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Wisconsin Arts News |
Top International News | More Arts News |
WAB Press Releases
Top Wisconsin News for the Week of July
21, 2008
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Monday, 7/21
IN THE NEWS
Arts Education
-
WWSP expands reach - Station boosts power to 30,000 watts
Stevens Point Daily Journal
“The student-run radio station at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is
reaching a larger audience thanks to a new transmitter. WWSP-90FM boosted its
power from 11,500 watts to 30,000 watts by replacing its outdated transmitter,
which was almost 20 years old, with a new directional Nautel V-10 transmitter.
This expanded the station's coverage area dramatically to the east, west and
south. It also improved the reception for listeners in the station's original
coverage area.”
- Guess what’s
hot this summer? School! - Vacation allows some to catch up, others to get
ahead
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
“Believe it or not, walking the halls of local high schools this summer are
students not forced to make up courses they flunked in the spring, but ones
who maybe — just maybe — want to be there. And not just because they want to
learn how to drive. They’re taking classes so they can have more time for
elective offerings and Advanced Placement classes during the regular school
year, or maybe pick up an internship, or even graduate early.”
- New faces,
new places
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
“Concordia University, Mequon, named Christian Himsel director of the
Rincker Memorial Library and David Borst dean of the School of Business and
Legal Studies. Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design named Anthony J. Nowak dean
of students, Jennifer Crandall associate dean of students and Rebecca
Balistreri director of college advising.”
Community Arts
-
Building a new career by hand
La Crosse Tribune
ONALASKA, Wis. — “After 33 years of working in architectural design, Joyce
Diveley thinks it may be time to give it up for a different kind of
architecture. So welcome to the potting shed. Yes, it’s located in the garden
and surrounded by shade plants, but this potting shed, designed by Diveley and
built by her husband Mike, serves a different purpose entirely. This is where
she makes pots ... and dishes, wall hangings, vases and figural pieces. She
didn’t know she was beginning her next career when she attended a clay camp at
Behind the Brewery Gallery in 2000. She just thought it would be fun to plunge
her hands into clay and build something. 'I was hooked instantly.' Then, she
just couldn’t stop building — pots and bowls and vases and utensil holders.
Pretty soon, her house couldn’t hold everything she was making and she started
selling them at art fairs. That’s no easy task because everything she makes is
heavy and breakable, so transportation is no easy feat. Just ask husband
Mike.”
- Youth Group Cleans
Up The Streets, Paints Over Graffiti - Members Work To Give Their Art A Good
Name
WISN-TV Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE – “A group of young people spent part of their Saturday getting rid
of graffiti. The group called True Skool, Inc. hosted the graffiti cleanup.
The participants didn’t just wipe out the vandalism; they covered it up with
artwork and murals. Members said the idea is to change tagging into something
positive.”
-
Neighbors applauding your achievements - 11-year-old wins art contest
Appleton Post Crescent
“Robin Bain, 11, of Kaukauna is the winner in the 11-14 age category of 'This
is MY Children's' art contest sponsored by Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in
Milwaukee. Children ages 3 to 18 were invited to submit artwork and stories
describing what their children's hospital looked like. The contest is part of
a marketing campaign to celebrate the hospital's west tower expansion, which
will open in spring. Bain included pictures of a heart and building blocks in
her drawing to represent the love and support her sister received during her
hospital stay. 'To me, Children's Hospital is great,' Robin said. 'Without
them, I might not have my sister, who I love with all my heart.' Each winner
receives a weekend stay for four in Wisconsin Dells. Winning artwork entries
can be viewed at
www.thisismychildrens.org.”
- No fest?
That’s a big loss
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
“A big blow to the AfricanAmerican community last week was the
announcement that African World Festival would be canceled due to financial
woes. Seeing how every other minority group will celebrate its heritage
through festivals this summer, it seems strange that the largest minority
group is not represented. Ever since I was 5, my grandmother would take me and
my sister to Afro Fest so that 'we could get an understanding of our other
side,' as she would say. I remember connecting to my roots through food,
music, clothing and congregation. It felt as if I was in a new world where
people smiled all the time.”
Folk Arts/Folklife
- McWilliams passes
Portage Theatres to another family, ending an 81-year tradition
Portage Daily Register
“The creativity of sneaking into a drive-in theater has always been
appreciated by John McWilliams. There were the trunk riders, the fence
jumpers, the blanket covering something in the back. It was the thrill of the
catch that made it so exciting working there. And just to up the ante in the
cat-and-mouse game, McWilliams set traps like heading over to talk to the
car's driver for a long period of time, knowing there were people in the
trunk. 'There was always activity. There was always the thrill of catching
people sneaking in who think they made it,' he said. 'And we knew they were in
the trunk. The car would come in and it would be almost dragging in the
back.'”
-
Polish pride abounds at Pulaski Polka Days - 'You just go out there, do what
you do, and have fun doing it'
Green Bay Press Gazette
“Perhaps if Ted Thompson and Brett Favre shared a polka dance together, all
the turmoil currently plaguing the Green Bay Packers would be resolved. After
all, there's a genuine air of contentment that follows everyone who flocks to
the dance floor at Pulaski Polka Days. And even if they don't actually know
what they're doing … man, if they don't sell that they're the greatest polka
dancers in the world with their enthusiasm. 'I've been doing it all my life.
Polka just makes you feel good,' said Judy Larscheid, a longtime volunteer
with Polka Days. 'And everyone is friends out on the floor. The dancing, you
stop, and then someone else grabs you. It's like a homecoming. You'll see
people you graduated with. It's easy to see why everyone enjoys themselves.'"
-
Sunlight and softball was Sovereign on Sunday
Oshkosh Northwestern
“Sunlight was sovereign on Sunday for the end of the 41st annual Sovereign
State Days in the village of Winneconne. The annual village festival began in
1967 when the residents seceded from the state as a mock protest for being
left off the official state map.”
- New statues
are today's mane event - Chinese city giving lions to Milwaukee to promote
trade and cultural ties
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
“Milwaukee’s Zeidler Municipal Building will be protected by an ancient
form of security. Ningbo, China, has donated two stone lions for the entrance
to the Zeidler Munincipal Building, 841 N. Broadway. This male lion protects
the building. Two carved stone lions now are standing guard outside the
building’s front door, a symbol of the city’s efforts to build trade ties with
China. The lions are a gift from the fast-growing Chinese city of Ningbo.
Although Ningbo is not technically a sister city of Milwaukee, officials from
the two cities signed an agreement two years ago to promote friendly business
and cultural exchanges.”
Literary
- Book dedicated to FLPL
Beaver Dam Daily Citizen
FOX LAKE — “A very special book has been dedicated to the Fox Lake Public
Library from the American Legion Post 521 of Fox Lake with best wishes from
the author Charlie Plumb. Plumb, the author, would appear on the surface to
have no connection with Fox Lake. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and
went on to fly F-4 Phantom jets on 74 successful combat missions over North
Vietnam. On his 75th mission, with only five days before he was to return
home, Plumb was shot down, captured, tortured and imprisoned in an 8 by 5 foot
cell.”
Media Arts
-
Warren Gerds column: Film tax incentives reach Green Bay
Green Bay Press Gazette
“Results from Wisconsin film incentives will enliven Green Bay in coming
months with the making of the $2.5-million science-fiction movie Nephilim.
What are the incentives? Basically, they're in a tax-credit plan that took
effect Jan. 1. That quickly led to Public Enemies, a major studio movie
starring Johnny Depp, to be filmed in part in a variety of locations in
Wisconsin. Nephilim, made by an independent company, will be shot
starting Sept. 8 in Milwaukee, followed by three more weeks of shooting in the
Green Bay area.”
Performing Arts
Music
- The show goes on: After
uncertainty, Concert in the Park draws crowd
Portage Daily Register
“Strings, brass and drums filled the summer air with classical music Saturday
night as the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra performed for the 16th time in
Pauquette Park as part of Portage's annual Concert in the Park. The event is
sponsored by the Portage Area Chamber of Commerce and was in some danger of
not continuing because of funding. The concert costs $15,000, even after the
group agreed to keep the price the same as last year. Major funding comes from
a chunk of tourism taxes collected from hotel stays and distributed through
the city — $6,000 this year — and sponsorships the Chamber sells for tables at
the event.”
