Linden Gallery, 12001 Mink River Road at Hwy 42, Ellison Bay WI 54210 www.lindensgallery.com

Posted 7/31/08:

Professional Grant Proposal Writing Workshop (August 2008: Cardinal Stritch University - Milwaukee)

The Grant Institute's Grants 101: Professional Grant Proposal Writing Workshop will be held at Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, August 13 - 15, 2008. Interested development professionals, researchers, faculty, and graduate students should register as soon as possible, as demand means that seats will fill up quickly. Please forward, post, and distribute this e-mail to your colleagues and listservs.

All participants will receive certification in professional grant writing from the Institute. For more information call (888) 824 -4424 or visit The Grant Institute at www.thegrantinstitute.com.

Please find the program description below:

The Grant Institute Grants 101: Professional Grant Proposal Writing Workshop will be held at
Cardinal Stritch University
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
August 13 - 15, 2008
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Grant Institute's Grants 101 course is an intensive and detailed introduction to the process, structure, and skill of professional proposal writing. This course is characterized by its ability to act as a thorough overview, introduction, and refresher at the same time. In this course, participants will learn the entire proposal writing process and complete the course with a solid understanding of not only the ideal proposal structure, but a holistic understanding of the essential factors, which determine whether or not a program gets funded. Through the completion of interactive exercises and activities, participants will complement expert lectures by putting proven techniques into practice. This course is designed for both the beginner looking for a thorough introduction and the intermediate looking for a refresher course that will strengthen their grant acquisition skills. This class, simply put, is designed to get results by creating professional grant proposal writers.

Participants will become competent program planning and proposal writing professionals after successful completion of the Grants 101 course. In three active and informative days, students will be exposed to the art of successful grant writing practices, and led on a journey that ends with a masterful grant proposal.

Grants 101 consists of three (3) courses that will be completed during the three-day workshop.

(1) Fundamentals of Program Planning

This course is centered on the belief that "it's all about the program." This intensive course will teach professional program development essentials and program evaluation. While most grant writing "workshops" treat program development and evaluation as separate from the writing of a proposal, this class will teach students the relationship between overall program planning and grant writing.

(2) Professional Grant Writing

Designed for both the novice and experienced grant writer, this course will make each student an overall proposal writing specialist. In addition to teaching the basic components of a grant proposal, successful approaches, and the do's and don'ts of grant writing, this course is infused with expert principles that will lead to a mastery of the process. Strategy resides at the forefront of this course's intent to illustrate grant writing as an integrated, multidimensional, and dynamic endeavor. Each student will learn to stop writing the grant and to start writing the story. Ultimately, this class will illustrate how each component of the grant proposal represents an opportunity to use proven techniques for generating support.

(3) Grant Research

At its foundation, this course will address the basics of foundation, corporation, and government grant research. However, this course will teach a strategic funding research approach that encourages students to see research not as something they do before they write a proposal, but as an integrated part of the grant seeking process. Students will be exposed to online and database research tools, as well as publications and directories that contain information about foundation, corporation, and government grant opportunities. Focusing on funding sources and basic social science research, this course teaches students how to use research as part of a strategic grant acquisition effort.

Registration: $597.00 tuition includes all materials and certificates.

Each student will receive:

*The Grant Institute Certificate in Professional Grant Writing
*The Grant Institute's Guide to Successful Grant Writing
*The Grant Institute Grant Writer's Workbook with sample proposals, forms, and outlines

Registration Methods

1) On-Line - Complete the online registration form at www.thegrantinstitute.com under Register Now. We'll send your confirmation by e-mail.

2) By Phone - Call (888) 824 - 4424 to register by phone. Our friendly Program Coordinators will be happy to assist you and answer your questions.

3) By E-mail - Send an e-mail with your name, organization, and basic contact information to info@thegrantinstitute.com and we will reserve your slot and send your Confirmation Packet.

Rountree Gallery features Galena Artist and Basket Weavers

Rountree Gallery’s Summer Exhibit 3 begins on August 6, and features the works of six area artists. This blend of pastels and basketry will be on display through September 7, with the artists’ reception scheduled for Sunday, August 10 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Janet Checker of Galena will be displaying a collection of her artwork titled “Misty Mississippi.” Janet was raised in Chicago where she first attended the Chicago Art Institute at the age of 11 on a scholarship. This began her lifelong journey with the arts. Janet worked in advertising for many years, has taught classes and workshops around the United States, and curates local art exhibits. Janet’s art is a blend of her many different creative expressions over the years. For more information about Janet, you can visit her webpage at www.janetcheckerstudio.com.

Five area basket weavers will be displaying an exhibit of their creative baskets titled “Loosely Woven Friends.” These friends have only one thing in common…weaving. For over ten years these ladies have woven baskets together, taken classes together and taught each other techniques. After retiring from a long career in graphic arts, Kris Doyle now weaves whenever possible. Colleen Howland has a great respect for the history of basket making, and feels that mixing colors to dye reed is always an adventure. Tony Klingler’s continued interest in weaving is motivated by the individuality of each basket, and she collects natural items during her walks in the woods to embellish baskets and gourds. Sandy Michalik, a retired teacher from East Dubuque, enjoys making Nantucket style baskets and Shaker baskets out of black ash. Regina Riley taught herself to weave pine needle baskets seventeen years ago, and says she always has a needle and thread in her hands so weaving is to her just another form of sewing.

For more information please contact Rountree Gallery at 608-348-6719, by email at rtgallery@yousq.net, or visit our new webpage at www.platteville.org.

2008 Graduates from Kewaunee Academy of Fine Art

Six students were in the first graduating class from the Kewaunee Academy of Fine Art and received their Certificate of Completion at a reception held at the Barnsite Gallery in Kewaunee, WI. The students completed a rigorous 3-4 year program that included two and a half years of figure drawing before they entered their oil painting curriculum.

