Highlights from an unforgettable Gala night—thanks to all in attendance, and to our generous donors, sponsors and volunteers for a truly magical evening! | |
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Dear Friend of the Arts,
Thoughts of thanksgiving fill the air in November, and we have so much to be thankful for! Our Gala was attended by enthusiastic loving people, who enjoyed a fabulous meal created by Eagle Ridge Inn, and laughed along with wonderful entertainment by talented regional performers. The generosity of our donors, those who could attend the Gala as well as those who could not, is amazing, and will buoy us up as we move into the next year.
Not only that … we now have a completely renovated student gallery created in memory of Jac Tilton, who taught art in Galena for many years, and had been a featured artist at the Center. Be sure to check it out when you next visit.
AND … we have new seating in the theater, which is much more comfortable than the old chairs, compliments of Carol Baumann, Julie Bruser and Tommy Saccomanno, and Bonnie Sims. What a big improvement!
Over all, we are thankful for YOU. You encourage and sustain us; you energize and inspire us. Please continue to tell us when we do well and let us know where we can improve. What would you like to see us do in 2025? More music, more plays, more classes, more art? We are in process of planning the next year, so if you have ideas, please share them!
Wishing you a loving and Happy Thanksgiving!
Carole
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Studio Rental
If interested in renting an art studio, please contact Sandra Evans
The waitlist is shorter than it has been in quite a while, so reserve your place on the list today!
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Center Open Hours
Gallery hours will change to 1:00 – 4:00 beginning October 31
and continue throughout the fall and winter.
Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
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The current gallery exhibits will remain up through November 16. Robert Rivoire’s photography has been selling well, but much lovely photography remains available as well as a variety of stunning art in the Regional Gallery. Pictured above is a pair of paintings by studio artist Julie Ferring. | |
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Galena High School
National Art Honor Society
Art Opening November 7th from 5-6pm
in the Tilton Student Gallery
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Chris Chapin-Tilton with the plaque that will be at the door of the student gallery. | |
The Galena High School National Art Honor Society returns with another art exhibit. Stop by and enjoy "Spaced Out"! to see artwork that is out of this world, meet the artists, and enjoy some refreshments. All are welcome! | |
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Scenes of the Season Opening Reception
Friday, November 22, 5-7pm
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Join us for the upcoming Opening Reception on Friday, November 22 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. The Scenes of the Season will decorate the Special Exhibit space, while the Regional Gallery will entertain guests with an eclectic variety of art for any occasion. Come to browse, converse, or begin your holiday shopping. Why shop online or at big box retailers when you can gift an original piece of artwork made by a local artist? Hope to see you there! | |
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Meet the Artist
Saturday, November 9, 1 - 3pm
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You have another opportunity to meet Robert and learn about his photographic philosophy and techniques. Robert will be present in the gallery on Saturday, November 9 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. to share his experiences and answer any questions you may have. You have only until November 17 to see his amazing collection and, perhaps, to purchase a Rivoire photo for your home. | |
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Broad Bingo
Wednesday, November 13 6:30-8:30pm
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The Broads are hosting Broad Bingo to celebrate regional women and raise money for Broad Ideas 2025 artist scholarships. Please join us on November 13th at Chestnut Mountain Vista Room from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Bingo cards are $5 and instead of numbers in each square there will be names of regional women, nominated by other regional women, as people who continually, “lift others up.” Proceeds will go to fund our scholarships for established and aspiring artists. This will be a fun, creativity inspiring evening you don’t want to miss! For more information visit www.BroadIdeas.org.
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Table Reading "Lost Memories"
Thursday, November 14 at 7pm
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Written by Cascade playwright Shawn Carr, this educational and warmly entertaining story focuses on a rural Iowa Family as they navigate a family member’s experience with dementia/Alzheimer’s disease. The cast includes: Jay Dickerson, Nancy Walsh, Robyn Davis, Lynda Mackie, Susan Barg, Lee Adami, Phil Jackman, Andy Larys, and Ted Williams, with Terri Jackman as the narrator. There will be a talkback with the playwright following the performance.
