Request for Help in Search for Artwork
by Gladys Marie Huibregtse Wisse
The past couple years I’ve had conversations with family members about when Grandma Gladys started painting and how she started painting. Those conversations led to a closer look at the evolution of her signature on her paintings, which changed through the years. Curiosity got the better of me, so now I am asking for your help.
Through the years, I know grandma gave her paintings away to many around the Cedar Grove area and she even sold some of her artwork. In order for us to gain a better sense of the depth of her work, we’d love to gather and post a collection of her pieces here.
We ask that you search your walls, attics, basements, sheds, or anywhere else that you may have some of her pieces stored and then share pictures and any details you know about them. As images of her artwork are received, I’ll be sure to make updates here for all to enjoy.
Thanks in advance for your time and assistance!
About the Artist
Gladys Marie Huibregtse Wisse
Gladys was born October 26, 1919 in Plymouth, the daughter of Jacob John and Susanna (nee Koskamp) Oosterhouse. She graduated from Plymouth High School in 1937, and went on to study at the Sheboygan County Normal Teacher College, where she graduated from in 1939. On January 24, 1942 she was united in marriage with Robert C. Huibregtse in Plymouth. Robert preceded Gladys in death in 1979. On October 8, 1983 she was united in marriage with Joseph Wisse in Cedar Grove, and her family grew with the addition of Joseph’s family. He preceded her in death in 2012.
She taught at Webster School in Cascade and Grant School in Plymouth before returning to home to raise a family and support her husband, Rob, with his electrical business. After their family with was grown, Gladys worked at the H.C. Prange store in Sheboygan and then for Dr. Homer Duenk in his dental practice until her retirement.
Gladys was a longtime member of Calvary OPC in Cedar Grove, where she was active with the Calvary Bible League. She also was a member of the Cedar Grove Senior Citizens, and enjoyed traveling, playing cards, bowling, meeting friends for coffee or lunch, knitting and reading, but her greatest joy was in her artistic painting.