The class included Wisconsinites Pam Clausen, Kewaunee, Karen Cook, Sister Bay, Molly Johnson, Denmark, Linda VanBeek, Green Bay, Phyllis Verhyen, Greenleaf, and Mark Zelten, Green Bay.

The reception also honored students who have attended the Academy and have fulfilled their  personal goals and are actively pursuing their painting careers.  They include David Bliven, Appleton, Lynn DeNamur, Algoma, Jeff Hargreaves, Appleton, Soirsce Kastner, Fish Creek, Betty Proper, Appleton, Karen Stewart, DePere, Buttons Wolst, Fish Creek.

The curriculum is developed and designed by Artistic Director, Craig Blietz and implemented through his staff of artists including, Lori Beringer, Plymouth, Ken DeWaard, Viroqua, Amy Lloyd, Chicago, Steve Ohlrich, Milwaukee, Bonnie Paruch, Sister Bay and Bren Siblisky, Algoma.

The Academy, founded in 2005, is dedicated to the highest level of instruction in drawing and painting for students wishing to pursue careers as professional artists. It is one of twelve classical training Academies in the world.

For further information contact Dick Bell 920 388 4391.

The Art Farm Fall 2008 Art Class Offerings

Ladies’ Night –It’s all about fun! Two sessions are offered this fall to fit your schedule. Each four week session focuses on art mediums such as glass fusing, weaving, mixed medium, printmaking and loads of fun and accessible projects.

Each 4 week session is $75. Including all materials.
Session 1 – Thursday evenings, September 4-25, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Session 2 – Tuesday evenings, October 28 – Nov. 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

More sessions to be announced.

Adult 3-D and Mosaic Art – learn about and create in several 3-D sculptural materials. Here’s your chance to explore relief and free-standing sculpture techniques in mosaic, wire, plaster and mixed medium. Fun is Guaranteed! 4 week session is $75. Including all materials.  Tuesday evenings, September 9-30, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

After School Art Camp for Kids – 6 evenings of fun-filled art projects!
A variety of mediums including glass fusing, 3-D sculpture, printmaking, drawing and painting and more! The 6 week session is $85. Wednesday evenings, September 24 – October 29, 6-8 p.m.

Sign up by pre-payment for art classes to: Julia Flanagan at The Art Farm, 5512 Springbrook Road, Omro, WI 54963

All classes are size-limited to provide personalized instruction. Reserve your space today!

The 4th Annual Pecatonica River Arts Confluence

The 4th Annual Pecatonica River Arts Confluence will be held Friday, August 22nd in Blanchardville, Wisconsin. Artists from across the state are invited to paint or create art at any of the 14 public accessible river sites along the Pecatonica River flowing from Hollandale to Blanchardville and Argyle. Join us for this unique experience - come to the Pecatonica River Valley in the beautiful “Driftless” area in South West Wisconsin, with its rolling hills and gorgeous vistas and develop new skills as a painter and artisan!

This painting event is held rain or shine! All artists are invited, any media, and any experience level is welcome. Artists will meet at 7:30am Friday, August 22nd for registration, maps & updates at River Valley Trading Company, 204 South Main Street, Blanchardville. There is a $10 registration fee for attending this event. Choose to paint at any of the locations you wish. At 12 noon Friday there is an artist potluck lunch at the lower park shelter to meet fellow artists. After lunch artists continue to paint during the afternoon & evening.

This year we have added a special component! Two wonderful Wisconsin Plein Aire painters: Larry Schultz and Chuck Bauer will each teach a 2 hour group session on Friday morning (6am-10am and 10:15-12:15) on how to have fun painting in an outdoor setting.

For those artists who have wished for that extra encouragement -- to make the leap from the indoor studio setting & painting landscapes using 2D photographs -- this might get you over that hurdle! Learn to love painting outdoors! Artists with experience painting Plein Aire are invited to the class group also. Learn new techniques & insights! The fee for each class is $15, or $25 for both classes.

The painting event preceeds a 2 day music festival “The Pec Jamm” with Country, Old Time, Gospel and Bluegrass music - a showcase of talent in McKellar Park on the banks of the lovely Pecatonica River in Blanchardville! This 2 day music event is free and the public is most welcome. With a full slate of great country groups on Saturday, and on Sunday, August 24th for Old Time and Bluegrass Music!  Bring your own lawn chairs.

For more information regarding the 4th Annual Pecatonica River Arts Confluence & art exhibition: please contact Lyric Ozburn at 608-523-4326.  For more information regarding the 2 day Country, Old Time, Gospel & Bluegrass Music “Pec Jamm” contact Mark Gruenenfelder at 508-523-4835.  For more information about camping & eating in Blanchardville, Hollandale & Argyle call River Valley Trading Company at 608-523-1888.
 

Posted 7/29/08:

This Week at the Civil War Museum

Stop in at the new Civil War Museum during the week of July 28 for some special activities.

On "Make-It Monday," July 28 from 2-4pm, learn about folding fans, fan etiquette and how they were used to "communicate." Decorate your own fan. This is a free family program offered each Monday afternoon throughout the summer at the Civil War Museum.

On Thursday, July 31, join Civil War Museum Curator Doug Dammann for the "Curator's Show and Tell" from 12-12:30pm. Mr. Dammann will present information on Infantry Corps Badges. Visitors are welcome to bring their own brown bag lunch. This is a free public program offered each Thursday afternoon throughout the summer at the Civil War Museum.

The Civil War Museum is located at 5400 First Avenue in Kenosha. "The Fiery Trial," main exhibit gallery is under construction and is not open at this time. The Civil War Museum will remain open to the public at no charge as exhibit construction and installation continues through the summer. When "The Fiery Trial" exhibits are complete, the main gallery will reopen and a nominal fee of $5 for adults will be charged for admission to that exhibit. Children 17 and under and Friends of the Museums will be admitted to the gallery free. Admission to the Civil War Museum, the Veterans Gallery, Resource Center and all other rooms and exhibits are free to the public.

