Art of Tablesettings

TABLESETTING2025 APLICATIONS NOW OPEN

Friday, October 3 - Sunday, November 2, 2025

This annual favorite exhibit began in 1974, when Mrs. Ruth West organized an exhibit of tables inspired by works of art. The Rahr-West Art Museum is proud to keep this exhibit alive by inviting members of the public to create unique tablescapes inspired by works of art.

Each year brings new and intriguing designs and we hope that you too will come and enjoy in this annual favorite.

Applications for the 2025 Art of Tablesettings Exhibit  are now open! Submissions are due by April 20, 2025. 

APPLY HERE.   

Email rahrwest@manitowoc.org with any questions. 

View artwork from the Rahr-West Collection.

Special opportunity: 

75th Anniversary Tablesetting Challenge: Paul Jenkins’ Phenomena: Saturn Ascent

In honor of our 75th Anniversary we will have a special “challenge” opportunity for interested participants in which multiple designers will create tables based on the same art work, Phenomena: Saturn Ascent by Paul Jenkins. Mrs. West created a disco-themed table based on this work in 1980, but since it is over 13 feet wide it is not usually available for the exhibition. Participation in this special challenge does not prevent designers from having their own tablesetting with other art as usual. 

If you are interested in participating, please use the same application but indicate Paul Jenkin’s Phenomena: Saturn Ascent as you chosen artwork. Wall space will not be available for challenge participants as designs will be limited to space in front of the artwork. Since space is limited for the challenge we encourage you to apply for both your chosen art tablesetting and the challenge by submitting two separate forms.