-
Singing from personal experience - Acoustic Fest performer 'more nervous at
these small gigs'
Manitowoc Herald Times
MANITOWOC — "I' didn't see this coming, but I'll take it, I suppose,' Rebecca
Markvart sang Saturday about her struggle with multiple sclerosis during the
13th Annual Acoustic Fest at Washington Park. Markvart wrote the song 'Road of
Discovery' in November 2007, she said. 'I was having issues with my MS at the
time when I wrote the song, and I think that is what inspired me to write it,'
Markvart said. The majority of the songs on her album are in some way involved
with her MS struggles, Markvart said. She said was diagnosed with MS in 1996.”
-
Blue Stars 10th in first regional finals
La Crosse Tribune
“The La Crosse Blue Stars had their highest finish at a regional championship
Saturday since returning to the world class division three years ago. The Blue
Stars placed 10th at the DCI Southwestern Championships at the Alamodome in
San Antonio, after taking second place in preliminaries to claim one of the
last four spots in the finals. They are trying to become a top 12 finalist at
the Drum Corps International World Championships for the first time since
1979. The La Crosse corps had a season-high 81.975 in preliminaries, finishing
runnerup to the Blue Knights of Denver, who were first with 83.225 points. The
Blue Stars scored 80.695 in the finals to place ahead of the Glassmen of
Toledo, with 79.95 points and Crossmen of San Antonio with 77.275 points.”
-
Rock Fest leaves fans wanting more
Eau Claire Leader-Telegram
CADOTT – “Despite some wet weather and an increased emphasis on younger bands
this year, many Rock Fest attendees say they'll return for another year of
live rock 'n' roll in west-central Wisconsin. Joel Kemp brought his son to
Rock Fest for the first time this year. Kemp, 45, of Cottage Grove, Minn.,
said the switch to more modern music is expanding the appeal of Rock Fest.
'It's more of his music than my music,' he said. 'But I love it.' This was
Kemp's 10th consecutive Rock Fest.”
Theater
- Theaters
deliver at Wisconsin Dells - Wilcox magic show, ‘Footloose’ serve up family
fun, but landlocked Tommy Bartlett show falls flat
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
“Wisconsin Dells - There is no truth to the rumor that Rick Wilcox is
responsible for Lake Delton disappearing last month. But he does make his
wife, Suzan, vanish and reappear six nights a week here. A bowling ball, doves
and a Lamborghini are also conjured up by the Brookfield native. Hmmm. Maybe
he could do something about Lake Delton. Rick and Suzan Wilcox operate their
own 550-seat magic theater here, where they perform a smooth 90-minute show
that defines the concept of family entertainment.”
- Off the Wall
Theatre’s ‘Frogs’ is riveting experience
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
“More than 30 years after its premiere in a Yale swimming pool, and four years
after a surprisingly short run on Broadway, Stephen Sondheim’s The Frogs
has finally hopped into town for a brief stay on one of the smallest lily pads
in Milwaukee theater: Dale Gutzman’s Off the Wall Theatre. Off the Wall has
never been afraid to leap in when others are afraid to get wet. How lucky for
us, because the result this time is a big and satisfying splash of a musical
with first-rate production values, solid performances from the entire cast and
some brilliant choreography. Billed as having been 'freely adapted' by Burt
Shevelove and then 'even more freely adapted' by Nathan Lane from
Aristophanes' play of the same name, 'Frogs' tells the story of Dionysos'
journey to the underworld with his slave, Xanthias.”
WHEN YOU GO
Visual Arts/Museums
-
Kara Patterson column: Town of Vinland artist creates works of art suitable
for floating
Appleton Post Crescent
July 24 – September 7, Reception August 2
“Artist and traveler Bill Aubrey intends for one of his favorite original
works of art to get wet as often as possible. He's paddled the 18-foot-long
cedar strip kayak, 'The Sea Wolf,' four times on Lake Winnebago. The kayak,
with a wolf's-head carving on its bow, is one of several watercraft that the
Town of Vinland artist has built. 'They're designed and built for a week-long
trip,' said Aubrey, 47, a full-time architect who carves wood, completes
pen-and-ink work on wood, sketches and photographs nature scenes in his spare
time. 'Most people would say, "I wouldn't dare put them in the water," but I
actually think it looks better in the water because you get the water
glistening off the deck.' Aubrey's art exhibit, 'Going With the Grain,' will
be on display Thursday through Sept. 7 at Wild Apple Glass Studio & Gallery in
Menasha, 210 Main St. An artist's reception is open to the public from 6 to 9
p.m. Aug. 2.”
-
Tallman Festival offers history, arts and crafts
Beloit daily News
August 3
JANESVILLE – “The buzz word this summer in light of higher costs for gasoline
is 'staycations.' Among the staycation sites in Rock County is the
Lincoln-Tallman Restorations in Janesville. Open seven days a week, June
through September for guided tours, is the beautifully preserved Italianate
Tallman family home, barn, the Helen Jeffris Museum and Wilson King Stone
House. The historic landmarks have stood the test of time with help from the
City of Janesville, the owner of the site, and the Rock County Historical
Society, which handles operations. And coming up Aug. 3 is one of the special
events held on the premises this summer: The '52nd Annual Tallman Festival of
Music and Arts.'"
Arts Education
-
Country band is next for SNC series
Green Bay Press-Gazette
July 22
DE PERE — “Nashville Pipeline will perform at the second concert of the
'Knights on the Fox' summer outdoor concert series Tuesday on campus.
Admission is free. Picnicking starts at 5:30 p.m., followed by the concert
from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The Wisconsin band's numbers range from from Montgomery
Gentry's 'Hillbilly Shoes' to Travis Tritt's 'Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde.'"
-
Students take on the challenge of 'Seussical Jr.'
Manitowoc Herald Times
July 23 – 25
MANITOWOC — “For Bill Hansen, seeing 23 students eager to learn at 7:30
a.m. on a summer weekday came as a bit of a shock. As technical director of
Seussical Jr., Hansen welcomed his class of fifth through 10th graders
half an hour early to their first rehearsal. He wasn't sure how far their
enthusiasm would last with a piece that choreography director Deanne Stokes
said they were 'crazy' to choose as the first show.”
-
Carving a niche - In a world of technology, Patrick Burke goes against the
grain by training in Italy and creating exquisite wood sculptures
Manitowoc Herald Times
July 26 – 27
“For Patrick Burke, the most nerve-wracking part of the past year wasn't
spending thousands of hours painstakingly crafting exquisite wood sculptures.
Nor was it learning a new language, adapting to another culture or weathering
a winter in the Alps of northern Italy, where he trained. The toughest part
was standing in the baggage claim area at O'Hare International Airport in
Chicago two weeks ago, anxiously wondering if he'd ever again see some of his
latest creations — not to mention dozens of his specialized tools — after the
airline lost his luggage.”
Community Arts
- Audition
notices for area productions From the Journal Sentinel
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Various Sites & Dates
-
Green Bay talent show is Tuesday
Green Bay Press-Gazette
July 22
“Green Bay's annual 'City Wide Talent Show' is 6 p.m. Tuesday at East River
Van Beaver Park, 800 John St. Admission is free. Participants were selected at
preliminary shows held throughout the city's 36 parks. Acts include singing,
skits, dancing and musical instrument performances.”
-
Join the Conversation About Increased State Investment in the Arts
The Daily Kenoshan
July 23
“FREE community meeting and luncheon, Wednesday, July 23, 12-1:30 pm Kenosha
Public Museum, Daimler-Chrysler Hall. AHA! (Arts and Humanities Alliance!)
Kenosha is co-hosting a community meeting to discuss increased funding for the
arts and arts education in the Kenosha/Racine region and across Wisconsin, on
Wednesday, July 23, 12–1:30 pm, at the Kenosha Public Museum. Artists, arts
organization leaders, elected officials, business people, educators and any
other community members who care about Kenosha, Racine and Wisconsin’s future
are invited to this informal catered lunch, networking opportunity and
information-sharing meeting. Registration is required. Those interested in
attending may register by contacting Tamara Merfeld – at
tmerfeld@ahakenosha.org.”