The Civil War Museum is open Sunday and Monday 12-5pm and Tuesday - Saturday 9am -5pm. For more information please call the Civil War Museum at 262-653-4141 or go to www.thecivilwarmuseum.org.

Come Celebrate the Birth of a New Art Space in the Heart of the Falls

Menomonee Falls , WI July 26, 2008 — The newest art experience in Menomonee Falls, Stanford Art Gallery and Studios, will be opening its doors to the public the first weekend in August. The artist owned gallery features original fine art; traditional, contemporary and modern by local, regional, and national artists.

The gallery represents a dynamic mix of work by its artists, some who are in the gallery every day providing personal insights into their work, which includes acrylic, oil, and watercolor paintings; clay and pottery; decorative furniture painting; stained glass and mosaics; jewelry and wearable art; photography and more. The gallery also has several working artist studios that will enhance your visit and all artwork is available for purchase.

The Art Guild of Menomonee Falls , along with Stanford Gallery, will be hosting a free Art Celebration with the artists and a studio open house, September 7th and 8th, 1:00 - 4:00 pm.  All exhibits at the gallery are free and open to the public, Wednesdays 12:00 - 3:00 pm , Thursdays 5:00-8:00 pm , and Fridays - Saturdays 1:00 - 4:00 pm , by chance and for your convenience by appointment.

The Gallery is centrally and conveniently in the heart of the Historic Village Centre of Downtown Menomonee Falls, N88 W16475 Main Street, in the lower level of the Stanford Art Glass Studio Building. 

For further information on the gallery opening please contact the gallery at 414-530-3777.

Middleton Players Theatre Presents Richard O'Brien's The Rocky Horror Show

Lets do the Time Warp again! Middleton Player's Theatre presents Richard O'Brien's THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, the musical cult thriller that will not die! Known as an outrageous assemblage of the most stereotypical science- fiction movies, Glam Rock Icons and superhero comic books, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW has a thirty-five year reputation for being an infectious crowd-pleaser.

The live stage show version has been announced by several Madison community theatre’s within the last two seasons, but has inevitably been dropped. On August 7, Middleton Players Theatre will fulfill the long awaited promise.

Directed by J. Patrick, Musically directed by Thomas Kasdorf, and featuring choreography by Elyse Albrecht, Lauren Peterson and Adam Wolter, this production pulls out all the stops to shock, excite, and titillate its audience. "Middleton Players has been most gracious with me when it came to their budget," says J. Patrick, "and I can promise the Dane County theatre-goer will be treated to some effects never before attempted in Madison, to my knowledge."

The cast of 24 features an all-star cast from the Madison and Middleton area, including many UW-Madison Theatre Department students, familiar Middleton Players performers, and exciting new talents on the local theatre scene. "I am always impressed with the talent that MPT manages to assemble," says Ken Urso, President of Middleton Players Theatre, "but J. Patrick has really pulled together a stellar company for this one."

Performances are Thursday thru Saturday, August 7 thru the 16^th @ 7:30 pm at the Middleton Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available in advance online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/33939 for $15.00, or $18.00 at the door. It is general seating. Audiences are encouraged to dress up and participate at the Saturday performances. This show is not recommended for children under 12.
 

Posted 7/24/08:

Oshkosh Public Museum First United States Museum to Showcase Imperial Russian Treasures and Abraham Lincoln Artifacts

On Saturday, July 12, the Oshkosh Public Museum was the first U.S. museum to open its doors to the world-class traveling exhibition, The Tsar and the President. Running through October 12, the Oshkosh Public Museum will host this rare collection of Imperial Russian treasures never before seen outside of Russia and rare Lincoln artifacts from lenders including the Library of Congress and Ford’s Theater in Washington, D.C.

For more information on the Oshkosh Public Museum and The Tsar and the President exhibition, call (920) 236-5799 or visit www.oshkoshmuseum.org.

2008 – 2009 Wisconsin Conservatory of Music Concerts

The Wisconsin Conservatory of Music presents a vast array of 40 concerts “for every stage” in its 2008-2009 concert season. The concerts will feature Conservatory faculty and guests in a range of styles that include classical, jazz, blues, popular, rock, folk and contemporary. All concerts, with the exception of the Wilson Center series, are held in the Conservatory’s acoustically superb and intimate Helen Bader Recital Hall (1584 N. Prospect Avenue). Wilson Center concerts are held in the Dawes Studio Theater (19805 W. Capitol Dr, Brookfield). There are several parking options available for the various Conservatory performances.

Highlights for the 2008-2009 season include: Slide Hampton, the legendary jazz trombonist, joins We Six for two performances in March of 2009; William Barnewitz, principal French horn with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra joins the Prometheus Trio for two concerts in December of 2008; the Philomusica String Quartet performs its debut season at the Conservatory; and the Conservatory launches a new four-concerts series at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts in Brookfield.

The Conservatory’s premiere chamber groups, Prometheus Trio and the new Philomusica Quartet, will bring in depth musical insight into the works of Beethoven, Schubert, Dvořák and Martinů as they perform multiple works of each of these composers during the season. The Conservatory Nights and Free for All Sundays series will be global adventures as concerts explore the cultures of Austria, Czechoslovakia, France, Spain, Cuba, Russia, Ireland and Ukraine. Faculty members and guest musicians making their debut performances at the Conservatory include Philip Dizak, trumpet; the Afro-Cuban group De la Buena; and Future Shock, the Conservatory’s Breakbeat Hip Hop Jazz Fusion group.

Ticket prices for the Conservatory concerts range from $14 - $22. Subscription packages range from $45 to $80. Both subscription and single tickets are available now by calling 414-276-5760, or in-person at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music at 1584 North Prospect Avenue.

