Previously On View at the CAC
Ceramic art created by professors and students from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will be displayed at the Whitewater Arts Alliance's Cultural Arts Center. The gallery will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 PM.
Those exhibiting are the embodiment of the excellence which is cultivated in the University's ceramics department. The UW-W ceramics show will be a compilation of sculpture as well as pottery. Influential ceramic professors such as Karl Borgeson, Charlie Olson and Jared Janovec will also be exhibiting along-side their students. All three have invested much time and effort into the creativity of the program.
Assistant Professor of Art Jared Janovec said, "The UW-Whitewater Ceramics program has a rich history in producing strong ceramic artists, both potters and sculptors, who've gone on to do great things in the world of contemporary ceramics. Our program is one of breadth over specificity – in other words, we promote and encourage a wide variety of approaches to manipulating clay and ceramic based materials. Past and current students have exhibited their creative works at the regional, national and international level and many UWW Ceramics alums currently hold teaching positions in reputable ceramics programs around the country. The work in this CAC hosted exhibition provides proof of some of the variety, strength and unique approaches to working with clay that our current advanced level students have achieved. My colleague, Charlie Olson, and I are glad to provide examples of some of our creative efforts as well. On behalf of the members of our advanced Ceramics program at UW-Whitewater, we hope you enjoy the exhibition!"
Quilt Show - February 6 - 27, 2011
The late Terri Borchardt, of Fort Atkinson, was known throughout the area as an expert quilt designer and teacher, with a great eye for colors and patterns. For several years, she was co-owner of a quilt shop in downtown Whitewater, and during that time and in the years since, she inspired many area residents to take up the art of quilt-making. Not long before her death, her book The First Ladies Quilt was published. A beautiful selection of Terri's quilts will be included in the February quilt show. Also, copies of her book will be available for purchase.
Mary Althaus, of Whitewater, had done a lot of needlework before taking up quilting in the 1990s. She began quilt-making by hand, but added machine work for recent projects as well as computer design software for planning her quilts. She has been influenced and inspired by attending National Quilt Shows, and by following quilt blogs on the Internet. Mary has been an active member of The Stonemill Quilters' Guild in Whitewater for many years and is especially admired for her beautiful appliqued handwork.
"We are delighted to feature the work of both of these very talented artists at Whitewater’s Cultural Arts Center. Quilt-making is a venerable art, and dates back thousands of years. While the techniques used in quilt-making have changed over the years, the beauty and significance of the quilt will continue to delight viewers," said Kathy Haven, board member of the Whitewater Arts Alliance and coordinator of the show.
WRAP Show - January 9 to January 29, 2011
WRAA is a statewide association of more than 550 artists, many of whom exhibit their work through the Wisconsin Regional Art Program (WRAP). WRAP was established to encourage Wisconsin citizens with a serious interest in art - people who make art purely for the love of it, rather than for fame and fortune. The purpose of WRAP is to encourage nonprofessional artists to develop their abilities.
The judge for the exhibit was Eric Appleton from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Artists winning a State Exhibit Award are eligible to compete for monetary awards at the WRAA State Day in Madison.
WRAP is developed and administered by the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Department of Liberal Studies and the Arts. WRAP exhibits and workshops began in 1940 to encourage the creative growth of non-professional artists from rural areas.
Member's Show - November 4 to December 12, 2010
The Members Show exhibits both art and craft pieces by Whitewater Arts Alliance members in any 2-D or 3-D medium completed during 2010. Show visitors will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite pieces. Based on the viewer's choice voting, the piece with the highest number of votes will be photographed for the 2011 poster. The pieces with the four next highest numbers of votes will be photographed to be made into note cards. After the close of voting, Virginia Epps will notify the winners. During the reception, an Alliance representative will announce the viewer's choice awards. If all systems work well, the posters and cards will be available for purchase during the reception.
The Alliance is pleased to give the member whose piece is chosen for the 2011 CAC poster two copies of the poster. Similarly, the Alliance is pleased to give the members whose pieces are chosen a set of 24 cards. "The viewer's choice allows show attendees to tell the Alliance and the artists which pieces they liked best and what they would like to see reproduced as cards or a poster," said Roni Telfer, WAA President. "The criterion is whatever the voter chooses. So it is not necessarily the 'best in show' but it is a way to get viewer response and see the audience's preferences."