-
Singer offers touch of Italy in Egg Harbor
Green Bay Press-Gazette
July 24 & 31
EGG HARBOR — “San Francisco vocalist Lauren Carley is featured in performances
at Liberty Square this summer. She is accompanied on piano by Chris Salerno,
director of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Seven
of Carley's appearances are part of an Italian dinner series, with Carley
singing Italian folk and popular music, American-Italian songs and arias from
Italian opera that have been converted to jazz. The remaining dinner
performances are at 6 p.m. July 24, 31, Aug. 3 and 14. Tickets are $75, and
reservations (required) are available at (920) 868-4800, Ext. 105.”
-
Mishicot RiverFest begins Thursday
Manitowoc Herald Times
July 27
MISHICOT — “The 11th annual RiverFest, a benefit festival for Mishicot's
community service groups, will be held Thursday through Sunday along the
Mishicot River in the village park. Carnival rides, food and music will be
available each day. Features include fireworks at dusk on Thursday, the
Mishicot Car Club Show at 10 a.m. Saturday and a parade at 11:30 a.m. July
27.”
Folk Arts/Folklife
-
Perspective - Stepping back in time
Beloit Daily News
Saturdays & Sundays
“British novelist L.P. Hartley said, 'The past is a foreign country: They do
things differently there.' Sometimes, the past does seem like a foreign
country, with its lack of modern convention and technology. With that in mind,
groups like the Friends of the Beckman Mill were created and have done a fine
job of restoration, maintenance and education over the years in an effort to
connect the past to the present. Today, the Beckman Mill, the cooperage, gift
shop/creamery and the gardens - all located at the Beckman Mill County Park -
are a sight to behold. People can take advantage of what the park has to offer
every Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. when tours are given at the mill. The
first Saturday of each month, mill demonstrations also are given showing how
corn and other crops were ground at the grist mill owned and operated by the
Beckman family. Special events, like the old-fashioned Ice Cream Social coming
up 1-4 p.m. Sunday, July 20 also are held there. Of course, that means this
Sunday, there will be ice cream, cake, rootbeer floats and other beverages at
the park and picnic shelter. Live music will be provided by the Mill Band.
Those who wish to bring a picnic lunch, also may do so and enjoy the scenic
grounds of the park and pond. Cornmeal grinding demonstrations will be given
at the mill and those who attend also can visit the cooperage and hear the
unique dulcimer music provided by Dick and Val Dunagan from noon until 1 p.m.”
-
Saving a dying art: The Kimono
La Crosse Tribune
Opening July 24 – August 30, Reception July 25
“Richard Fuller has been on a mission to save a dying art — the art of the
kimono. Eight years ago, Fuller bought a Japanese wedding kimono as a piece of
hanging art and started reading books about the traditional loose dressing
gowns worn by Japanese women. He discovered through his conversations with
Japanese people that very few artisans were making the garments anymore.
Fuller said kimono buying and selling became his hobby because he didn’t want
to see the art disappear. 'Kimonos are not worn much at all, and the artisans
making them are dying off,' Fuller said. 'It truly is a fading art.' Fuller
said people now are attracted to the kimonos for the arts sake, and they want
to buy something unique. He will bring 25 kimonos for an exhibition, 'The Art
of the Kimono,' starting Thursday and on display through Aug. 30 at the Pump
House Regional Arts Center in La Crosse. A reception will be held Friday.”
Literary
-
Author, small-business retailer to speak at Downtown Racine Corp. event
Racine Journal Times
July 30
RACINE — “'Retailing in Tough Times' will be the topic when Downtown Racine
Corp. brings in author and Madison small-business retailer Carol Schroeder for
a speaking engagement. Schroeder is co-owner of Orange Tree Imports in Madison
and author of 'Specialty Shop Retailing; Everything You Need to Know to Run
Your Own Store.' The book is now in its third edition. She will speak at 5:30
p.m. July 30 at Uncorkt, 240 Main St., with refreshments provided by Uncorkt.
In her talk here, Schroeder will address topics such as e-mail marketing,
surviving competition from Wal-Mart and smart ways to increase sales and boost
profits. The presentation is open to the public. The cost to attend is $10 for
DRC members and $15 for nonmembers. Seating is limited and reservations are
required by July 23. Call the DRC office at (262) 634-6002. Here are some
excerpts from a recent conversation with Schroeder, who has been running
Orange Tree Imports with her husband, Dean, for 33 years.”
Media Arts
- Early '60s
chic: the way we wore it in Milwaukee
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
July 27
“Slicked-back hair and button-down shirts, pinched-in waists and bouffant
skirts — and, over and around it all, a glamorous but lethal haze of cigarette
smoke. Two-button suits were gaining popularity with businessmen in 1961. For
women, the Chesterfield walking suit (left), made in Milwaukee by Junior
House, and Christian Dior's divided skirt had numerous fans. This is early
'60s Madison Avenue as conjured up by 'Mad Men,' the drama that returns to
basic cable next week with 16 brand-new Emmy nominations for its first season,
including for best drama.”
Performing Arts
Music
- Fandom of
the opera: Rising talents, diversity fill the seats and win over new fans to
Opera in the Park
Wisconsin State Journal
July 26
“When more than 12,000 people roll into Garner Park Saturday, armed with
picnic baskets and an appetite for operatic fare, they'll be sharing in
Madison Opera's seventh annual Opera in the Park. It's an event, to be sure,
and a tradition. But at the heart of Opera in the Park is a celebration of the
spectacular human voice -- and the musicianship of four singers handpicked for
the occasion. This year they include tenor Bryan Hymel, a rising star on the
global stage; young sensation Kendall Gladen, mezzo-soprano; Melody Moore, a
multiple award-winning soprano; and critically acclaimed baritone Luis Ledesma.”
Presenting
- The
Hold Steady, The Loved Ones
The Isthmus
July 21
“The Hold Steady was born out of some loose talk in my Boreum Hill apartment
in 2002. I had moved to Brooklyn about two years earlier. I was thirty-one
years old, and the other dudes were about my same age. Our concept was to
start a straight rock band, with low aspirations. Just local shows, no
touring, and most likely no real records. We practiced for a while and then
played our first show in January 2003 at North Six, in Williamsburg. I was
surprised at how many people showed up. The show went well. It reminded us,
all veterans of hard luck bands, that music can be fun.”
-
Tedesco’s band returns to Phipps
Hudson Star-Observer
August 16
“Vic Tedesco and the Classic Big Band will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug.
16, at The Phipps Center for the Arts, along with vocalist Debbie Bigelow and
the vocal quartet the Nostalgics. Tedesco’s big band has been a regional
favorite for years and returns to The Phipps for its 15th annual performance.
Tedesco has opened for the Count Basie Band, Patty Page, Pat Boone, Myron
Floren and many other national performers. His band regularly performs at A
Taste of Minnesota.”
Theater
-
Music Theatre frolics in frothy 'Forum' in De Pere
Green Bay Press Gazette
July 22 – 27
DE PERE — “At the height of hilarity, two male Roman slaves from 75 A.D. sing
about beauty. One assures the other, who's dressed in a virginal white woman's
gown and must pass himself off as dead, that he/she is lovely. The 'lovely'
one glows — and believes. Such goofiness abounds in A Funny Thing Happened
on the Way to the Forum, which is being given a strong, spunky production
by Music Theatre of St. Norbert College. The spice in this sassy musical by
Burt Shevelove, Larry Gelbart and Stephen Sondheim starts at the top.”
-
Flashback: Peninsula Players Theatre will mark its 73rd anniversary Friday
Green Bay Press Gazette
July 25
“Flashback: Peninsula Players Theatre will mark its 73rd anniversary Friday
with a reading of two scenes from the company's first play, Noel Coward's
Hay Fever. The presentation will be held at 4:30 p.m. in Fish Creek Park,
and is part of the town of Gibraltar's sesquicentennial celebration. The
original performance was held behind Bonnie Brook Motel, today part of Fish
Creek Park. The theater went on to become the foundation for Door County's
healthy arts scene. The 30-minute program by Tom Monsion, Maggie Carney, Erica
Elam and Alan Kopischke of the professional company will be followed by a
question-and-answer session.”
