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Dear Friends of the Arts,
As we greet a new year, I am gratified by all that the Arts in Galena have accomplished in the last year. We had a slow but sure start, pulling out of a plague which changed all of our lives. I am reinforced that the Arts are so important for all of us, in our healing and in our moving on. We at the Center feel good to be a part of that renewal.
And 2024 brings so much promise! We are finished with most of the construction on the building, and now can turn our focus to programming. We plan to have more classes, more exhibits, more music, and more theatre in this new year! We start the year with workshops, a Songwriters Showcase, followed by an Art Opening, and lots of theatrical choices. We'll be doing a table reading of "The Old Lady Shows her Medals," the play "Will O the Wisp" in February, and then the wonderful musical "Quilters" in March. More shows to come after that, including another fun WGCA Radio Show, and more music and more Art! I'm so excited about what this year will hold.
Please come to see us often. Wander the galleries and gift shop, tap your toes to the music, and travel to different locations and eras via plays.
You'll be glad you did.
Happy New Year, from all of us at the Center!
Carole
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Center Open Hours
The Center will be open from 1 to 4pm on
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday,
which will continue until Spring.
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Center Closes for One Week
The art galleries will close for a brief period in January, from the 11th through the 18th.
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There will be a “paint-up-fix-up” day on Saturday, January 13th from 10am till 4pm, for those volunteers who would like to help us freshen the galleries.
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In the Regional Art Gallery
Wonder of Winter
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The Center’s gallery is not only filled with beautiful art depicting the winter season, but also includes many handmade items: jewelry boxes, jewelry, scarves, canvas totes, birdhouse gourds, repurposed glass angels, pottery, and prints. All the giftables and ornaments are currently discounted 20% as well as all merchandise in the gift shop (except cards) until the exhibit’s end on Sunday, January 7. | |
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In the Student Gallery
"Let's GLOW Crazy!"
Scales Mound High School Art Show
Opening reception, Friday, January 5, 4-5pm
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Nobody knows quite how black lights work. Okay, scientists probably do. Either way, they're undeniably cool, and seeing how artwork reacts to them is nothing short of amazing! Visit us any time during regular gallery hours in January as we host an art show featuring Scales Mound High School art students and Art Club members who have created blacklight-sensitive work. By "sensitive," we mean, these pieces G-L-O-W! Guests are encouraged to wear neon colors and we'll have glow bracelets/necklaces on hand to enhance your experience. The artwork will be shown with lights dimmed and a few pre-installed blacklights. Guests can also use the provided blacklight flashlights to reveal even more glowing elements. You really have to see it in person to really experience it! This is going to be an awesome show!
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Special Exhibit Space
Regional Artists &"Galena Roots"
Art Opening Friday, January 19, 5-7pm
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Our regional artists will once again surprise and delight us with new artworks! Please join us for an evening of art, food, music and relaxed fun. | | |
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Our special exhibit space will be exhibiting artists who have "Galena Roots", but no longer live in the area. Jerry Kaiser, now living in Chicago, but long known in Galena as Mr. Flower, has been studying and making art representing tree bark for many years. Jan Ketza, who now hails from California, will be sending some work from a new series she has been working on. We welcome art representing Eric Faramus, who now lives in Washington State, and Arthur Geisert, who resides in Iowa. Join us as we take a walk down memory lane with artists who used to live in Galena. | |
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Songwriters Showcase
Raven Rose & Lojo Russo
Thursday, January 18, 7pm
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Raven Rose (Robyn Davis and Ted Williams) captivates audiences with their dynamic harmonies and songs…often with dark themes or ghostly in nature. They will play a few of their favorite original songs before turning the stage over to their dear friend, Lojo Russo. Russo’s music moves from sweet folk to roots rock without missing a beat.
Refreshments available - Free to attend - Donations appreciated!
Special thanks to sponsors Mark and Mary Ellen.
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"Carrying the Torch"
Seminar and Art Exhibit
January 27 and 28
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Oak Fire by Gillian Moore | |
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The seminar will focus on utilizing planned and controlled fire for woodland habitat and undergrowth management, and will coincide with the interrelated art exhibit by Gillian Moore entitled "Carrying the Torch."
