Happiness by Design: Sue Wahlgren’s Creative Philosophy
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Studio photo by Carolyn Lewis [/caption]
Arts reporting by Carolyn Lewis
Arriving at Sue Wahlgren’s studio the first thing one notices is the calm and bucolic vista of cows grazing peacefully in the fields beyond her house. The studio itself has the same lovely view with its own little deck. Once inside, one can tell that she has been collecting old and unusual things for most of her life.
Wahlgren's artistic story is deeply rooted in her childhood spent amidst Connecticut's rich historical landscape. Her passion for antiquities began at an early age as she unearthed relics from early settlers on her family’s property. Hours spent exploring her family's attic and barn, brimming with centuries-old treasures, only fueled her love for unique materials. This early fascination laid the foundation for Sue’s lifelong relationship with the objects that now serve as the soul of her assemblage art.
Having honed her creative skills through varied career experiences, Wahlgren started as a graphic designer in San Francisco and later took on an executive role at Macy’s, where she mastered the art of sales and merchandising. Between these professional chapters, she ventured into creating interior accessories, selling her designs on Berkeley's Telegraph Avenue. Through this journey, she discovered her true calling: assemblage art.
"Assemblage is the last refuge of a designer who collects things," Wahlgren explains with humor and honesty. "I can’t draw. I can’t paint. But I can put things together like nobody’s business." Her ability to merge objects into compelling, story-filled artworks defines her creative process.
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Studio photo by Carolyn Lewis [/caption]
Wahlgren thrives on working on multiple pieces simultaneously. She believes that making art every day is essential to her happiness—and a conduit to bring joy to others. Many of her creations are humorous narratives, often sparked by a singular object or a line from a song or book. From there, her studio becomes a treasure trove for assembling elements that vividly bring her stories to life. She works on dozens of pieces at any given time, and her creations overflow onto her dining room table, where her living room also showcases some of her most interesting creations. She has collected thousands of old or unusual items during her lifetime and marvels at the fact that every object has been held by real people in different places and circumstances. Having been raised in New England, she says she loves history and appreciates the stories behind each treasured find.
The goal of Wahlgren’s work is simple: she strives to spread happiness. She says her art is also a mechanism for her to be personally happy on a day-to-day basis.
This ethos was evident when she arrived in Port Townsend in 1999 and opened Summer House, a playful and sensory-rich vintage furnishings store on Water Street. For Wahlgren, the shop was more than a retail space; it was a psychological experiment in joy. She carefully orchestrated music, scents, and ever-changing visuals to create an uplifting environment. Her greatest achievement? Seeing customers leave her store happier than when they entered—a legacy that many "old timers" fondly remember. Whether through her vibrant assemblages, interior designs, or cheerful personality, Wahlgren’s mission is clear: to weave happiness into everyday life.
Today, Wahlgren continues to focus on spreading joy through her assemblage art and interior redesign projects. Her work will be on view during the April 26th, 2025, show at the Art Farm Gallery and can also be viewed on www.artfarmersofpt.com
Carolyn Lewis is a serial entrepreneur, artist, and community builder happily living and volunteering in Port Townsend. Visit her social media group on Facebook at Port Townsend Life and follow her on Instagram @linalewisart
