Whitewater Arts Alliance

Spring Newsletter 2006

 From the President: Greg Greenwood

I could see through his eyes as I looked at his childhood artwork from years gone by. It was fresh, direct, and with many details that children observe and are not afraid to put on paper. These old drawing, cutouts, and paintings told so much without any words. I know more about my friend’s childhood by seeing his artwork. What an opportunity to know someone better. 

Isn’t it great what art can do? So much of history is told through ancient civilization’s artwork. We may not have their books and writings, but we have their art. Artistic expression is so fascinating and we are lucky as the Whitewater Arts Alliance to help foster creativity and history. We have many festivals, art shows, performances, and demonstrations coming up this year. There is something for everyone. Have fun getting involved in any or all of the activities. We are here for you.

Oh yes, drag out that old box of your childhood drawings. You will be pleasantly surprised.

I will be attending an Arts Conference in Milwaukee June 3-5.  This will be an opportunity for communities around the country to share their art experiences.  I look forward to bringing back information that will help us to continue Whitewater’s forward movement.

Recent News:

On Tuesday, March 28 Kristine Zaballos, John Paterson, Geoff Hale, and Bill Bowen made a presentation in Madison to the Main Streets advisory board.  We can truly be proud of the polished presentation they made.  Over 70 people from Whitewater were there to cheer them on.  Our WWAA Vice President, Bill Bowen made several points about how important the Arts Alliance had been in making a different in Whitewater already and how committed we were to continuing this process.  

Bill Bowen was also the man in the right place at the right time, with the right message, on

another occasion.  Bill had the opportunity to inform the Fort Credit Union of our long term goal to have a cultural center, when they were looking for ways to award community grants to worthy projects.  Thanks to Ron Vogel, president of the Fort Community Credit Union, and its board of directors the Whitewater Arts Alliance received $10,000 for Whitewater’s Cultural Arts Center project.  Presently the officers and board of directors of the WWAA are investigating doing a cultural assessment; this will help us to have a better idea of what the community sees as needs and wants in a cultural center. 

THANK YOU! To Kim Adams and her staff at the University Center Gallery – UW-Whitewater for inviting the WWAA to hold a show in their gallery March 10-24.  Participating artists were:  Veronica Davis, Dolores Engel, Greg Greenwood, Dawn Hunter, Jim Leaver, Jerry Schoen, and Karolyn Alexander Tscharnack

CHAIRS, CHAIRS, CHAIRS!  Our second annual public arts project is underway.  The chairs that were reserved were for available as of Monday, March 27.  They will go on display the last week in May and the Chair Auction will be Saturday, September 30.   MARK the DATE!

FOUNTAIN FESTIVAL DINNER THEATRE – Friday, April 28, 2006

Cravath Lakefront Building

Cash Bar – 6 pm

Dinner – 7 pm

Spoon River Anthology – 8 pm, presented by Deb & Phil Williamson of Creative Outlets 

            WWAA Members - $25, Non-members - $30

Call Jim McCulloch at 473-4001 for tickets.

FOUNTAIN FESTIVAL – Saturday, April 29, 2006 from 9 am - 4 pm Main St., Whitewater

75+ artists, music stage, and interactive activities.  SOMETHING for EVERYONE!

HELPERS NEEDED – are you available for an hour or two?  Contact:  Rick Fassl randix@sbcglobal.net

HOARD MUSEUM INVITES WWAA member artists to have a show/sale at the Hoard Museum the last two weeks in July OR the first two weeks in August.  If you are interest in participating contact: hunterdawnm@charter.net

 BOOK ARTS SHOWS are at the Lake Geneva and Lake Mills Libraries for the month of  April.  Art of the Book group from Fort Atkinson made the books on display.  WWAA members involved in this show are Dawn Hunter and Nikki Knudsen.  Some of the artists will be there on Saturday, April 6, from 10 am and 2 pm to talk about their books.

Edward S. Curtis Returns to Whitewater:  THANKS to Mareta Hale and her Lakeview art students, who have done drawings and ceramic pieces based on Curtis’ photographs.  They are on display at the Commercial Bank through April.  Note cards of their drawings are available to purchase.  It is an opportunity to support young artists and a fund raiser for their school.

RACHEL TELFER  DORN – “Treasures in the  Garden” a master of fine arts exhibition in the Allen Centennial Gardens 620 Babcock Drive, Madison, WI.  April 23 – May 13.  Opening Reception: April 23, 1:30 – 3:30.  For more information contact: rachel@racheldorn.com  (Dick & Roni Telfer are the very proud parents of Rachel.)

36^th Annual Ceramics Exhibition at UW-Whitewater – Crossman Gallery – April 6 – April 22

The focus of this year’s show is an exploration of contemporary utilitarian pottery.  Fourteen artists from Wisconsin and Minnesota have been invited to present ceramic work that is functional in nature.  Opening April 6 from 5 – 7 pm.

3-D GALLERY Calendar (Questions contact Marilyn Fuerstenberg at: mfuerst@idcnet.com)

APRIL: Open display/sale for WWAA members and area artists

MAY:  Tri-County Juried 2-D Competition – judged by Caryl Yascho

JUNE: WATERCOLOR ART X 3

            Terry Hering

            Dorothy Spurgat

            Karolyn Alexander Tscharnack

JULY: Envelope Art and Red, White, Blue Art (patriotic or color theme)

 AUGUST: Call for winter scenes.  One piece will be selected, duplicated, and be available for sale as our first annual holiday card.

SEPTEMBER:  CHAIR ART – Did you miss your chance to do a chair for Main Street?  Here’s another chance to be a “chair artist”.  Rescue, find, donate your own chair to paint and decorate.  Any size, any shape, just create. 

OCTOBER:  All Things HALLOWEEN! 2-D & 3-D pieces 

NOVEMBER:  Midwest Regional Juried Watercolor Competition

DECEMBER:  Artists’ Sale - all art pieces $100 or less

MEMBERSHIP:  Have you renewed or joined WWAA?  Remember the perks of membership:

1.      10% discount at NASCO

2.      Discount at ART & IMAGE

3.      Discount on Alliance sponsored events

WWAA MEETINGS- Second Tuesday of the month – 7 PM

April 11 – Tour Greg Greenwood’s Studio – W7841 R & W Townline Road

May 9 – Regional Meeting on the Arts in Southeastern Wisconsin

              Cravath Lakefront Center

              Presented in partnership by Arts Wisconsin,
              Wisconsin Arts Board, and Whitewater Arts Alliance

June 13 – Second annual Community Picnic