Karsten Topelmann and Ellen Sprogoe-Topelmann
My blogs
| Location | Ephraim, Wisconsin, United States |
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| Introduction | Actually this blog was created by both of us. Karsten was born in Munich, Germany. His first art influences came from his architect father and sculptress mother. He received formal training at the Munich Royal Academy of Art. After graduation, he traveled throughout Europe, painting its cityscapes and landscapes. In 1959, Karsten came to America, where he had an illustrious career as a graphic designer in the Midwest. While working in Chicago, he met Ellen Sprogoe. Ellen grew up in the Hanseatic city of Hamburg, Germany. She, too, was a student of art. When she came to Chicago in the ‘50s, she created animation art for television and worked as a fashion designer. In 1959 Ellen and Karsten married and started their family. In the 1960s, while on vacation, the Topelmanns discovered the rugged beauty of Door County. Soon after, they purchased the historic Larson Rooming House in Ephraim and transformed it into the Hanseatic Art Gallery. Their children, Lars and Lisa, have grown, but Karsten and Ellen continue to paint in watercolor, acrylic and oil and to greet friends and collectors at their gallery throughout the summer season. |