• PROMETHEUS TRIO: In their 9th season at the Conservatory, Stefanie Jacob, piano; Timothy Klabunde, violin; and Scott Tisdal, cello; perform a series of four concerts within the superb acoustics of the Helen Bader Recital Hall. William Barnewitz, principal French horn of the MSO will be joining the Prometheus Trio for two concerts on December 8 and 9, 2008 performing works by Brahms and David Amram. Other Prometheus highlights include the music of Czech composer Bohuslav Martinů, Hungarian composer László Lajtha; French composer Gabriel Piernė; and American composers David Amran, Joan Tower and Milwaukeean Jason Seed. The Trio will also give their first full performance at the Wilson Center for the Arts on October 13, 2008.

• WE SIX: The resident jazz ensemble of the Conservatory continues its exploration of the great straight-ahead jazz tradition. Performing original music and classic standards with their own distinctive sound, We Six concerts take place in the Conservatory’s “Club Jazz” setting with candle-lit café seating and bar service. The jazz sextet’s featured musician in 2009 will be Slide Hampton, the distinguished jazz trombonist whose career has spanned decades in the evolution of jazz. Other concerts feature a tribute to the West Coast Jazz scene, music associated with innovative drummers, and a concert of original compositions from the members of We Six. The jazz sextet will also perform a concert at the Wilson Center for the Arts in Brookfield on April 23, 2009 at 7:30 pm.

• CONCERVATORY NIGHTS: The Conservatory Nights concert series on has proved exceptionally popular with sold out audiences for nearly every concert this past season. Concerts in 2008-2009 will include an eclectic mixture of five jazz styles: straight-ahead, modern, Latin, fusion and funk; as well as concerts that focus on Afro-Cuban, French, Spanish, Breakbeat and hip-hop music. Featured performers include: Paul Silbergleit, jazz guitar; Robin Pluer with Mrs. Fun; trumpeters Jamie Breiwick & Phillip Dizak; Jim Paolo, jazz bass; the Latin group De La Buena; Peter Baime, flamenco guitar; and Matt Schroeder, fingerstyle guitar. Concert-goers will be treated to a Helen Bader Hall that has been transformed into an intimate candle-lit club with café seating and bar service.

• FREE FOR ALL SUNDAYS: As a gift to the Milwaukee community, the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music will once again open its doors in 2008-2009 with a free series of eleven Sunday concerts featuring various Conservatory faculty members. These free concerts will take place on Sunday afternoons at 3:00 pm in the Helen Bader Recital Hall. Featured performers include: Raymond Mueller, guitar; violinists Phillip Grossman and Tatiana Migliaccio; pianists Teresa Drews, Stefanie Jacob, Kayme Henkel and Michael Thiele; and J. Mark Baker, baritone.

• PHILOMUSICA STRING QUARTET – DEBUT SEASON! The Conservatory is proud to announce that Philomusica has joined the Conservatory as its resident string quartet. Made up of some of the Conservatory and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s finest string players: Jeanyi Kim and Alexander “Sascha” Mandl, violins; Nathan Hackett, viola; and Adrien Zitoun, cello. For their debut season, these four passionate musicians will perform a series of three concerts on Sunday afternoons that explore the rich musical traditions of Czechoslovakia, Vienna, and Paris.

• WILSON CENTER SERIES: The Wisconsin Conservatory of Music has been an education partner with the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts since it opened to the public in 2002. This season, the Conservatory will launch a series of four vibrant concerts for audiences in the intimate Dawes Studio Theatre. There will be two Sunday family programs, a classical concert by the acclaimed Prometheus Trio, and a performance by the Conservatory’s very own jazz group – We Six.

A full updated listing of Conservatory ticketed and free performances is available from the Conservatory web site at: http://www.wcmusic.org/

ALL CONCERTS & REPERTOIRE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

The ARTgarage, Operated by Cedar Center Arts, Presents Evan La Haye
August 1st 2008 – August 30th 2008

Prepare yourself for a world of color and emotions as you enter the August art show of Evan  La Haye. La Haye, like most artists, say “I have to do (art).” For La Haye, it’s not a choice but a compelling need to release feelings onto canvas. Sometimes the process is healing; sometimes it causes pain. “There is no greater high then when it’s going well and the paint feels like it is flowing right out of my fingertips, and there’s greater despair… than staring at a blank canvas on a painting gone terribly wrong.”

Bold abstract images are typical in La Haye’s work. His exhibit runs from Aug 1- 30th.

Reception Date: Saturday August 2nd 2:00pm – 6:00pm (Please note reception time change)

For more information please e-mail us at theartgaragec4arts@sbcglobal.net or call  920-448-6800.

Wings, Tails, Hooves & Scales: An Art Exhibition Celebrating Animals
CALL FOR ARTISTS

Columbus, OH....Wings, Tails, Hooves & Scales: An Art Exhibition Celebrating Animals seeks entries for the annual all media juried, regional art exhibition held in conjunction with the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association’s annual Midwest Veterinary Conference (MVC). The MVC is the 5th largest veterinary conference in North America drawing over 6,000 attendees from more than 40 states. Accepted pieces compete for three awards offering cash prizes: Best of Show $300, President’s Choice $100 and People’s Choice $100. The entry deadline is Friday, December 5, 2008.

The exhibit is open to residents in all 50 States and Canada that are 18 years of age or older. Entries must be original works of art that portray animal subject matter in 2-D or 3-D format. No installation pieces will be considered. Entries must be for sale during the show. The OVMA will deduct a 10% commission on all sales to benefit the Ohio Animal Health Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that works to improve animal health.

Selected members of the Ohio Art League will participate as jurors for the 2009 exhibit selection. The Wings, Tails, Hooves & Scales entry form will be available online at www.ohiovma.org, or by calling 1.800.662.6862.

The OVMA is a non-profit organization providing services to its members in the areas of continuing education, advocacy on policy matters, and access to a variety of professional resources. The OVMA represents over 2,400 veterinarians practicing in various fields and specialties. The organization has been serving its members and the public since 1884.
 