On Saturday, January 27, the seminar will run from 1 - 4pm with the art exhibit open to registered attendees from Noon to 5pm. On Sunday, January 28, the art exhibit will be open to the public from 1 - 4pm.
Anyone interested in forest and habitat management, or related artwork, is invited to attend.
Pre-register now at... go.illinois.edu/Torch.
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Art Supplies Sale
Saturday, January 27 and
Sunday, January 28, from 1 - 4pm
in the Alfie Mueller room
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The Center has accumulated a variety of new and slightly used art supplies that we wish to offer to our artists at a very good price point, including brushes, paints, etc. The sale you don’t want to miss. | |
Time to call for Art for Broad Ideas! | |
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We'll be back in March 2024 for year 7 and we need you! Now is the time to start creating your pieces.
Creating Community!
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For more information and to view our calendar of events, visit our website: broadideas.org. | |
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Figure drawing will resume in January on a monthly basis. The first session will be Thursday, January 4 from 5 – 7pm; however, thereafter it will be held on the second Thursday of each month. We hope you will consider attending so the Center can continue to offer this wonderful sketching opportunity with a live model.
For more information click on this link.
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Wood Burning and Carving Workshops | |
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Only a few days remain to sign up for Beginning Woodburning held on Saturday, January 6 from noon to 3pm. where students will learn how to wood burn a hanging owl. Click here to register and pay to wood burn a hanging owl.
The second class is Beginning Wood Carving held on Saturday, January 20 from noon to 3pm. where students will learn how to carve a comfort bird. Click here to register and pay to carve a comfort bird.
The talented Marie McDonough will teach both classes. The cost of each is $75 which includes all supplies needed. Register and pay for one or both classes on the Center website using the links above.
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Open Studio: Still Life Painting | |
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Calling on all who have an interest in painting… the Center will host an open studio for all levels of artists to hone their skill in the company of other artists.
- Every other Monday 1 - 3pm, beginning on Monday, January 15.
- Practice the principles of design and color composition applied to still life in these facilitated classes (not instructed).
- Bring your own supplies: All non-toxic media required.
- Cost: 5 dollars a class for members, 10 dollars for non-members.
- Initial trial period of five sessions: January 15, 29, February 12, 26, March 11
- Studio open to beginners as well as seasoned artists.
- Facilitated by Julie Ferring
- Sessions will offer brief instruction and feedback if desired.
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Table Reading
The Old Lady Shows her Medals
by James Barrie
Feb 3 at 7pm and Feb 4 at 2pm
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Set in the midst of World War I, a soldier and a lonely woman with a secret share a need and find a relationship. This play will make you laugh and maybe cry a little too.
The cast features Emily Painter, Stephen Green, Cathy Harms, Deb Hyland, Mimi Resnick, and Steve Coates, with narration by Ron Jenkins.
Donations requested.
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Will-O'-the-Wisp
7pm February 16, 17 and 23, 24
2pm February 18 and 25
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This heartwarming and haunting play, written by Ted Williams and Robyn Davis, is set in the early Galena lead mining period and details the life of Theodore Jones, a Welsh miner and his family. Written in a Welsh folkloric style, Will-O'-the-Wisp is filled with history, humor, romance, superstition, mystery, and, of course, a bit of whiskey.
Tickets on sale now!
Click here.
or
Scan the QR code below.
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Quilters
by Molly Newman and Barbara Damashek
7pm March 8, 9, and 14, 15, 16
2pm March 10 and 17
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Illuminating stories contained in patches or “blocks” with music, dance and drama - “Quilters” is a rich mosaic capturing the sweep and beauty, the terror and joy, and the harsh challenge and abiding rewards of frontier life.
Tickets on sale now!
Click here.
or
Scan the QR code below.