-
'Grease' to open July 25 at Theatre on Bay
Green Bay Press-Gazette
July 25 –
August 4
MARINETTE — “Theatre on the Bay will present the musical Grease in
eight performances at the University of Wisconsin-Marinette's Herbert L.
Williams Theatre starting Friday. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday to July
28 and Aug. 1 to 4. Tickets are $11. The number for tickets is (715)
735-4313). Directed by Doug Larche, Grease is a parody of an Elvis
Presley movie set at a reunion of a high school class of 1959. The age-neutral
features Jim Vincent as Danny, the class rake, and Alicia Hnatuk as Sandy, the
class Madonna.”
Tuesday, 7/22
IN THE NEWS
Visual Arts/Museums
-
Museum seeks contributions to planned Fox Valley sports exhibit
Appleton Post Crescent
“The History Museum at the Castle in downtown Appleton is looking for
historic objects, photographs and stories relating to local sports. The
museum's staff is researching and designing a new 3,000-square-foot exhibit,
'Sports & Spirit.' To be unveiled in April, the exhibit will show how
organized, competitive sports create ties that build community. 'Sports &
Spirit' will highlight both individual and team sports from the late 19th
century through the present and will contain multimedia content and hands-on
opportunities.”
Arts Education
- West student
competes for role in 'High School Musical'
The Capital Times
“How is Madison West student Tierney Chamberlain spending her summer vacation?
On television. Chamberlain is one of 12 finalists for ABC's reality series
'High School Musical: Get in the Picture,' which airs Sunday and Monday nights
on WKOW Channel 15. In tonight's pre-taped episode, Chamberlain was selected
from among thousands of contestants to be one of the finalists, who are
followed over the course of the season as they attend a summer music program
together and hone their performing skills. The ultimate winner will get to
star in a music video that will air during the closing credits of the 'High
School Musical 3' movie, as well as a recording contract for two singles with
Walt Disney Records.”
-
Band eases sophomores into marching rhythm
Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune
“Sophomore musicians got their feet wet Monday, but beginning today, they'll
be right in line with the more experienced students. The Lincoln High School
marching band began its annual summer camp week led by director Bob Kaiser.
While the entire band will perform together by week's end, Kaiser separates
the ensemble on the first day. Monday included a senior breakfast meeting on
leadership, a two-hour practice with the drum line in late morning and an
early afternoon two-hour introduction to marching for Kaiser's youngest class.
'We found it to be much more beneficial to have that time on their own so they
don't feel shy around the upperclassmen,' Kaiser said of the sophomores. 'They
can just focus on themselves and start to build up some self-confidence.'"
-
Students create art with an aerosol can
La Crosse Tribune
“Graffiti has given spray paint a bad reputation recently in La Crosse,
but Central High School art teacher Mai Chang Vue is trying to show students —
and the community — that it can be used to create art. During Spray Paint Art,
a four-day summer school class offered through the La Crosse School District,
teens learned the techniques needed to create their designs on canvas using an
aerosol can. They worked on their designs behind Central High School, and they
looked just like the spray-paint artists making news in certain art circles.”
-
Show choir gets money for uniforms
Eau Claire Leader-Telegram
ALTOONA - “The high school's show choir can get up to $62,000 in insurance
money to replace costumes that burned in a June 7 fire. Show choir parents
kept meticulous records of materials bought for the costumes, and the show
choir should be able to recoup most of those costs, Superintendent Greg
Fahrman said, but years of volunteer work on mostly homemade clothes are gone.
'That's all donated labor,' he said. Altoona school board members agreed
Monday night to settle with the insurance company for the costumes, a few
desks and some kitchen equipment stored at 727 Third St. W., and the value of
the house itself. 'We have a verbal commitment of $75,000 for the structure,'
Superintendent Greg Fahrman said.”
-
Letter: Arts have much to offer
Wausau Daily Herald
“Students in the D.C. Everest School District recently have been learning
about musical theater. They have studied the historical perspective and
learned about light, sound, make-up, costuming, set design and props. They
have daily lessons in acting, singing and dance. Many people wonder why any
youth would give up two weeks of his summer to learn about musical theater.
'Participating in choir, drama and orchestra help keep me motivated to do well
in school,' said Bob Petts, a junior at D.C. Everest Senior High School. 'If I
don't have good grades, then I can't participate. Drama has taught me a good
work ethic and especially how to meet deadlines.' Research suggests that the
fine arts are extremely beneficial to school age youths. The America for the
Arts Organization has research to support the fact that students who are
actively engaged in the arts have higher test scores in school, and drama
students demonstrate upper level skills in reading and vocabulary.”
Community Arts
- Business: Turtle Island
Beads quietly grows into a destination
Baraboo News Republic
“Turtle Island Beads has become a regional draw, yet the store's existence
remains a mystery among many locals. 'Every now and then a local person
stumbles in here and goes, "How long have you been here?"' Dick Steffensen
said. He and wife Diane and have been in business for 15 years, the last five
in West Baraboo. Their bead and leather shop attracts customers from five
Midwestern states. Groups of friends organize trips to spend a day at the
store, often staying overnight at nearby hotels. Some families work a trip to
Turtle Island Beads into their Wisconsin Dells vacations. 'We really are a
destination,' Diane said.”
-
Many lions still on prowl around the Fox Valley. Fiberglass statues live on a
year after auction
Appleton Post Crescent
“One year after being auctioned off to private buyers, they're still
prowling yards, a law office, public spaces and private businesses throughout
the Fox Cities. Fifty fiberglass lions decorated by local artists dotted the
landscape from March through July last year in a massive public art project
called Lions of the Valley. They celebrated both the Wisconsin premiere of
Disney's The Lion King at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center and
Appleton's sesquicentennial. Afterward, they were sold for about $500 to
$11,000 each in various auctions with proceeds going to support PAC programs.
An additional 21 cubs were not auctioned and stayed with their respective
youth organizations and schools.”
Literary
- Moe: The
Progressive is still surviving at (almost) 100
Wisconsin State Journal
“It has been nearly three decades since I spent a morning in the Downtown
Madison offices of The Progressive magazine, interviewing its feisty editor,
Erwin Knoll, about the magazine's controversial 'H-bomb Secret' story and
asking a more fundamental question. That question, in fact, was used as the
headline when my piece ran in Milwaukee Magazine: 'Can The Progressive
Survive?' Monday morning I was back in the offices of The Progressive, which
answers that earlier question. The Progressive is still around, and still
raising hell with its commentary and investigations championing human rights
and individual liberties. There is much serious work to do, saving the world
from corporate venality and American empire-building, but on Monday, The
Progressive's current editor, Matt Rothschild, was talking about -- of all
things -- a party.”
Media Arts
-
American Girl sales up
10% in second quarter
The Capital Times
“Mattel reported that sales for its
Middleton-based American Girl Brands business unit were up 10 percent in the
second quarter compared to a year earlier. American Girl unit sales totaled
$61.1 million, up 10 percent versus last year, driven by strong sales of
products tied to the Kit Kittredge movie, and additional sales in the Atlanta
and Dallas boutiques which opened in the second half of 2007, Mattel reported
Friday. Mattel said its second-quarter profit fell by nearly half as higher
costs offset strong sales of toys related to summer movies like Kung Fu
Panda and the latest Batman film and the benefit from the weaker dollar.
The results still beat Wall Street's expectations.”
-
McWilliams passes
Portage Theatres to another family, ending an 81-year tradition
Portage Daily Register
“The creativity of sneaking into a
drive-in theater has always been appreciated by John McWilliams. There were
the trunk riders, the fence jumpers, the blanket covering something in the
back. It was the thrill of the catch that made it so exciting working there.
And just to up the ante in the cat-and-mouse game, McWilliams set traps like
heading over to talk to the car's driver for a long period of time, knowing
there were people in the trunk. "There was always activity. There was always
the thrill of catching people sneaking in who think they made it," he said.
"And we knew they were in the trunk. The car would come in and it would be
almost dragging in the back.”
