DAWN ERTL

Dawn Ertl: Capturing Nature through Fiber, Oil, and Glass

After a dedicated 33-year career as a high school science teacher, Dawn Ertl transitioned from the classroom to the studio to pursue her lifelong passion for the arts. With a Master’s degree in Entomology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, her creative work is deeply rooted in her scientific background. Dawn specializes in "painting with wool"—using dyed fibers to create intricate felted pictures and three-dimensional animals—as well as oil painting and stained glass.

Her portfolio is a celebration of the natural world, focusing on the delicate details of insects, birds, and landscapes. Her unique ability to blend scientific observation with artistic expression is showcased in her self-illustrated children’s book, Beautiful Insects A to Z. Now residing in Wausaukee, Wisconsin, Dawn continues to explore the intersection of science and art through multiple mediums.