Tickets: suggested donation Students $5, Adults $10
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Call for Art
Sunday, November 17 at 1-4pm
Monday, November 18 at noon-2pm
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The art gallery will be taking in new art on November 17 during open hours and on November 18 from noon until 2:00 p.m. The Regional Gallery will be open to whatever artists choose to submit. The special exhibit space, however, will be reserved for Scenes of the Season, a seasonal exhibit celebrating the beauty and cultural traditions of the holidays. The exhibit may include fine art as well as winter and holiday décor, including floral arrangements, gourd art, pinecone art, indoor wreaths, candle holders, fiber art, etc. Because of the seasonal nature of the art in the special exhibit space, purchases may be taken the day of purchase if buyer so chooses.
Artists are also invited to bring in handmade ornaments to sell in addition to their gallery art; please limit the number of ornaments to ten.
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Songwriters Showcase featuring
Ruth Wyand
Thursday, November 21, 7pm
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Demonstrating guitar virtuosity with powerful fingerpicking, bottleneck slide and a warm alto voice, Ruth plays a mix of Americana, jazz, blues, folk, country with a portion of Piedmont picking and bluegrass clawhammer thrown in. Her songwriting is universal, using a melting pot of styles with lyrics that are timeless, relatable, emotionally resonant, sometimes witty, sometimes serious but always human and genuine.
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Refreshments available - Free to attend - Donations appreciated!
Special thanks to sponsors Mark and Mary Ellen
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John Erickson Trio Holiday Concert
Friday, November 29, 7pm
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Chicago based pianist John Erickson, bassist Dave Hiltebrand, and drummer Tim Mulvenna return for a jazz infused holiday program: a favorite among many of Galena’s music lovers and a wonderful way to celebrate the season! CLICK HERE for tickets and information
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Artists Sunday
December 1st from 1-4pm
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Celebrated the Sunday after Thanksgiving, Artists Sunday, the world’s largest art event, is dedicated to supporting artists and recognizing the impact they have in enriching lives, communities, and the economy.
The Galena Center for the Arts gallery and gift shop will be open on Sunday, December 1 from 1-4pm. The community is invited to meet the Center’s studio artists, enjoy holiday refreshments, music, and check out all of the one-of-a-kind gifts made by regional artists - including cards, pottery, jewelry, prints and more!
The gift shop and gallery’s winter hours (beginning Oct 31) will be 1-4 Thursday-Sunday (closed for the holidays on November 28-29 and December 24-25).
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Ring of Kerry, Celtic Holiday Concert
Sponsored by First Community Bank of Galena
December 8 at 2pm
Turner Hall, 115 Bench St.
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Celebrate the holiday season with a lively performance of Celtic classics! This energetic group that blends Celtic and American influences with traditional music, will also be joined by members of McNulty Irish Dancers!
This free Holiday concert carries on the spirit and tradition of the former Galena Festival for the Performing Arts, which always offered a holiday concert for the community.
Free will donations will be gratefully accepted, as the generosity of the public allows us to continue to provide exceptional music and art to the Tri-State area each year.
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"The Best Holiday of All"
Sponsored by Eagle Ridge Inn Resort & Spa
Saturday & Sunday, December 14-15 at 2pm
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If you enjoyed THE FOREST STONE children's theater production this spring, come join us for our Christmas musical, “The Best Holiday of All,” a fun-filled family show, sure to put you in the Christmas spirit!
Performances are scheduled for 2pm Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15. Directed by Lee Adami, with Musical Director Krista Wilhelm.
Ticketing information will be available SOON
Rehearsal Photo: Plotting Elves
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Holiday Gift-Making
This class will be held in early December and taught by Cat Clausen.