Performing Arts
Music
-
Musicians spread ‘good news'
Beloit Daily News
“'Music is a powerful tool. It's like a hammer - it can tear a house down
or build it up.' That's what gospel singer David Thompson said about the
messages in modern music today. Performers and fans at the 7th Annual Gospel
in the Park festivities on Saturday all agreed that it's time to turn off the
secular tunes and pump up the praise. 'Gospel means good news and in today's
environment we could use some,' said co-organizer Harriet Everette. Saturday's
song-filled day at Telfer Park attracted a diverse group of singers and fans.
The entertainment lineup for the event included music from: Maurice Hilton,
Minster David Thompson, the Bethel Praise Dance Team, Gods Gift and G Squad,
Carl Hanserd and Friends, Trinitee, Break, One Voice, Hidden, 7 The Right Way,
Reggie and Company and The Gospel Crusaders.”
-
Blue Stars take bronze medal
La Crosse Tribune
“The La Crosse Blue Stars scored a season-high 83.35 points Monday to
capture the bronze medal at Drums of Summer in Broken Arrow, Okla. The Blue
Stars finished close to the Blue Knights of Denver, Colo., who had 84.845
points. The Cavaliers of Rosemont, Ill., won the gold medal with 91.25 points.
The Colts of Dubuque, Iowa, were fourth with 80.2 points, the Troopers of
Casper, Wyo., were fifth with 77.1 points and the Academy of Tempe, Ariz.,
finished sixth with 72.8 points. The Blue Stars are off today and will compete
Wednesday in Van Buren, Ark.”
-
Letter: In praise of local concert band
La Crosse Tribune
“For the past two summers, friends and I have attended the concerts
presented by the La Crosse Concert Band at Riverside Park at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday evenings. Every concert has been extremely entertaining. We are very
fortunate to have in the La Crosse area so many talented and dedicated
conductors and musicians. There were four conductors this season who put in
many hours studying scores to come up with the perfect music to present to the
public. They are: Alex Vaver, Jeff Krauklis, Chris Werner and Richard Young.
They each prepare a written script giving a little information about each
piece, that is presented by Hank Poehling.”
-
Former ‘show choir dancing kid’ finding success as singer-songwriter
La Crosse Tribune
“Tony Zobeck is trying to make his mark as a singer-songwriter. The
24-year-old La Crosse native is coming into his own and has a following at
coffeehouses in the Twin Cities and at the Fine Line Music Cafe. Of course,
Zobeck said, he would like to be better known, but that doesn’t mean he
necessarily wants to be popular. 'I do music for artistic expression and don’t
write songs to be popular,' Zobeck said. 'But if that happens, that’s OK, too.
My niche is that my music can stand on its own vocally, and I’m not a guitar
player turned singer,' he said. 'I’m a singer turned guitar player.'”
-
Matchbox Twenty caps off Rock Fest
Eau Claire Leader-Telegram, Chippewa Falls News Bureau
CADOTT - “Halfway through Matchbox Twenty's 110-minute performance Sunday
during the final night of Rock Fest, lead singer Rob Thomas scooped up a boy,
about 7 years old, and ran around with the child on stage. 'I got one,' Thomas
shouted with glee. 'Sometimes, I see someone out there, and I want to snatch
them up and take them home.' The moment was a good example of Matchbox
Twenty's fun, good-natured, laid-back, light rock set to close Rock Fest. Even
on a supposedly mean-spirited song like 'All Your Reasons' - Thomas called it
a 'love letter to someone you hate' - the tune is done in a friendly
tongue-in-cheek manner.”
Presenting
-
Attendance is up at Guthrie Theater for 1st full fiscal year at new complex
Startribune.com
“More productions and more performances resulted in an attendance jump of
more than 80,000 in the Guthrie Theater's 2007-08 fiscal year. The theater's
annual report, issued Monday, showed that 425,894 tickets were sold to Guthrie
programs in the year ended March 31, a 24 percent increase from 343,749 the
previous year. This was the Guthrie's first full fiscal year in its new
three-stage complex on the Mississippi River. That fact was also reflected in
higher expenses and revenues.”
WHEN YOU GO
Visual Arts/Museums
-
Traveling Vietnam veterans memorial comes to Wausau
Stevens Point Journal
July 24 - 28
“A smaller version of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall will be the
center of a five-day tribute for veterans in Wausau. The American Veterans
Traveling Tribute will be on display at the Veterans of Foreign Wars
Clubhouse, 388 River Drive, Wausau, from noon Thursday through 7 a.m. Monday.
The exhibit will be escorted into Wausau on Wednesday, starting at 6 p.m. at
the Independent Printing Fulfillment Center, 715 N. 72nd Ave., and ending at
the VFW clubhouse on River Drive. Members of the VFW and VFW Auxiliary planned
several activities around the display: musical performances, police and fire
department exhibits, honors for reserve and National Guard units, and a
memorial service to be held Sunday.”
Community Arts
-
Westby Garden Party back on
La Crosse Tribune
July 24
“Thunderstorms ruined last week’s scheduled Westby Garden Party and
Tour, so they are going to try it again this week. If you like to tour
gardens, this is your chance because it has been rescheduled for Thursday,
July 24, with all the same times and locations. The gardens are open for
touring from 4:30 to 8 p.m. For directions to the gardens, stop by Davidson
Park to buy your $5 ticket and fortify yourself with a hamburger dinner before
setting off to be dazzled by all the flowers. For more information or to
check if thunderstorms once more threaten, call the Chamber of Commerce at
(608) 634-4011.”
Literary
-
Wisconsin author on haunted places to speak at Green Lake library
Oshkosh Northwestern
July 24
GREEN LAKE – “Author Chad Lewis will speak about some of Wisconsin's
most spooky locations during a presentation at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at
Caestecker Public Library, 518 Hill St. Green Lake's own Dartford Cemetery is
one of those places. Local legend has it that the cemetery is haunted by Chief
Highknocker and a host of young children's ghosts. Some people claim they have
been flung off a certain mausoleum by unknown spirits.”
Performing Arts
Music
-
Period-instrument
group gets out more
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Various Dates and Sites
“Ensemble Musical Offering, Joan Parsley’s period-instrument group, has
in recent seasons focused on the most intimate of venues, the private home —
especially Parsley’s own Wauwatosa residence. EMO will be home for the
holidays in 2008, but otherwise is moving out to more public, but still
intimate, spaces in the coming season. The ensemble will make its first live
radio broadcast next season and will launch its two-year 'Vivaldi Project: The
Composer’s Affinity to the Natural World' in 2008-’09.”
-
Rock musicians to offer guitar clinic at Gibson event
La Crosse Tribune
July 25 - 26
“Dave’s Guitar Shop will offer a Gibson extravaganza this weekend.
There will be two trailers — a Gibson Custom Shop and a Gibson Montana Trailer
— and a tour bus that is a 40-foot showroom on wheels at Dave’s Guitar Shop,
1227 S. Third St., from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday. You can get a free appraisal of your Gibson vintage guitars from the
company’s reps. Then on Saturday, there will be a free clinic at 2 p.m.
featuring John Corabi and Bart Walsh. Corabi will combine his first-hand
knowledge of life on the road with Motley Crue and his technical expertise in
his clinic. Walsh has more than 30 years of guitar playing and teaching
experience. It’s all free, so grab your Gibson and head to Dave’s.”
Presenting
-
Fountain City River Players’ ‘Mystery’ is full of drama
La Crosse Tribune
July 23- 27
FOUNTAIN CITY, Wis. — “The Fountain City River Players’ summer musical
had a dramatic start. Many of the Players’ veteran performers weren’t
returning this summer because of new jobs, high gas prices and other
obligations. And the Interstate Bridge connecting Winona to Fountain City was
closed two weeks before auditions. 'I felt like I had two or three strikes
against me,' said director Judee Brone. Brone looked at ferry schedules and
thought about pontoon boats for actors who live across the river. She even
thought about canceling. But the day of auditions, the bridge reopened. 'It
was providential,' Brone said. The 12-member cast will perform The Mystery
of Edwin Drood from Wednesday through Sunday at the Fountain City
Auditorium. An eight-piece pit orchestra will provide the music. 'Drood' is
the 19th summer musical Brone has directed for Fountain City. While many of
the veterans are gone, a new batch of young actors is ready to step up. 'It’s
a very talented cast,' Brone said.”
