Schwisow’s artwork on display at Ritzville Public Library - Open House scheduled for Feb. 23

The Ritzville branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is hosting an Open House at the Ritzville Public Library on Friday, Feb. 23, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The Open House is to honor longtime AAUW Member Carol Ann Schwisow, who died in December 2016. A portion of Schwisow’s artwork will be on display during the event, as well as at the library for the next few months.

Schwisow moved to Ritzville in 1966 with her husband, Del, and their young sons.

She quickly immersed herself in the community by taking on leadership roles in her church, the Ritzville Co-op Preschool and the AAUW. She was full of creative ideas and had the energy and inspiration to implement positive change.

Among her many accomplishments, Schwisow started the AAUW Summer Reading Program in 1968, opening the grade school library for summer sessions. The program enjoyed a long success before eventually moving to the public library.

The AAUW Holiday Bazaar was also her creation. The first one was held at the Marcellus Grange in 1973.

Also in the 1970s, Schwisow started a chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, a social and service sorority, in Ritzville.

Her creativity spilled over into her church, Emanuel Lutheran, as she planned impressive Sunday School Christmas pageants, complete with her own handmade costumes and banners.

Many knew her as the owner and operator of The Cellar of Treasures gift store in downtown Ritzville, but she was also a wife, mother, teacher, community volunteer and artist.

Throughout her years in these roles, she continued to create works of art from acrylics, oils, pastels and watercolors to beautiful fabric creations including banners, table dressings and quilts.

Schwisow’s warmth and friendliness was endearing. She loved people of all ages from the preschool students she taught to the elderly residents of the Life Care Center that she visited.

Schwisow died in December 2016, leaving behind a rich legacy of service and artwork.

The Ritzville AAUW would like to invite everyone to attend the Open House and visit the tribute for Schwisow.

The Ritzville Public Library is also interested in showcasing artwork from local artists throughout the year.

Any local artist who is interested in displaying their work at the library is asked to call 659-1222.