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Feb 3 - 7pm, Table Reading, The Old Lady Shows her Medals
Feb 4 - 2pm, Table Reading, The Old Lady Shows her Medals
Feb 15 - 7pm, Songwriters Showcase, featuring Jody McGill and Addison Aronson
Feb 16, 17, 23, 24 - 7pm, Will-O'-the-Wisp, and
Feb 18 and 25 - 2pm, Will-O'-the-Wisp
Mar 1, Broad Ideas Opening
Mar 8, 9, and 14, 15, 16 - 7pm, Quilters
Mar 10 and 17 - 2pm, Quilters
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Recent Activities at the Center | |
John Erickson Trio Holiday Concert | |
Chicago-based pianist John Erickson, bassist Dave Hiltebrand, and drummer Tim Mulvenna spread the holiday spirit for a full house through their own jazz take on Christmas carols. | |
On Track for the Holidays! | |
The model train exhibit, created by Phil... | |
and Terri Jackman, was seen by at least 600 people in the four weeks it was displayed. Many thanks to both of them for creating a wonderful holiday activity for so many families. | |
LoveNotes singing for the Tree of Love Ceremony hosted by the Midwest Medical Center's auxiliary. | |
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Historic Turner Hall was filled with holiday spirit at our
Tuba Christmas concert on Sunday, December 10th!
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In the spirit of this festive, fun celebration of low brass, prizes were awarded to youngest and oldest musician, musician who traveled the farthest and best decorated instrument.
Thank you to the following businesses for prize donations:
Galena Bakehouse, Galena Canning Co., Galena Roasters,
Galena Wine & Cheese and Great American Popcorn Co.
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Student Digital Photography Exhibit | |
Galena High School digital photography exhibit on display through the end of December. | |
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By popular demand, Sandra Evans facilitated a second
wreath making class. All had fun, and created beautiful wreaths.
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Many hands make light work! | |
Envelope stuffing for the annual appeal. | |
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“The first time I held a crayon and made a mark across the page, I was fascinated.” Julie recalls always “loving to create.”
Julie attended the Minneapolis College of Art and Design where she was immersed within a collaborative community of creatives. There, she was taught not only traditional approaches to painting and drawing but reveled in the freedom to explore an artistic voice that questioned boundaries and challenged perceptions, where she discovered her love of Abstract Expressionists, especially Hans Hofmann. That artistic drive prompted her to take a sabbatical her junior year in Europe. Finishing her BFA at the University of Iowa, she began her MFA there as well with a focus in Painting and Fiber Arts. Ever Since Julie has been creating art as well as teaching art to both children and adults. She has shown her artwork in numerous exhibits in past decades; her work was recently celebrated in her show at Carnegie Stout Library in Dubuque.
Using oil and acrylic paints, Julie’s favorite subjects are clouds, water, and flora. Having grown up near the Mississippi, she developed a love and concern for prairie restoration, water quality, and endangered species. One can certainly see this inspiration in her paintings. She does plein air painting as well as paints from her imagination.
Having a studio at the Center provides Julie with a sanctuary for her to lose herself in the flow – a place to find calm amidst the chaos. When asked what the value of art is, she replied, “The pursuit of art is [synonymous] with the pursuit of truth, and how do you put a value on that.”
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- Bryan & Jenni Ackerman
- Lee Adami
- Joe Berning
- Julie Bruser
- Paul Chase
- Steve & Maren Coates
- John Cox
- Janet Eggleston
- Cathie Elsbree
- Sandra Evans
- Galena Bakehouse
- Galena Canning Co.
- Galena River Wine & Cheese
- Galena Roasters
- Great American Popcorn Co.
- Steven Hartley
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- Kathleen Hoeper
- Deb Hyland
- Phil & Terri Jackman
- Justin & Lily Jackman
- Moira Kelley
- Susan Lipnick
- Paul & Nancy McMenamin
- Midwest Medical Auxiliary
- Sarah Roodhouse
- Danny Rowland
- Tom Saccomanno
- Margaret Scott
- Deb & Michele Sullivan
- Mark Sumpter
- Dennis Waltman
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- Wishing you an art-filled and peaceful New Year!
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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!
If you would like to help out as a greeter, please go to Signupgenius.com and scroll down to choose the dates you would like to help. It’s not hard, and it’s so much fun to meet other art lovers and show off our wonderful new space. For other volunteer opportunities, email Carole.
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 January 5-7. | |
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Please help us to advance our mission to
elevate and celebrate regional arts and artists.
To donate online click on This Link, 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! | | |
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. | |
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This program is 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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Newsletter produced by Dennis Waltman | | | | |