Wednesday, 7/23
IN THE NEWS
Visual Arts/Museums
-
Restricted Deductions Stifle Art Donations
The Chronicle of Philanthropy
“Museum directors say that federal restrictions on tax deductions for
gifts of art made over time, called fractional gifts, have caused a drop in
donations, reports The Wall Street Journal.”
-
Couple’s backyard catches pro painter’s eye
River Falls Journal
“What started as a patch of ground that couldn’t grow grass turned into a
shade garden beautiful enough to be featured in two magazines and to capture
the attention of professional area artist Ann Tristani.”
Arts Education
-
Students create art with an aerosol can
La Crosse Tribune
“Graffiti has given spray paint a bad reputation recently in La Crosse, but
Central High School art teacher Mai Chang Vue is trying to show students — and
the community — that it can be used to create art. During Spray Paint Art, a
four-day summer school class offered through the La Crosse School District,
teens learned the techniques needed to create their designs on canvas using an
aerosol can. They worked on their designs behind Central High School, and they
looked just like the spray-paint artists making news in certain art circles.
'I love it,' said Mykala Miller, 14, who will be a freshman this fall at
Central. 'It’s fun to try new things and see what you can do with the things
you have.' Miller used several bright colors of spray paint, wood and parts of
cut-up cups to create a city skyline that descends into a galaxy full of
planets. She worked on the project with Amanda Bjorkman, 16, and Ashleigh Bye,
14.”
-
School of the
Arts
WJFW TV-12
RHINELANDER – “Do you have an interest in photography, maybe writing or
music? If so, then the School of the Arts is for you. Believe it or not, these
are not professional wood carvers, but at the School of the Arts at James
Williams Middle School, in Rhinelander, these students are all tapping into
their previously unknown carving skills. Student Sarah Danke says, 'My hand
hurts!' Then she laughs and adds, 'No, I think it's fun. It's a little
frustrating at first.' If sharp objects and a potentially sore hand isn't up
your alley, maybe learning about theatre makeup is. School of the Arts
Director Miranda McClenaghan says, 'You can learn to play Dulsimer the same
day you can learn to take digital photographs.' The more than 300 students at
the School of the Arts are taking everything from theatre to photography to
painting. But at the end of the week they walk away with much more than a
picture. Painting student Marsha Newkirk says, 'Life is nothing without art,
whether it's music or writing, it's the joy of our life.' Danke adds, 'It's an
outlet for students.'"
-
Students to take on remodeling project
Wisconsin Dells Events
“Technical education students at Wisconsin Dells High School could be
remodeling the basement of one of the district's teachers this year instead of
constructing an entire house for course credit. The Dells School District
Building and Grounds Committee Tuesday discussed the possibility of having 12
building trade students remodel high school teacher's Frank Fedie's basement,
performing electrical, plumbing, framing and drywall work. Administrator Chuck
Whitsell said the project could consist of creating a family room out of an
unfinished basement, complete with office space and bar. 'I think a project
like this could be beneficial for the kids,' Whitsell said.”
-
Ukulele maker gives gift of music
Eau Claire Leader Telegram
MENOMONIE – “A UW-Stout graduate recently showed six students to build
what he hopes will become family heirlooms. Over the past 50 years, Kazukiyo 'Jiggs'
Kuboyama, a 1957 graduate in industrial arts, has taught several hundred
people how to make a ukulele. 'When people make their own ukulele they
treasure it,' said Kuboyama, 79. 'Each one has a plate with the name of the
person who made it and the date. I have always had an interest in teaching
people to make things. I like to see people take care of their ukulele. If
they treasure it maybe later it will become an heirloom.'"
-
Ukulele U: UW-Stout alum returns conduct unique workshop
The Dunn County News
“When one thinks of Hawaii, what comes immediately to mine are
pineapple, Kona coffee, surfing, tiny bubbles — and of course, ukuleles.
This small, melodious, guitar-like instrument means 'the gift that came
here' in Hawaiian, a meaning that is appropriate in many ways. This ukulele
gift came here to Menomonie recently in the form of Kazukiyo 'Jiggs'
Kuboyama, a 1957 alumnus of UW-Stout who is now a world-renowned ukulele
maker. He was invited back to Menomonie as a visiting artist for the 2008
Lake Menomin Art Institute this summer.”
-
MPS
Sees Influx of New Teachers
WUWM Milwaukee Public Radio
“Milwaukee Public Schools need teachers in the areas of math, science, and
special education. To help find qualified people, the district enlisted the
help of The New Teachers Project. It establishes crash-courses for potential
teachers, so they don’t first need to earn education degrees. The training
program here kicked off a few weeks ago and is called Milwaukee Teaching
Fellows. Stephen Lange is only 24-years-old, but he’s already decided it’s
time for a career change. He graduated from UW Whitewater with a degree in
geology and environmental science and then got a job as a data analyst. On the
side, he taught music. He says that combination was an eye-opening
experience.”
Community Arts
-
Fair park
director would be new post
Watertown Daily Times
JEFFERSON – “The Jefferson County Board of Supervisors will be asked at its
Aug. 12 meeting to approve the hiring of Paul Novitzke of Wauwatosa as county
fair park director. The salary range for the newly created position is $61,524
to $79,107, plus benefits. The park is currently under the immediate direction
of the Jefferson County Fair Committee, Administrative Secretary Gail Zastrow
and Superintendent Roger Kylmanen. The park director's position would give
more strength to the county's fair park marketing efforts, with the hope that
the facility would no longer be a burden to taxpayers within three years.”
Folk Arts/Folklife
-
Spread of
graffiti reported after shop allowed mural - Walker’s Point business ordered
to remove art
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
“A mural on a commercial building in Walker’s Point has reignited the
perpetual debate over what is art, what is an illegal sign or graffiti and
what impact such murals have on a neighborhood. The mural went up, with the
building owner’s permission, July 12-13 on the front of La Michoacana, an ice
cream business at 717 S. 2nd St. Since then, nearby businesses and residents
have reported a number of graffiti 'tags,' or spray-painted signatures, on
their walls, said Todd Weiler, spokesman for the Department of Neighborhood
Services.”
Literary
-
Moe: The
Progressive is still surviving at (almost) 100
Wisconsin State Journal
“It has been nearly three decades since I spent a morning in the Downtown
Madison offices of The Progressive magazine, interviewing its feisty editor,
Erwin Knoll, about the magazine's controversial 'H-bomb Secret' story and
asking a more fundamental question. That question, in fact, was used as the
headline when my piece ran in Milwaukee Magazine: 'Can The Progressive
Survive?' Monday morning I was back in the offices of The Progressive, which
answers that earlier question. The Progressive is still around, and still
raising hell with its commentary and investigations championing human rights
and individual liberties.”
-
Audio: Poet Kay Ryan On Words, Writing
All Things Considered, NPR
“Last week, the Library of Congress appointed Kay Ryan to be the nation's
next poet laureate. Ryan, who will take the position in the fall, shares a
pair of poems and talks to host Andrea Seabrook about her approach to words
and writing.”
Media Arts
-
When details are
picture perfect - More than 500 competed in annual snapshot contest
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
“A moment caught in a dewdrop. Two sisters in a rare collaboration. A life
story held in a pair of hands. These were among the winners in the Milwaukee
Journal Sentinel 2008 Snapshot Contest. The contest drew more than 500 entries
capturing everything from Milwaukee trees in winter to Memorial Day parades.”
-
Milwaukee Film
seeks to revive city’s film festival
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
“A newly formed group is starting up a new annual international film
festival in Milwaukee. The group, Milwaukee Film, announced Tuesday that it
will hold a series of events and screenings this fall, and promised to hold a
film festival in 2009. These efforts will likely supplant the Milwaukee
International Film Festival, which was founded in 2002 but foundered this year
after a dispute over funding and financing. The new organization has hired
former Milwaukee International Film Festival staff for the same jobs they held
with the original festival: Jonathan Jackson, artistic director; Kyle Heller,
operations director; and T.J. Fackelman, program coordinator.”