Posted 7/22/08:

Over Our Head Players Present Witty Irish Comedy 

In July, Over Our Head Players presents a bonus production, Stones in his Pockets, a witty Irish comedy by Marie Jones. A sharply funny comedy that wraps humor around hope, Stones in his Pockets runs just two weekends July 25 – August 3. All performances are at the Sixth Street Theatre, 318 Sixth Street, Downtown Racine.  Reservations are available through the box office, (262) 632-6802.  Tickets are $12 - $15.

Winner of the 2001 Olivier Award for Best Comedy, Stones in his Pockets premiered in 1999 in Ireland, but soon opened to rave reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. Not long after that its success took it to London’s West End where it won the Olivier Award, and then to Broadway where it earned three 2001 Tony Nominations. “A comedy on several layers — overtly funny at times, self-reflective at others, poignant and touching throughout. A must see!” – BBC. "An inventive and riotously funny comedy." - Mike Kuchwara, Associated Press

Jenny Kostreva directs, Brad Kostreva is Production Manager, and Emily Breiwick stage manages.  The production staff includes Rick Ditter, Diane Carlson, Kathy Honigmann, Christopher Larson, Jim Smith, and Tom Spraker. The production is sponsored by McAuliffe’s on the Square.   

Stones in his Pockets runs July 25, 26, 27 and August 1, 2, 3.  Fridays and Saturdays are at 8:00; Sundays are at 2:30. Tickets are $15 on Fridays and Saturdays and $12 on Sundays.  For reservations or information, please call the box office, (262)632-6802. All performances are at the Sixth Street Theatre, 318 Sixth Street, Racine.  Advance reservations are recommended as previous productions have sold out. 

Over Our Head Players operates the 6th Street Theatre, Downtown Racine. A non-profit organization of volunteer theatrical talent from throughout Southeastern Wisconsin now in their 17th season, OOHPs focuses on contemporary comedies and original productions. Season tickets are now on sale for their 2008-09 season which includes Barefoot in the Park, The Ice-Fishing Play, Dog Sees God, Theatre / Schmeatre, and the 2009 Snowdance 10-Minute Comedy Festival. 

Call for Art: Friends of Milwaukee’s Rivers Announces First Bi-Annual Juried “Arts and the Rivers” Contest

To celebrate our rivers, Friends of Milwaukee’s Rivers (FMR) is seeking visual works that convey the beauty and importance of our waterways in an artistically meaningful way.

The contest is funded by Shirley Holzer Jeffrey, a long-time FMR board member who started photographing the river about eight years ago as a self-meditative healing process. Works will be judged by Annemarie Sawkins, Ph.D., Associate Curator at Marquette University’s Haggerty Museum of Art. Prizes are as follows: First Place, $500; Second Place, $250; Third Place, $175; Fourth Place, $75.

Content of the work must connect in some way to the Kinnickinnic, Menomonee and/or Milwaukee rivers or their tributaries. Themes of the work may include visual beauty, ecological importance/biological functioning, poetic and/or metaphoric symbolism, recreation or transportation. Any professional or amateur artist may submit work.

Submitted works must be drawings, paintings, prints or photographs. Maximum size is 48” x 48”. Artists must submit digital images by 5 PM, December 1, 2008. Images must be in .jpeg format, with maximum file size 3 MB. They must be submitted by email to Erin Hartman at erin_hartman@mkeriverkeeper.org. Judging of the submitted works will be done by December 12, 2008, after which artists will be informed of works accepted. Selected works must be delivered, ready to hang, at the Milwaukee Environmental Consortium (MEC) by January 7, 2009. Awards will be judged from actual work and announced at a reception during Gallery Night, January 16, 2009. The work will remain on display at the MEC offices until Friday, March 7, 2009.

For rules and guidelines, please visit FMR’s website at www.mkeriverkeeper.org. For more information, please contact Erin Hartman, Outreach Coordinator, at erin_hartman@mkeriverkeeper.org or 414-287-0207 x 34.

This Week at the Civil War Museum

Stop in at the new Civil War Museum during the week of July 21 for some special activities.

On "Make-It Monday," July 21 from 2-4pm, learn about Civil War era food and make hard tack. This is a free family program offered each Monday afternoon throughout the summer at the Civil War Museum.

On Thursday, July 24, join Civil War Museum Curator Doug Dammann for the "Curator's Show and Tell" from 12-12:30pm. Mr. Dammann will present artifacts related to John Brown in Springdale, Iowa. Visitors are welcome to bring their own brown bag lunch. This is a free public program offered each Thursday afternoon throughout the summer at the Civil War Museum.

On Friday, July 25 enjoy the "Civil War Museum Theatre Program." People from the Civil War era come to life in this new program at the Civil War Museum. Learn the struggles and turning points in their lives. This week meet "Cordelia Harvey," Wisconsin's First Lady and an activist for medical care for Civil War soldiers which led her to Abraham Lincoln's White House. Performances are at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. Tickets are $2 per person and are available in advance or at the door.

The Civil War Museum is located at 5400 First Avenue in Kenosha. "The Fiery Trial," main exhibit gallery is under construction and is not open at this time. The Civil War Museum will remain open to the public at no charge as exhibit construction and installation continues through the summer. When "The Fiery Trial" exhibits are complete, the main gallery will reopen and a nominal fee of $5 for adults will be charged for admission to that exhibit. Children 17 and under and Friends of the Museums will be admitted to the gallery free. Admission to the Civil War Museum, the Veterans Gallery, Resource Center and all other rooms and exhibits are free to the public.

The Civil War Museum is open Sunday and Monday 12-5pm and Tuesday - Saturday 9am -5pm. For more information please call the Civil War Museum at 262-653-4141 or go to www.thecivilwarmuseum.org.