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Imagine the surprise and delight your loved one will feel when they open their holiday gift and see that it is something they like or need, which has been decorated and turned into a work of art -- by you! First, we will meet at the Grand Antique Mall in Elizabeth, IL to search for our object ($20. spending limit. Some free objects will be available too, donated by the Galena Center for the Arts). Your object could be a glass dish or bottle, a wood recipe box, an old frame, or anything that can be embellished. At our next session you will bring in your paints, old jewelry, coins, feathers, fabrics, buttons, beads, colored papers, anything you can glue down etc. (some paints, brushes, glue, and silver metal leaf will be provided by the teacher). | |
Examples of Cat Clausen’s handmade gift creations | |
Meet our Board of Directors new member
Brian Schoenrock
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There have been times during my life of 68 plus years when circumstances have allowed for extended deep reflection. An enduring belief that has emerged from such endeavors is that art, writ large, is the only thing that endures and indeed matters.
Personally, I have been a performance artist since before I can remember. Grade School and Community Theater plays, a student rock band, high school and college marching and pep bands, playing piano, guitar and drums, vocal ensembles, guitar and vocal open mics with my wife Lisa, etc. Since relocating to Galena in 1992, our family of five has supported live local theater and the arts in general through performance and participation, financial and otherwise.
Having recently retired from active clinical dental practice, I made the decision to respond in the affirmative to current Board President Mark Sumpter’s personal request to serve a three year stint on the GCA Board. Hopefully I can make a positive contribution to the growth, preservation and advancement of the Galena Center for the Arts as a living testament to the importance and agency of art in all its expressions.
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Dec 1 - Artists Sunday
Dec 7 & 14 - Holiday Giftmaking Class with Cat Clausen
Dec 8 - Ring of Kerry Celtic Christmas Concert Turner Hall
Dec 14,15 - Children's Theater "The Best Holiday of All"
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Recent Activities at the Center | |
The Center extends sincere appreciation to Robert Rivoire for donating his collection to the Center. | |
Friends and fans filled the theater for our Songwriters Showcase, featuring Lenny Wayne, Desiree Irwin and Jimmy Berg. Following the show, there was a surprise “We Love Lenny” party, created with gratitude for all that Lenny has done for the Center, and for live music in our community. | |
Numerous people visited the gallery for “Meet the Artist” Dotty Prince. What a pleasure to see many of her other paintings. | |
We Welcomed Two School Groups Who Visited Us In October | |
Juda School, from Juda, Wisconsin, came again this year, and enjoyed the artwork and a tour of the theater. Here they are “on stage”. | |
The Digital Photography class from Galena High School visited the Center to see the Robert Rivoire exhibit,and engaged in thoughtful conversations and a little bit of fun in the “Art that Stands Out in its Field” exhibit. | |
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We thank longtime Corporate Member Culver's! Both the Center, as well as Broad Ideas, have participated in and benefitted from Culver’s Share Nights on numerous occasions. We thank them for their generosity and support over the years!
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Many thanks also to longtime Corporate Member Chestnut Mountain Resort. Chestnut Mountain hosted our Youth Arts Festival for several years, and will be the location for the “Broad Bingo” event on Nov. 13th!
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THANK YOU
to our volunteers!
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We have been delighted to have a number of Americorps volunteers helping us on Saturdays for the last month. They have done yardwork, put up scarecrows, painted, cleaned, and helped in so many ways. We are enormously grateful, and will miss these talented and charming young people. We usually see them in work clothes, but here they are celebrating with us at the Gala.
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Four local volunteers and Americorps helpers unloaded 2,500 pounds of new chairs, unwrapped each individually, and installed them in the theater!
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Our servers and bartenders at the art opening dressed in honor of Robert Rivoire’s French heritage.
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Bryan & Jenni Ackerman
Lee Adami
Apple River Fort Tour & Lulu’s Café
Alex Arroyo
Americorps crew
Diane Banas
Aunt Beez
Baranski Hammer Moretta & Sheehy
Catherine Basten
Bella Rosa
Blaum Brothers Distilling Co.