Performing Arts
Dance
-
Local Dancers
Receive Honors at National Irish Dance Competition
WauwatoseNOW.com
“Five dancers from Trinity Academy of Irish Dance received top placements
at the North American Irish Dance Championships, held July 2-6, 2008, in
Nashville, Tenn. These dancers are: Emily Wilke, 8th; Michael Fehrenbach, 6th;
Meaghan Kenfield, 17th; Marissa Wurster, 27th; and Kelly Dalton, 29th. Emily
Wilke, a Franklin Elementary student, has been dancing for only two years, but
qualifies to compete in regional and national competitions. This recent
triumph of 8th place against 91 competitors brought the following comment from
instructor, Laura McNamara, 'Her outstanding placement at this year's
National's is just the beginning of a very bright future for this talented
young dancer.' Wilke recently placed 28th at the 2007 Mid-America Irish Dance
Championships.”
Music
-
Family-owned
Nolte Organ Building makes instruments from scratch
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
“The pipe organ was seven years in the making. It’s a $100,000 work of
art, born from years of planning and months of construction. It’s made from
walnut and maple, copper and aluminum tubing, with wooden pipes as gorgeous as
the finest handmade furniture. There’s just one problem left for the men who
built this beauty that now sits in the corner of the workshop, ready to play,
down at Milwaukee-based Nolte Organ Building.”
-
Classical Music
and Dance Briefing - Florentine Opera names season’s studio artists
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
“The Florentine Opera Company has named its roster of 'studio artists' for the
2008-’09 season. They are soprano Greer Davis-Brown, of Chicago; mezzo Colleen
E. Brooks, of Cincinnati; tenor Rafael Luquis, of Bayamon, Puerto Rico; and
baritone Todd von Felker, of Chicago. The singers will have a full season of
employment as artists-in-residence under this development program, designed to
cultivate talented singers early in their careers. They will sing supporting
roles in the Florentine’s main stage productions and participate in its
educational efforts. They will also sing studio concerts and at donor
functions. A training component includes master classes and coaching with
visiting artists and master teachers.”
Other
-
Guiding
Principles and Practices for Lobbying by Nonprofits
Americans for the Arts
“Earlier this month, the Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest (CLPI)
released newly developed Smart and Ethical Principles and Practices for Public
Interest Lobbying. The four principles and 17 practices serve as benchmarking
tools that nonprofits can use to assess their current lobbying activities and
set goals for their future lobbying efforts. A group of nonprofit leaders
worked for 18 months to develop the principles and practices in response to
the need for nonprofits to claim public interest lobbying as an honorable and
effective strategy for advancing their missions. The full list of principles
and practices can be found at
http://www.clpi.org.”
-
Charity Fund Raisers Should Focus on the Basics
Blog: Give and Take, The Chronicle of Philanthropy
“Charities spend considerable time pursuing foundation grants and
searching for non-traditional gifts through planned and corporate giving. But
Sean Stannard-Stockton, who works for an investment management company in
Burlingame, Calif., says charities often ignore the low-hanging fruit —
donations from individuals.”
WHEN YOU GO
Visual Arts/Museums
-
Flesh. Metal. Ink. @
Walker’s Point Center for the Arts
Vital Source Magazine
August 1
“An exhibit glorifying the adornment of the human body, the effect of the
psyche and pain. Curated by Luckystar Studio. 'After working together for
nearly a decade curating literally hundreds of exhibits we've developed a very
unique working style. We have different taste and don't always like the same
things. What we do agree on is dispensing immediately with the obvious; the
cookie-cutter group show and dig deep for the sublime; for the unusual;
building textures and juxtapositions. With Flesh.Metal.Ink. We wanted to
exhibit beauty and pain through the work of some great talent.' Walker’s Point
Center for the Arts / 911 W National Avenue / Milwaukee WI 53204
http://www.wpca-milwaukee.org.”
-
Northern
National Art Competition Opens Submitted: 07/22/2008
WJFW TV-12
July 23 – September 30
RHINELANDER – “The art gallery at Nicolet College in Rhinelander is
opening its doors tonight for the 21st annual Northern National Art
Competition. 87 pieces of artwork were chosen for this exhibit out of 700
applicants. The Art Gallery Director at Nicolet says this art show features a
variety of 'the best of the best' 2-dimensional pieces, including some that
may be controversial. Katherine Ralph, the Art Gallery Director at Nicolet,
says 'It's a way to see beautiful things that are being done across the nation
and ideas that people are trying to express through this particular means.'"
-
GALLERY NIGHT:
Milwaukee
July 25
Sunset Scavenger @ Paper Boat Gallery
“Paper Boat is pleased to be showing the varied work of artist, filmmaker,
and photographer Bill Daniel. 'Sunset Scavenger' will feature a variety of
wall based work, based around Daniel's most recent romance with houseboat
culture. There will be mural-sized Xerox blow-ups which are a way to turn the
imagery into wheat-pasteable graffiti, and some new digital murals, as well as
some traditional b/w photography. A special screening of Daniel's documentary
film Who Is Bozo Texino will be shown at 9:00 p.m. (in the backyard,
weather permitting).”
-
Also...
Kenneth Brown
Ransley: A Female portraitist @ Portrait Society Gallery
July 25
“Little was known about the portfolio of paintings and drawings that
Kathy Ippolite, owner of Riverview Antiques in Milwaukee, had found in her
closet after her husband died. She Googled the artist’s name and found one
reference to a K.B. Ransley on the Internet. Unsure whether KB was a male or
female, an essay stated that a Mrs. K.B. Ransley had spent time in St.
Augustine, Florida, at an art colony in the 1930s. But many of the portraits
were signed Kenneth, indicating that the artist was a man.”
- GALLERY NIGHT:
WPCA Annual Members Show @ Walker’s Point Center for the Arts
July 25
“WPCA's Annual Member’s Show is one of their most exciting
exhibitions every year. This salon style show provides a unique opportunity
for artists at different points in their careers, working in a wide range of
media and styles to exhibit together, showing the depth and breadth of
contemporary art making in Wisconsin. This is one of the most unique,
largest and surprising displays of art and artists presented each year in
the Milwaukee area. This year sixty members are participating in the
exhibition!”
- GALLERY NIGHT:
New Intersections @ MIAD
July 25
“New Intersections: Form and Meaning in Design expands perceptions of
product design through an innovative curatorial approach inspired by Daniel
Pink's bestseller 'A Whole New Mind.' The exhibition opens with a reception
on Friday, July 25, 5 - 9 p.m. as part of Gallery Night at Wisconsinís only
independent, four-year college of art and design.”
- GALLERY NIGHT:
Cuba-Viva Fidel photos by Jimmy Fishbein @ InterContinental Milwaukee
July 25
“This summer Gallery Night Event will Feature the Photography,
Cuisine, Music and Dancing of Cuba. There is a fascination with Cuba in this
country, Europe, and all over the world. Having survived all these decades
--almost 50 years--under Fidel Castro, everyone wants to get a glimpse of
the dramatic, unspoiled corners of a country that has traditionally been in
isolation.”
-
Audio: The Works of George McCormick, Sr.
Lake Effect, WUWM
Through July 27
“George McCormick is a Milwaukee-based artist. The exhibit Journey from
the Secular to the Spiritual: Works by George McCormick Sr., opens May 28th at
the Charles Allis Museum in Milwaukee.”
-
Turn the Pages
Slowly @ Haggerty Museum of Art
Vital Source Magazine
August 22 – December 07
“This exhibition, drawn primarily from the Haggerty's permanent
collection, features rare books and manuscripts from the 14th through the 20th
centuries. Focusing on devotional texts, the exhibition includes a 19th
century Koran, medieval Books of Hours, and antiphonals (choral books).
Individual leaves from French, English and Italian breviaries, Bibles and
Books of Hours are highlighted, as well. The exhibition also includes
facsimiles of medieval Haggadot. Haggarty Museum of Art / Marquette University
/ 13th & Clybourn Streets / 414-288-1669
http://www.mu.edu/haggerty.”
Arts Education
-
Museum to host rail historian
Wausau Daily Herald
August 3
“Tom Burg of Merrill will discuss steam locomotive photos from the Roy
Campbell Collection at 1:30 pm. Aug. 3, at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum
at Franklin and 12th streets in Wausau. During this free talk, Burg — a
railroad historian and publisher of books featuring Campbell’s photography —
will focus on Campbell’s images of trains that served the Upper Midwest. Books
will be available for purchase, and a book signing will follow Burg’s talk.”