The ARTgarage, Operated by Cedar Center Arts, Presents David Beck
Saturday August 2nd, 2008 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Please join us for the musical piano performance of David Beck. David received his Piano Performance degree from St. Norbert College in 2007.  He has been playing in the Green Bay area as a classical, jazz or rock pianist for business conventions, weddings, as a member of the band Free Radio, as an accompanist for numerous schools and the Green Bay Boy Choir. In the fall, he will be auditioning for his Masters in Piano Performance at Julliard School of Music. On Saturday, Aug 2nd he will be performing timeless music from Baroque to Post Modern, Classical to Jazz and Pop. $5 donation at the door is requested. For more information please e-mail us at theartgaragec4arts@sbcglobal.net  or call  920-448-6800.  

Shawano Old Time Music Festival <shawanofestival@hotmail.com>
 
This year, the weekend of August 8-10, the Shawano Folk Music Festival is celebrating its 30th year.  As you know, that's a HUGE milestone - and we're all very proud of it.

Museum Announces Dinosaur Story Time

Have a dino-riffic time at the Dinosaur Discovery Museum as you listen in on Dinosaur stories. Hear a variety of dinosaur stories and sounds presented by Kenosha Public Museums volunteer and retired librarian Pat Machmeier. Story time will take place on Saturday, August 9 from 12:30-1:00PM.

For children ages 3-6 accompanied by an adult. Seating is limited. Free tickets will be available at the Dinosaur Discovery Museum at 12PM on the day of the program. For more information please call DDM at 262-653-4450.
 

Posted 7/16/08:

New Exhibit Announced, "From the Figure"

The Barnsite and Linden Galleries announce the opening of a new exhibit, titled “From the Figure” July 19, with a reception at the Linden Gallery from 1-5 pm and a clay portrait demonstration by Bren Sibilsky from 1-4 pm.

The exhibit will include clay and bronze sculpture by Algoma, WI artist, Bren Sibilsky; classical realism oil portraits and figure paintings by Denmark, WI artist, Molly M. Johnson; glorious, impressionist work in oil and pastel by California colorist Nancy McDonald; and classical realism figure paintings by Chicago artist, Mary Qian. Resumes for this group of national award-winning artists will be available at the exhibit.

In addition, we have negotiated the rights to sell the personal collection of California Master painter Jove Wang. An extensive display of Jove’s work will be on display. Most of these paintings have never been exhibited and came from his home for this exhibit.

The Exhibit will be displayed in both the Barnsite and Linden Galleries through August 3, 2008 from 10 am to 5 pm daily. Each gallery will display different works.

Barnsite Gallery, LLC
109 Duvall Street, Kewaunee, WI 54216
920-388-4391 ·  www.barnsitegallery.com

Linden Gallery
12001 Mink River Road at Hwy. 42, Ellison Bay, WI 54210
920-854-2487 · www.lindensgallery.com

Great Lakes Civil War Forum September 13

Three speakers and a special tour of the new Civil War Museum of the Upper Middle West will highlight the Great Lakes Civil War Forum Saturday, September 13, 2008.

The Civil War Museum examines the role of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana and Michigan in the Civil War. The facility is located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Kenosha, Wisconsin, between Chicago and Milwaukee.

Speakers include Dr. Gordon Dammann on "The Letterman Plan as Devised at South Mountain and Antietam”; Scott Wolfe on abolitionist John Brown and his men at Springdale, Iowa, and Daniel Nettesheim, a former West Point history instructor, who will examine the career of U.S. Grant.

Check-in opens at 9:00 AM and the Forum begins at 10:00 AM. The fee for the program is $35 for the public or $30 for Friends of the Kenosha Public Museums and includes lunch. The deadline to register is September 6. Registrations can be made over the phone using Visa or Mastercard by calling 262-653-4140 or by mail.

All mail registrations should be sent to: The Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 First Avenue, Kenosha, WI, 53140. Please include your name, address, telephone, email information, and title of the event with your registration. Checks should be made out to “Kenosha Public Museum.”

The $16.7 million block-square, two-story Civil War Museum features a 19,000 square foot permanent gallery entitled “The Fiery Trial,” a research center, veterans’ memorial, gift shop, second floor temporary gallery, and class and seminar rooms. The building is located at 54th Street and First Avenue north of the Kenosha Public Museum. For information call 262-653-4141 or go to www.thecivilwarmuseum.org.

Museum Announces Radio Theater Event

Radio Theater is back with Heroes of the Western Range on Saturday, July 19 at the Kenosha Public Museum.  Hi-Yo Silver! Bring your partners - young and old to Dodge City, the Kenosha Public Museum to celebrate the 75th anniversary of “The Lone Ranger” which hit the airwaves in 1933. RG Productions presents 2 original radio plays: “The Lone Ranger” and “Gunsmoke”. Plays will be performed in 1940s old time radio style featuring live music and sound effects! The show starts at 1PM  with the pre-show beginning at 12:30.

This is a free family program. For more information please call the Museum at 262-653-4140.

Museum Announces "Underground Railroad" Bus Trip

Wednesday, July 23 from 8:30AM to 4:30PM, the Kenosha Public Museums is sponsoring a bus trip “Steps of the Underground Railroad”. See the route through southeast Wisconsin where those escaping slavery traveled en route to freedom. Two leading authorities of the Underground Railroad in southeast Wisconsin, Lance Herdegen and Don Vandesand, accompany you as you travel the footsteps of Caroline Quarlls, Joshua Glover and others.

The first stop is the Racine Heritage Museum to hear the story of Joshua Glover and the role Racine played in his journey to freedom. See existing buildings and visit Wales, East Troy, Spring Prairie and Burlington - locations along the Underground Railroad - to hear more fascinating stories of freedom.

Lunch is included and will be at "Fork in the Road" in Mukwonago is included.

The cost of this trip is $59 and $54 for Friends of the Museum. Advanced paid registration is required. For more information please call the Museum at 262-653-4140.

Civil War Museum Announces Bus Tour

Thursday, July 17 is the Early Bird Deadline for the new Civil War Museum motorcoach tour to "The Civil War Eastern Sites," October 13-20, 2008. Sign up now for this extraordinary tour of Civil War sites on the East coast and receive a discount on your reservation fee. Lance Herdegen, Civil War Museum consultant and respected historian and author will provide commentary throughout the tour.

