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TB Scott Library header with a view out of the upstairs windows showing the snowy river and park.

Community ArtShare

T. B. Scott Library’s Community ArtShare program originated in 2006 with a $10,000 grant from the Mead Witter Foundation, Inc. with which secure display cases, easels, and other items were procured that have enabled the library to become a place for local artists and collectors to display their creations and hobbies. Displays featuring one or more artists or collectors are featured each month on an ongoing basis.

Spirit of the Horse by Esther Trostle

March – April 2026

T. B. Scott Free Library presents the Beyond Books Community ArtShare Exhibit: Spirit of the Horse, a collection of Esther Trostle inspired by a 2002 movie about a spirit stallion. The reason she loves this movie so much is that it is set back in the Wild West in the late 1800s. It has historical information while being a kid friendly movie. The best part is that it is from the horses’ points of view. She finds it compelling that the main characters don’t need inner monologues for the viewer to understand them; it keeps you wanting more!

Esther received her first Beyer spirit stallion set for Christmas when she was 14 years old. As an adult, she started collecting the movie merchandise. Although she has several other horse-related collections, the spirit stallion is her favorite.

Esther grew up in the Merrill area. She currently owns 2 horses and 2 ponies. She is now retired from barrel racing, fun shows and placer showing. She has also been a leader in several horse 4-H groups. When her children were old enough, they also competed with the ponies in gymkhanas and fun shows. Esther now likes coaching her children for sports they have interest in so she can learn more about sports and help them improve.

Now that the horses and ponies are older, Esther and her children have fun trail riding. The best part about collecting for Esther is doing it with her children, and the excitement and joy they get when another item is added to the collection.

The Spirit of the Horse collection is displayed on the second floor, in the Carnegie Wing, now until the end of April.

Photo gallery

Skip past the photo gallery
Display of "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron" memorabilia including posters, plush toys, and merchandise.
Framed collection of thirty images from "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron."
Collection of enamel pins and buttons featuring horses from "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron."
A display case with "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron" collectibles including horse figurines, a snow globe, and a book.
Collection of "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron" merchandise including a horse model, mugs, a poster, and coin set on a glass shelf.
Display of "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron" figurines and memorabilia in a glass case.

Past Exhibits

2026

  • Lathe Artistry by Nick Leskey

2025

  • Artspirations – Debbie Zimmerman
  • Precious Memories – Laurie Ollhoff
  • Moon Lamps & More – Saint John 8th Grade Students
  • Spirit Dolls and Thailand Tribal Handywork – Peter & Dian Ritter
  • 4 the Love of LEGO! – Tim & Dawn Dunbar
  • Merrill in a Fowl Mood – Dan “Sully” Sullivan
  • Norwegian Rosemaling – Peter Engel

2024

  • The Beauty of Fabric: Wall Quilts & Vintage Ties – Peter & Dian Ritter
  • Precious Pet Portraits – Peggy McDowell
  • Emily’s Journey – Emily Lau
  • A Look in a Book – Saint John 5th Graders
  • LEGO! LEGO! LEGO! – Tim & Dawn Dunbar
  • Cultural Threads: Expressing Identity Through Traditional Clothing – Mosaic of North Central Wisconsin
  • A Sleigh of Santas and Wild for Christmas Cards – Joan Pregler & Ann Ruder

2023

  • It’s all about perspective! – Chase Davis
  • Fish Out of Water – Arnie Plamann
  • Treasured Book Boxes – St. John School 5th and 6th graders
  • Homemade Art – Local Homeschooled Children
  • Wait, that’s LEGO too? – Tim and Dawn Dunbar
  • Tena’s Kitchen Collectables – Tena Gnewuch
  • Into the Fold: Origami – Troy Hanson

2022

  • Baskets Galore and More by Cindy Leskey
  • Merrill Memorabilia – Leidiger Brewing Company
  • Wait, That’s LEGO? – Tim & Dawn Dunbar
  • Fins and Feathers of the Northwoods – Bill Pittman
  • Rocks, Canvas, and Coasters, Oh My! – Tom Lambrecht

2020

  • MAPS High School Seniors Students’ Art Exhibit
  • Conversations with God artwork by Ann M. Jaroski

2019

  • Borzoi: The Hounds of Russia from the Private Collection of Resolute Farms
  • Nautical Instruments from the Private Collection of Carl Weinert
  • MAPS High School Seniors Students’ Art Exhibit
  • Working Warriors: Military Life Beyond Combat – provided courtesy of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum

2018

  • Buttons: Advent, Christmas, Bingo and More! from the Private Collection of Kathleen Marquardt
  • “Wire & Found Object” Sculptures by David Jones
  • Photography of Tom Algire
  • For the Love of Snoopy: Private Collection
  • MAPS High School Seniors Students’ Art Exhibit
  • Pocket Watches: Robbie Johnson

2017

  • Breyer Model Horses: Esther Trostle
  • Wisconsin Remembers Traveling Exhibit
  • Origami Creations: Troy Hanson
  • Universal Creations: Xoché Heller
  • Mini Art Fair: Local Artists
  • MAPS High School Senior Students’ Art Exhibit
  • Portraits of Personalities: David L. Sladky