"There is no particular theme for this exhibit. I conceive of this exhibit as a celebration and sharing of the areas and media our members who are active artists and/or crafts-persons have been exploring during the last year," said Virginia Epps, coordinator of the exhibit.
The Eclectic Art of Cooking - October 2 to October 30, 2010
The whole exhibit is based on an art/recipe book titled "The Eclectic Art of Cooking". Seventy-eight artists--students, friends and colleagues--of Mary Ann Inman’s School of Eclectic Art were invited to submit a piece of art and a recipe for the cookbook. It is a delightful collection of beautiful artwork and delicious recipes.
The artists will be having two Artists' Receptions & Recipe Tastings. Several artists will be present at one (or both) of these receptions and bring their culinary creations for tasting. Attendees can meet the artists, view the work, and purchase the cookbook, which will be available at the receptions.
"I can only stand back in amazement as I page through 'The Eclectic Art of Cooking'. This publication is a reflection of the warmth, talent and friendships that surround us daily. Enjoy!" said Mary Ann Inman.
The School of Eclectic Art began in 2003 when instructor Mary Ann Inman was leading a class critique with a group of students. The students commented on the diverse/eclectic styles and medias presented. Encouraged by the group, Mary Ann planned the first School of Eclectic Art Exhibition at the Crossman Gallery on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Mary Ann, the founder of the School of Eclectic Art, is a practicing artist and teacher. She received her BFA from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2000. She teaches art classes through UW-Madison's Liberal Studies and the Arts and independently through her School of Eclectic Art, based in Madison, Wisconsin. Her art classes led to the creation of the cookbook.
Mary Ann is actively involved with promoting regional art and encouraging artists. She has served on the board of directors of the Wisconsin Regional Artists Association (WRAA) since 1999; currently in the position of president. Mary Ann was instrumental in the starting of two WRAA youth programs, Bridging Generations and the Statewide Teen Art Mentor Program (STAMP). Mary Ann encourages everyone to "make art for the sake of art."
Fran Achen Photography Exhitbit - August 1 to September 12, 2010
Amateur and professional photographers are asked to submit up to three pieces (any size) for the show. There are three entry categories: ages 1-12 years - $1.00 fee per entry; ages 13-18 years - $3.00 fee per entry; and ages 19-Up - $5.00 fee per entry. Prizes will be awarded in each category.
Fran Achen was a longtime Whitewater resident, teacher, and local photographer. However, he is best remembered for his photographic collection which chronicles the history of Whitewater. His children will be at the opening reception. In addition, several of his photographs will be on display. All events are free and open to the public.
Art of the Flower in conjunction with Women's Club' Garden Walk' - July 1 to July 30, 2010
"Art of the Flower" is an art competition and the exhibit will recognize, promote and reward excellence in floral art and enhance public awareness. Eighteen artists from throughout Wisconsin have used their artistic visions to create their impressions of floral art.
The judge for the exhibit is Amy E. Arntson, a professional artist and Emeritus Professor of Art at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Her lectures and presentations have spanned the globe, and she has recently exhibited paintings in the Florence Bienniale. Now a full-time artist and author, her paintings of water surfaces evolved from a life-long association with the Great Lakes Region. Her web-site is www.amyarntson.net.
Anticipated Awards are: Best of Show, Accomplished Artist: Gold and Silver and honorable Mention. Amateur Artist: Gold and Silver and Honorable Mention. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.
The Alliance is in partnership with other organizations in the community to promote all that Whitewater has to offer. Sponsored by the Whitewater Arts Alliance, the "Art of the Flower" exhibit is being held in conjunction with the Whitewater Federation of Women's Clubs' "Garden Walk" which will take place on July 11. On July 11, the day of the Garden Stroll, the Cultural Arts Center will be giving out free bags of wildflower seeds donated by "Prairie" Bob of Prairie Seed Source.