Highlights of the tour include Gettysburg National Park Battlefield Tour and a stop at their new Visitor Center, Antietam National Historic Park Battlefields Tour, Pry House Field Hospital Museum, Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, National Museum of Civil War Medicine, Stonewall Jackson's Headquarters, George Washington's Office, Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historic Parks and Reenactment and more!

This is a fully escorted tour that includes deluxe motor coach transportation, baggage handling, 7 nights lodging, sixteen meals, admission to all feature attractions. You will visit historic Gettysburg, Antietam, Pry House, Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, Stonewall Jackson's Headquarters, George Washington's Office and Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historic Parks and Reenactment. Register by July 17 and receive a $50 discount on your reservation.

The new Civil War Museum focuses on the personal stories of the men women and children who lived in the Upper Middle West during the Civil War era. Learn about life at home and at the battlefront. Understand how life changed after the War and how it shaped a growing nation.

The Civil War Museum is located at 5400 First Avenue in Kenosha. "The Fiery Trial," main exhibit gallery is under construction and is not open at this time. The Civil War Museum will remain open to the public at no charge as exhibit construction and installation continues through the summer. When "The Fiery Trial" exhibits are complete, the main gallery will reopen and a nominal fee of $5 for adults will be charged for admission to that exhibit. Children 17 and under and Friends of the Museums will be admitted to the gallery free. Admission to the Civil War Museum, the Veterans Gallery, Resource Center and all other rooms and exhibits are free to the public. The Museum is open Sunday and Monday 12-5pm and Tuesday - Saturday 9am -5pm. For more information please call the Civil War Museum at 262-653-4141 or go to www.thecivilwarmuseum.org.

National Endowment for the Arts NEWS

NEA Press Releases

Upcoming NEA Deadlines

Past NEA Grants to Wisconsin

Americans for the Arts

RESOURCES

Links for Flood Damage Victims - NEW!

Wisconsin Statewide Theatre Directory
Published by Liberal Studies and the Arts, this directory is an invaluable reference to theatre leaders and organizations throughout Wisconsin. Each of the more than 1,000 entries includes the theatre company name, contact person, address and phone number. The directory also lists all high school theatre teachers and college theatre faculty.

Wisconsin Children’s Performers Directory
This Performer Directory was created by the Department of Public Instruction as a service to public libraries and other organizations that want to hire quality performers for their children’s programs. The listing is intended to help identify potential performers and to assist libraries and organizations in contacting these groups and individuals.

Arts Wisconsin’s ArtsJobs site
Arts Wisconsin is your connection to jobs in the arts across Wisconsin and globally.

Americans for the Arts Job Bank
“Americans for the Arts Job Bank is the premier electronic recruitment resource for the industry. Here, employers and recruiters can access the most qualified talent pool with relevant work experience to fulfill staffing needs.”

Access to Health Insurance / Resources for Care
The AHIRC database was created in 1998 by The Actors’ Fund of America, with a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, as a health insurance resource for artists and people in the entertainment industry.  Since then, with support from The Commonwealth Fund, it has expanded to include resources for the self-employed, low-income workers, the under-insured, the uninsured who require medical care and many other groups.

The Law Portal
Overviews of the range of issues of importance; laws and regulations that affect how art is made; the legal context for presenting art in public; things to think about when art is put up for sale or barter; laws and regulations that affect how artists live; legal basics, and how to make or change the law.

Lessons Learned: A Planning Toolsite
This comprehensive guide to planning, created by the National Endowment for the Arts, can be used as a linear map to define a complex and lengthy planning process, or in a more modular fashion to examine the various practices of planning and decide the most useful entry point for you and/or your organization. The contributing consultants work with arts organizations in all disciplines throughout the US. Their combined knowledge and experience in planning results from their work in the field as consultants, arts administrators, writers, teachers, practicing artists, board members and theoreticians.

NEA Office for AccessAbility
The National Endowment for the Arts’ Office for AccessAbility is the advocacy-technical assistance arm of the Arts Endowment to make the arts accessible for people with disabilities, older adults, veterans, and people living in institutions. The website offers publications & checklists, laws and compliance standards, leadership initiatives, resource lists and links, funding opportunities, and more.

NYFA CURRENT
Since 1992, NYFA Current (previously known as Arts Wire Current) has provided the national arts community with news and analysis of the important issues of the day.

Artscan--Arts in Education Policy Database
Education Commission of the States
"ECS has developed Artscan to support the analysis of state-level policies related to the arts in education. From this database, you can generate profiles of the state policies for arts education in individual states, create comparisons of specific types of arts education state policies across several states and view compiled reports on state policies for the arts education. Artscan will be updated as state policy information becomes available."

Media Paints Arts Education in Fading Light
Education Commission of the States
"How does the national press portray arts education? Find out in this new media analysis released by ECS."

State Superintendents Are Powerful Advocates for the Arts in Education
Education Commission of the States, Americans for the Arts
“In the latest of a series of Education Commission of the States interviews, state superintendents Libby Burmaster of Wisconsin, Sandy Garrett of Oklahoma and Tom Horne of Arizona talk about their efforts to make support for the arts education a higher priority at the state and local levels.”

Making Student Achievement (PDF)
EdSource Report, Americans for the Arts
“A new report identifies four specific practices most strongly correlated with higher achievement: 1) prioritizing student achievement; 2) implementing a coherent, standards-based instructional program; 3) using assessment data to improve student achievement and instruction; and 4) ensuring the availability of instructional resources. The remaining three domains examined—involving and supporting parents, encouraging teacher collaboration and professional development, and enforcing high expectations for student behavior—had much weaker but still positive correlations with school performance.”