Board & Brush
Daisha Boehm
Patricia Boggs
Brazen Reserve
Julie Bruser & Tommy Saccomanno
Libby Burmaster
Burnt Sienna Gallery & Studio
Chris Canelake
Carolbel Designs
Chris Chapin-Tilton
Paul Chase
Gail Chavenelle
Diane Checchin
Chocolat’
Gary Churnovic
Larry Cording
Michael Cotteleer
Country House Grocery
John Cox
Desoto House
Jay Dickerson
Desoto House
B’Ann Dittmar
Brooke Ditmar
Dixon Theater
Dry Creek Beekeeping
Dubuque Symphony Orchestra
Durty Gurts
Eagle Ridge Realty
Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa
Janet Eggleston
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Cathie Elsbree
Emmy Lou’s
Tom Erdman
Ilisa Farrell-Ericsson
Fried Green Tomatoes
Galena Cellars
Galena Golf Club
Galena Kids Store & Learning Center
Galena Roasters
Devin Ganka
Char Goode
Goldmoor Inn
Kara Gordon
Lois Gordon
Karen Greiner
Sheila Haman
Dick & Joan Harmet
Jayne Hartley
Stephen Hartley
Haunted Galena Tour Company
Hawk Valley
Ellimina Henderson
Pam Homan
Desiree Irwin
Isabella’s
Terri Jackman
Jail Hill Inn
Ben Jenkins
Al Jirkovsky
Geoff Karnish
Barb Kellar
Moira Kelley
George & Charlotte Kennedy
Casey Klein
Diane Kovalec
Bonnielynn Kreiser
Kim Kreiser
La Michoacana
Sharon LaCaeyse
Jan Lavacek
Ellen & John Liberg
Susan Lipnick
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Los Aztecas
George Mastromichalis
Joe Mattingley
Paul & Nancy McMenamin
Joe Metzel
Joan Murray
Derek Obayashi
Outside the Lines
Emily Painter
Pam Powers
Birgit Radin
David Resnick
Laurie Rische
River Bend Gallery
Bob & Frances Rivoire
Paige Saba
Colin Sanderson
Brian Schoenrock
Nancy & Bill Schuldt
Penny Schwark
Carole Sullivan
Deb & Michele Sullivan
Mark Sumpter
John Sturm
Cindy Tegtmeyer
Irene Thraen-Borowski
Bill Titus
Top Notch
Twilight Cruises
Vet Associates
Vinny Vanucchi’s
Dennis Waltman
Leslie Waltman
Connie Warnsing
Lenny Wayne
Sara Wentz
Krista Wilhelm
Ted Williams
Sandy Winge
Amanda Zasada
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- If you have sheet music from the Summit Street Singers that you are not using, please return it to the Center. We will have an envelope for it at the welcome desk of the Gallery.
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Time to get involved! We still need greeters for the gallery and volunteers to help with serving at openings, ushering at music and theatre events, garden maintenance, painting, and more!
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All our volunteer opportunities are easily accessed by clicking on the link www.signupgenius.com/findasignup.
- Don’t let the “Our Mind-reading Device is on the Fritz again...” message confuse you.
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Copy and paste the email address volunteers@galenacenterforthearts.com into “SEARCH FOR A SIGNUP,” check I'm not a robot, click on Search and all upcoming events will be visible.
- This includes Gallery Openings, Theatrical events, Gallery Greeters, etc. This should make it easier for everyone to match interests with activities.
Thanks so much!
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All River Road Talent hosts a monthly art drive the first weekend of each month. All River Road Talent is a synergy of artists building a cultural and visitor awareness of artistic talent in the Galena region of Northwest Illinois. The next ARRT tour is December 6-8.
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Please help us to advance our mission to
elevate and celebrate regional arts and artists.
To donate online click, or send your check to:
The Galena Center for the Arts
971 Gear Street, Galena, Illinois 61036
(815) 402-3111
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Please forward our newsletter to your friends and relatives. They can click below to receive their own monthly update. Thanks for sharing our news with others! | | |
These programs are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. | |
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These programs are supported in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. | |
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Don't forget to "Like" the Galena Center for the Arts on Facebook
Have a preferred email address? Please let us know.
Thanks so much for your support of the Galena Center for the Arts!
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