Local artist Irene Anweiler is displaying her artistic journey spanning 35 years in a solo exhibition at the AWO community center in Meinerzhagen, Germany. The exhibition, featuring 21 impressive paintings, opened last Friday during the well-attended market breakfast event and will remain on display until at least mid-2026. This marks the first time Anweiler's works are being presented in a solo exhibition format.
The exhibition idea originated from AWO local association's first and second chairpersons, Rolf Puschkarsky and Susanne Berndt. Approaching Anweiler was a natural choice, as both Meinerzhagen women have known each other for some time and are active members of the hobby artists group in the Volme Valley. Recently, at the hobby artists exhibition in the comprehensive school's community center, the couple Brigitte and Klaus Stöhr handed over the exhibition management responsibilities in Kierspe to Anweiler and Berndt after many years, while Gudrun Roth and Sabine Schuster lead the efforts in Meinerzhagen.
Anweiler, a 62-year-old industrial clerk by profession, expressed her delight about the AWO center's invitation. She began her painting journey 35 years ago by attending courses at the Volme Valley adult education center, starting with pencil drawings before progressing to watercolors. "In 2000, I participated with the hobby artists for the first time," she recalls. "It brought me great joy because you receive a lot of praise and encouragement. Additionally, you have the opportunity to exchange ideas with other painters, and it was also an incentive to try different styles."
As a largely self-taught artist, Anweiler has experimented with various mediums over the years, creating paintings with acrylic, pastel chalk, and occasionally oil paints, though she predominantly works in watercolors. Her artwork is characterized by expressive motifs, primarily landscapes and animals, with clear lines and delicate pastel colors defining her distinctive technique. Since 2011, she has shared her knowledge as an instructor at the adult education center in Olpe, teaching both watercolor painting courses and painting hikes. "It's totally exciting because individual motifs are painted completely differently by everyone. And I also learn a lot from my students, from their ideas and approaches," she explains.
The exact number of Anweiler's paintings cannot be precisely quantified, but hundreds have been created over the years. Her work spans various formats, from small pieces measuring 10 by 15 centimeters and 13 by 18 centimeters to larger works of 50 by 150 centimeters. She has even created a triptych consisting of three paintings, each 60 by 60 centimeters, showing the Kalberschnacke area in panorama, which appropriately hangs in the Gut Kalberschnacke restaurant.
Her paintings have traveled significant distances beyond the local area. At the Jakobi market in Römershagen near Wenden, where Anweiler regularly presents her pictures, a woman took one of her artworks to Hamburg. Additionally, a commissioned work depicting a dog was even gifted to a vacation home in Mallorca. Those interested in commissioning custom artwork can contact her by phone at 02354/4032, though a waiting period of six to eight weeks should be expected.
Anweiler maintains a personal philosophy about her art, stating, "For me, when it comes to painting: the journey is the destination. It simply brings me joy and is also a private timeout for me." She doesn't aim to express anything specific through her art but finds fulfillment in the creative process itself.
The 21 paintings currently displayed at the AWO center in Meinerzhagen's pedestrian zone will remain visible until at least mid-2026 and are available for purchase. Interested parties can obtain more information by calling 02354/4032. The exhibition transforms the community center into a gallery atmosphere, showcasing works including "Skyline," "Stones by the Sea," "Evening Mood by the Sea," "Still Life Wine" painted with pastel chalk, and "Birches" in acrylic.