New Arts Education Report (PDF)
Education Commission of the States
“With the leadership of its 2004 chairman, Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, The Education Commission of the States (ECS) has published a 'Findings & Recommendations' to conclude a two-year initiative on arts education. This report offers a summary of state arts education policies; examines policymakers' perspectives on the arts in education and the tools they need to promote the arts in education; reviews existing research on the benefits of learning in and through the arts; and identifies areas in which additional research is needed. The report closes with suggestions for future action on the part of ECS.” posted 8/1/06

National Parent Teacher Association joins fight for arts education funding (PDF)
Parent Teacher Association, Americans for the Arts
“Following a speech by Americans for the Arts President and CEO Robert L. Lynch at the National Parent Teacher Association's (PTA) convention, the PTA sent a letter to Senate Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Ranking Member Tom Harkin (D-IA) that calls for full funding of the Arts in Education program at the U.S. Department of Education. The letter represents a request from nearly six million parents, teachers, students, and child advocates.” posted 9/19/06

Federal Resources for Education Excellence (FREE)
US Department of Education
“The U.S. Department of Education is pleased to announce the newly remodeled and updated Federal Resources for Education Excellence (FREE) website. It now provides richer, more expansive resources to teachers and students alike. There are over 1500 resources to take advantage of at FREE, ranging from primary historical documents, lesson plans, science visualizations, math simulations and online challenges, paintings, photos, mapping tools, and more. This easily accessible information is provided by federal organizations and agencies such as the Library of Congress, National Archives, NEH, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian, NSF, and NASA.” posted 2/13/07

Act like a business? Why aim so low?
The Artful Manager, ArtsJournal.com
"In his recent monograph, Good to Great and the Social Sectors, Jim Collins makes a rather bold statement: 'We must reject the idea -- well-intentioned, but dead wrong -- that the primary path to greatness in the social sectors is to become "more like a business."' His point is that most businesses are poorly run, and that many business practices correlate with mediocrity, not greatness. So, to him, telling nonprofit organizations to 'run like a business' is like telling artists to lower their standards, or telling a visionary leader to 'aim low.'" posted 8/1/06

Foundation Yearbook: Facts and Figures on Private and Community Foundations Foundation Center
"Foundation Yearbook: Facts and Figures on Private and Community Foundations documents changes in the actual number, giving, and assets of all active U.S. foundations from 1975 through 2004 and includes estimates of foundation giving through 2005. The report provides an overview of the state of foundation giving in the current year and beyond; comparisons of foundation activities by foundation size; and breakdowns of foundation resources by geographic location and grantmaker type." posted 8/1/06

NPT Research: Donors Want Accountability Slightly More Than Connection
Nonprofit Times
"The perception that an organization is well managed and its money well spent drives long-term giving, more so even than the personal connection to an organization or cause. According to exclusive national polling conducted for The NonProfit Times by Opinion Research Corporation, it is more likely that a donor will give for five years or more if, one, the organization is perceived to be well managed, and two, that the person strongly believes in the cause. The study found these are more important for giving for five years or more than personal experience with the cause, that a family member will benefit, or because a person volunteers." posted 8/1/06

Donor Perceptions. Donors don’t like slick, or do they?
The Nonprofit Times
“How slick is that direct mail? Donors strongly dislike nonprofits using big-business marketing and sales techniques. They are turned off by glossy brochures, unsolicited 'gifts,' and telemarketing. These are some of the results in a report called, The Charitable Impulse, by Public Agenda, a New York City nonpartisan research organization. The study was designed to explore perceptions held by typical donors.” posted 10/4/06

Opportunities

NEH Guidelines Available
National Endowment for the Humanities
Deadlines: Various

IMLS Guidelines Available
Institute for Museum and Library Services
Deadlines: Various   

Classics for Kids Foundation Grants Program
Classics for Kids Foundation
Deadline: N/A

The Melody Program of the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation
Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation
Deadline: N/A

Cultural Tours for K-12 Wisconsin Teachers
Wisconsin Teachers of Local Culture
Milwaukee: August 4-8
“These tours will be led by Debbie Kmetz, Ruth Olson, and Anne Pryor. Wisconsin Teachers of Local Culture is a partnership of the Center for the Study of Upper Midwestern Cultures, Wisconsin Humanities Council, and Wisconsin Arts Board. This third year of cultural tours as professional development opportunities for K-12 teachers will focus intensively on two distinct areas of the state: the Ashland area in the far north by Lake Superior, and the city of Milwaukee in the southeast by Lake Michigan. This year's tour focuses on sense of place and conservation in Wisconsin, especially Aldo Leopold's 'Land Ethic.' Making It Home asks, How do people here make Wisconsin their home? What is their relationship to the land and the water where they live? Contact Debbie Kmetz, dkmetz@wisc.edu, 608/262-8180.”

Wisconsin Humanities Council offers research grants for scholars
Wisconsin Humanities Council, Portalwisconsin.org
Deadlines: January 1, March 1, May 1, July 1, September 1, and November 1 of each year 

Rural Arts Management Institute - A training program for rural arts managers in the Upper Midwest
Presented in partnership by Arts Wisconsin and Northern Lakes Center for the Arts at the Northern Lakes Center for the Arts, Amery, WI
Begins October 2008
“The Rural Arts Management (RAM) Institute is a training and educational program specifically for artists, organizational representatives, and creative people in rural communities throughout the Upper Midwest.  If you are a rural arts manager, administrator or entrepreneur, the Institute will help you increase your personal and organizational effectiveness and sustainability, understand the complexities involved, and develop comprehensive leadership skills to succeed now and in the future! A series of six monthly sessions will provide participants with the necessary background information, skills, information, and connections needed to develop and manage entrepreneurial, successful, and sustainable arts, cultural and creative organizations in rural communities. The Institute will give participants training in thoughtful management theory and practical, applicable leadership experience, and help them learn to manage entrepreneurial, successful, and sustainable arts, cultural and creative organizations in rural communities.”  

Updated: August 25, 2008