Distinctive Mediums

“Creativity is a wild mind and a disciplined eye.” Dorothy Parker

In 2024, Sarah Opatz, a Kenosha native with a passion for art in various forms, established Distinctive Mediums.

“I wanted a business that describes everything that I offer, as I’m not just an artist with one focus; I’m a creative with multiple passions in different mediums.”

My Background: I fell in love with art and being creative at a young age. You could find me always drawing, doodling, taking photos, etc. By the time I reached high school, I chose to go to Indian Trail Academy because they had 3 different “houses” with a singular focus. I picked the House of Communications because I was able to take more than the basic art classes; because of this I was able to fall in love with art in more than just one form. I graduated from ITA as salutatorian in 2007 and continued my education in art.

I went to the Illinois Institute of Art in Schaumburg and was able to fully immerse myself with fellow artists. Unfortunately, working full time (while going to school full time) didn’t cover basic living costs in an expensive city. I decided to move back to Kenosha and transferred to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.

I truly enjoyed my time at Parkside and had such great professors. My major was humanities, and because of that, I was able to focus on the importance of critical thinking. On top of my major classes, I was able to enjoy many creative writing classes and art classes. Here is where my passion for painting and the arts really took off. I graduated cum laude in 2012 on top of continuing to work full time.

After graduation, I knew I needed to get away from my hometown, but living paycheck to paycheck, I knew I couldn’t go too far. This is how I ended up in Milwaukee and was able to get a job as a lead artist at a local painting bar, Splash Studio. Within this time, I was able to have a couple gallery showings and sell some of my art. I was with Bars and Recreation for 8 years, eventually becoming the general manager of Splash Studio and Nine Below. 

After Covid hit in 2020, I was let go and moved back to Kenosha. Working customer service jobs here and there that left me exhausted and unable to create art.

In 2024, I was finally able to refocus my attention on my art career and put my work back out there. However, after a couple of years of not creating art, I truly felt lost and untalented. I am slowly finding what painting style works for me and getting back to painting daily. My dream is to be able to share my work in galleries and have people excited to own work created by me. I am also pursuing photography, window display painting, writing, and just about any other outlet that lets me be creative. 

In October 2024 I started working at Blue House Books as the events assistant. I truly love my job, and it has shown me how important community is. This journey has been a long one, with many ups and downs, but I also feel like I’m still only at the beginning. Thank you for following along.