Monne Haug: A life in art

When you walk into Monne and Fred Haug's home, you know you're in the company of artists.

The walls are covered with colorful artwork, as are the cabinets, doors, tables — and even the floors.

That comfy chair you're sitting in? The upholstery is splashed with a zebra scene.

In short, their home is an unofficial art studio, even as an actual art studio sits across their expansive yard.

"I just keep making stuff," Monne Haug said, motioning to the ever-expanding collection of art pieces.

That urge to create — which she's had since childhood — also explains why they are hosting an art sale at their property this weekend.

"I have so much stuff, I have to have a sale," Monne said, laughing.

She is constantly working on new pieces, and Fred Haug — who spent 36 years working at Snap-on — "finishes stuff for me," Monne said. "I do the fun part, and Fred makes it work."

Fred points out projects he's done, like welding a frame for a mosaic table top or constructing a bench out of steel pieces.

He also "built this kitchen a few years ago, at age 80." (No surprise, it's filled with original art pieces.)

The two married in the early 1960s and, since then, have worked together, including operating an upholstery business out of their garage for two decades. (Monne still does upholstery work, but just for herself. "I've done millions of beige couches for people, but now if I do it, it's got be something funky.")

The two also did ceramic face casting work for several years, including having a booth at the Bristol Renaissance Faire.

"We also did art shows across the country," Fred said, "from New York to Tucson, Arizona."

Asked where she gets inspiration for her art, Monne smiles and looks around her.

"Just anything that comes across my path," she said. "It can be something I saw in a magazine. I'm like a sponge and soak up whatever I see."

Monne is also "a big 'upcycler.' People bring me stuff all the time to see what I'll do with it."

Longtime local artist

Monne Haug stays busy in the local art community and is one of the founders of Lemon Street Art Gallery, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

At the time, Monne operated "a tiny art gallery Downtown" but disliked handling the business part of owning a gallery.

"I'm not a shopkeeper," she said and was looking for a change.

"A bunch of us, about 12 artists, including Melanie and Steve Hovey, came together to start Lemon Street. I'm very happy that it's still going strong after 25 years.

They've done a lot for that neighborhood, too, around Union Park. It's been great.

"Kenosha has really come a long way with its art community," Monne said.

As for her own art — which she describes as "bright, happy and fun" — she will never stop creating.

"I have to do it," Monne said. "If I haven't been creating anything for a while, I get antsy. I just have to make something."

Scenes from Kenosha Art Market on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023. The Art Market takes place the third Sunday of each month from June through October in Union Park, 4500 Seventh Ave., and features original fine art, jewelry, pottery, paintings and more for sale by area artists.

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