Community Arts
Folk Arts/Folklife
-
WAUPUN: Waupun
readies for polka, waltz
Beaver Dam Daily Citizen
July 24
“Third in the Concerts in the Park series, the Syl Groeschl Band will perform
in Dodge Park from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday. The band will perform polkas,
waltzes, German music, big band, country and soft rock. The concert is free to
the public and any donations will be distributed to art departments in Waupun
area schools. In the event of rain, the concert will take place in city
hall.”
-
Luau offers lesson in culture, wellness
Wausau Daily Herald
July 26
TOWN OF MERRILL — “An event this weekend offers families the chance to
get a better understanding of Hawaiian culture and get some helpful wellness
tips at the same time. The 'Happy 25th Birthday Nia' Luau held Saturday is a
celebration of a Hawaiian dance form, and families can join in the fun,
organizer Wendie Martell-Williams said. The event will be held at the Circle
of Joy Wellness Center.”
-
Local
Resident to Present Lecture at Midwest Quilt Expo in Madison
MuskegoNOW.com
September 11 – 13
“Margie Posbrig, a resident of Muskego, will present a lecture titled
'Stabilizers and Toppings for Embroiders and Quilters' at Quilt Expo in
Madison. Quilt Expo lectures are presented by notable quilting authorities,
and offer attendees an opportunity to see new ideas and learn helpful
techniques. Quilt Expo is presented by Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) and
Nancy Zieman Productions, and will be held 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 11-13 in the
Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. A 10-category quilt
contest is the keystone of the event and represents the artistic expressions
of quilters from all across the country. There also will be special quilt
exhibits.”
Literary Arts
-
Announcing the teams competing at the National Poetry Slam 2008 in Madison
The Isthmus
August 3 - 5
Hundreds of spoken work performers from around the United States, along with a
handful from Canada and Europe, are in the midst of preparations for this
year’s National Poetry Slam, which be held in Madison over the first week of
August. Competing in teams of four or five members apiece, each will take the
stage and give their best through a series of bouts at the competition.
Altogether they will comprise 76 teams, the final selection of which was
announced last Friday by the national organizers Poetry Slam Incorporated.
'After a year of "Win and You’re In" bouts, SlamMaster conferences and a rack
of other requirements filled in order to get their teams to the National
Poetry Slam,' declares the group, 'we finally have a list of competitors!!!'”
Media Arts
-
Draining of Lake
Delton to be shown July 30
Wisconsin Dells Events
July 30
“Local photographer Phillip White will present his video of The Draining of
Lake Delton at 7:30 on Wednesday, July 30 at the Kilbourn Public Library.
His spectacular footage of the June 9 breach taken from Bowman Road is a
highlight of the film. White will provide copies of the DVD for a minimum
donation of $10. Money from sales and donations will be divided between the
Fromm and Pekar families, whose homes were lost in the flood. The Stewards of
the Dells of the Wisconsin River will hold a short business meeting at 7 p.m.
at the library before the 40-minute show. The public is invited.”
Performing Arts
Dance
-
Dancemakers to be
part of show at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
July 25 & 26
“Each summer, accomplished dancers from all over the country converge
on the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to participate in the dance
department’s summer intensives for graduate students. They always showcase
their new dances at Dancemakers concerts at UWM. Students are so numerous that
the school will put on two separate Dancemakers programs Friday and Saturday.”
Music
-
Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra's Concert on the Square
The Isthmus
July 23
"'String Fusion,' with string trio Time for Three. Concerts on the Square will
celebrate its 25th season in 2008! The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, led by
Maestro Andrew Sewell, will perform six consecutive Wednesday evenings
beginning at 7:00 p.m.”
-
Tonight's Concert Band program
La Crosse Tribune
July 23
“The La Crosse Concert Band presents its 'Musical Jewels in July' concert at
7:30 p.m. today in Riverside Park. The free concert is directed by Alex Vaver.
Here’s what you will hear.”
-
Behind the scenes: La Crosse Concert Band to bring 100-year-old song back to
life
La Crosse Tribune
“The La Crosse Concert Band will celebrate a little bit of La Crosse history
Wednesday at its weekly concert in Riverside Park. The band will play 'The
La Crosse Saengerfest,' a piece written by La Crosse composer Oscar Frey, on
the same day of its world premiere 100 years ago. The piano score was lost
and rediscovered several years ago and was brought to the attention of Steve
Bina, former long-time Logan High School band teacher and antique collector.
Bina wanted to bring the piece back to life and contacted Jeff Krauklis, a
composer and trumpeter in the La Crosse Concert Band. Krauklis received a
venture grant from the La Crosse Public Education Foundation to rearrange
the work in May 1994.”
-
Davina Sowers’ does the blues her way
La Crosse Tribune
July 25
“Blame it on the old Victrola her adoptive father had in the house. Something
about that old-time Americana sensibility just seemed to seep into Davina
Sowers’ voice. 'I got to hear a lot of older songs, and I breathed music,'
said Sowers, who along with her band, The Vagabonds, will perform at the
Prairie Dog Blues Festival at 7 p.m. Friday. 'My mother was a folk singer,'
she said, so Sowers was also raised on a lot of Melanie and Simon and
Garfunkle music. 'I was 6 years old and I was singing, “‘I am a rock, I am an
island.’” 'I got to hear a lot of older songs that we would sing as a family.
That had somewhat to do with it.'”
-
Check out The Clovis Mann Band at Nighthawks
La Crosse Tribune
July 26
“Check out one of Madison’s premiere classic rock and blues jam bands
Saturday, July 26, when The Clovis Mann Band plays at 10 p.m. at Nighthawks.
The power trio plays songs about love, life and struggle, combining blues,
rock and jam music. They are Stosh Jonjak on bass, Ethan Noordyk on drums and
percussion and Daniel Walkner on guitar, vocals, slide and harmonica. In the
course of the evening, you may hear Johnny Cash’s 'Folsom Prison,' The
Temptations’ 'Treat Her Like a Lady,' or an original.”
-
Swing band swings into
Witwen
Sauk Prairie Eagle
July 26
“Witwen Concerts at the Campground continues its season with the Madison
Chapter of the New Horizons Swing Band on July 26 at the Witwen campgrounds in
Witwen. The New Horizons will perform music of the 1930s and 1940s. The group
was formed after senior citizens were invited to come to the Ward-Brodt Music
Mall for coffee and to try out any band instrument. Two weeks after the event
a 16-member band held its first meeting according to a press release submitted
by the Concerts at the Campground committee.”
-
Forward Music Fest announces second wave of artists
dane101
September 19 & 20
“Yesterday the Forward Music Fest, a citywide music festival taking place
throughout Madison September 19 and 20, unveiled more, but not all, of the
artists that will be coming. The current announcement adds more than 40 acts
to an already ambitious line-up with even more waiting in the wings. The list
is below. Wristbands are on sale now for $25 and a limited number of VIP
badges are still available for a $10 upgrade. VIP badges allow a very limited
number of individuals guaranteed access to shows of their choice. Wristbands
can be ordered at the Forward Music Fest 2008 website.”
Theater
-
Opera ala Carte
. . .
Blog: Art and Creativity in Kenosha
July 24, 25, 26, 31, August 1 - 3
“SEWPA (SouthEast Wisconsin Performing Arts), a non-profit organization
fostering the Fine Arts through education, outreach, and performance, is
currently running their summer Opera ala Carte program. Now, in its fourth
season, Opera ala Carte is vocal program designed to give school age through
college students the opportunity to perform scenes from various operas on
stage to a wide range of audiences.”
Read last week’s Wisconsin Arts News
WAB Wisconsin Arts News is a free service of the Wisconsin Arts Board, the state agency responsible for the support and development of the arts in Wisconsin. These articles are from a variety of
sources and, therefore, do not necessarily reflect the views of the Arts Board.
Despite our best efforts, links may fail without warning since each news source posts and archives its articles differently. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Updated:
July 23, 2008
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Wisconsin Arts Board, First Floor, 101 E. Wilson Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53702
Ph: 608/266-0190 Fax: 608/267-0380
TDD: 608/267-9629
Email: artsboard@wisconsin.gov
Web Site: http://www.artsboard.wisconsin.gov |
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