contribute toward this vital project. One fun way to help is “Name the Boiler.” For every gift of $10 or more - supporters can submit a name for the new boiler. Once the goal is met, a name will be randomly drawn and displayed on a plaque outside the boiler room.
To celebrate the campaign, ArtStart will host a “Keep It Hot at ArtStart” Open House on August 8th from 11am - 2pm, featuring art activities, live music, food, and behind-the-scenes building tours. Everyone is welcome.
The boiler project, being done by Johnson Controls, is expected to begin in September.
“This isn’t just about a boiler—it’s about preserving a space where art, community, and culture thrive,” said Traci Stinebrink, ArtStart’s Communications Director. “We hope the community will help us keep the heat—and the arts—on.”
August 21, 2025.....ArtStart Receives Major Gift Honoring Founding Member Toward Keep it Hot Campaign
Rhinelander, WI – ArtStart has received a generous donation in honor of the late Ken Juon, a founding member of the organization and longtime treasurer. Juon, who passed away in 2024, was deeply committed to ArtStart and known for his tireless stewardship of the century-old boiler that heated the building’s gallery, studios, and community spaces.
In a statement, Juon’s family shared:
“It was Ken’s self-appointed mission to care for the building’s 100-year boiler that had warmed ArtStart’s gallery, community rooms and studios. But the boiler’s aging system was breaking down more often and repair parts were no longer available. Ken had many names for the old dame — most of them uttered softly and not repeatable. So when ArtStart decided to fundraise for a new boiler, we knew we had to honor all the love Ken had given her for the past 13 years, and donated what we hope will help secure ArtStart’s heating needs for many more years.”
This heartfelt gift of $25,000 has helped bring ArtStart’s fundraising campaign, Keep It Hot at ArtStart, to a current total of about $36,300 toward the $46,000 fundraising goal needed to replace the original 1919 boiler.
Since its founding in 2011, ArtStart has welcomed the community into its historic downtown space with:
- Over 20,000 visitors
- 108 gallery exhibitions
- 880 programs and events
- More than 2,500 youth art participants
- Collaborations with 150+ local, regional, and national organizations
The new boiler will ensure ArtStart can continue to provide a warm and welcoming home for the arts in the Northwoods for decades to come.
“We are incredibly grateful to Ken and his family for this generous gift, ” said Ashley McLaughlin, Programs and Operations Director at ArtStart. “And we invite our community to join in honoring Ken’s legacy and help us close the final gap to reach our goal.”
ArtStart had previously received an anonymous and generous donation of $100,000 and secured a Focus on Energy grant of $50,000. This, along with the Juon gift and other impactful individual contributions, brings the total fundraising effort to $186,300. The organization is less than $10,000 from reaching its goal.
“We are profoundly grateful for the generous lead gifts to this campaign — including a $100,000 anonymous contribution and $25,000 given in honor of Ken Juon. At the same time, we are equally moved by the many heartfelt gifts from community members. Each contribution, regardless of size, carries tremendous value and together they ensure ArtStart can continue to thrive for years to come.” says Sue Bessert, ArtStart Board President.
As boiler replacement is scheduled to begin in mid September, ArtStart is seeking contributions to cover the final $9700.
Thank you.
Your support allows us to continue our work strengthening our community through arts education and cultural engagement in the historic building at 68 S. Stevens Street Rhinelander, WI.
Did you know since ArtStart was created in 2011...
- 23,000+ people have visited
- 108 exhibitions have been held
- 880 programs and events have taken place
- Over 2500 youth have participated in youth focused programming.
- we have worked collaboratively with over 200 organizations locally, regionally, and nationally.