Join us for a night of prose, poetry and art TONIGHT, Thursday, August 29 from 7-9pm | |
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Dear Friends of the Arts,
Where did the summer go? Time seems to move faster every year, but I look forward to beautiful September days and how amazingly beautiful our Driftless area becomes in the fall.
We are excited about our planning for this fall, with a wide variety of artistic offerings. Read further in the newsletter to see details for many of them.
Thank you so much to those of you who have renewed your memberships or have newly become members of the Center for the Arts. Ticket sales only cover about half of the costs of our events, so we really depend on those of you who donate to help keep us afloat.
I look forward to seeing you soon!
Carole
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BIG THANKS to Poopsie’s for donating 1% of their sales from the first six months of the year to local non-profits. We can certainly make good use of our share, and are so grateful for their generosity. | |
Sandra Evans, Carole Sullivan, Alana Turner, Leslie Koehler | |
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Center Open Hours
11am to 4pm, throughout the summer months, on
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
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Special Exhibit Gallery
Slice of Life Exhibit
This exhibit will be up through Saturday, September 28
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The walls in our special exhibit space show the joys of living - from gutting a day’s catch of fish to a man cuddling his beloved puppy. These and many more pieces of art in this exhibit are sure to delight your senses and may even evoke your own personal memories. The exhibit will be up through Saturday, September 28. | |
Coastal Catch by Alda Kaufman | |
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Regional Art Gallery
The exhibit will be up through Saturday, September 28.
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These larger-than-life portraits of Jim and Carol Mantey by Galena’s Paul Chase have generated much interest. And if you look closely at Jim’s sunglasses, you will find a picture within a picture. Other conversation pieces sure to pique your interest are Hal Martin’s My Baptism and The Tunnel. And you do not want to miss Dan Weeks’ amazing wood sculptures, part of the Fancy Fireworks series. The exhibit will be up through Saturday, September 28. | |
Jim and Carol Mantey by Paul Chase | |
Jan Lavacek, tearing out walls. | |
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As soon as the play “Psych” opened, Jan started tearing out the closet in the student gallery.
Didn’t take him long to make a mess! But sometime in September, as soon as the new carpeting arrives and can be installed, we will have the Mr. T’s Student Gallery, in memory of artist Jac Tilton, finished and ready for its first art opening!
We’ll keep you updated!
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Presentation and Book signing.
Of Insects and Interconnection,
a Night of Prose, Poetry, and Art
TONIGHT, Thursday, August 29 from 7-9pm
featuring
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Please come celebrate Where the Grass Still Sings: Stories of Insects and Interconnection, a new nonfiction book by Galena native Heather Swan which braids art, poetry, science and memoir together to honor the importance of the marvelous and often invisible members of our natural world. She will be joined by the poet Catherine Jagoe and the photographer Mark Montgomery. Be ready to be filled with wonder and hope!
To learn more about Heather,
click to check out her interview
with Ann Strainchamps on NPR.
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Children's Christmas Show Tryouts | |
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!
Auditions will be held from 2 - 4pm on Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8 at the Center. Click to visit our website for full cast list.
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 later this fall.
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Sunday Salon
An Afternoon with the Maestro
Sunday, September 8 at 3pm
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Please join us for an afternoon with Maestro William Intriligator as he embarks on his 25th season as Music Director & Conductor of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra.
Intriligator will preview the upcoming DSO season, share memories of his time with the DSO and perform a selection of short piano pieces.
A Q&A session will follow.
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Refreshments available. Free admission, donations appreciated.
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EXPERIENCE an unforgettable evening
at the Galena Center for the Arts gala
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Eagle Ridge Resort Ballroom
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Enjoy an evening with local performers performing familiar Showtunes, an elegant four-course dinner, live and silent auctions, and a champagne toast to a vibrant future.
Tickets go on sale September 16!
Click for more information
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Poetry Open Mic: Write into Fall
Hosted by Galena’s Poet Laureate Ted Williams
Tuesday, September 17 at 7pm
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Catch the beauty of poetry and the change of the seasons! Our exciting open-mic style event is open to all area poets wishing to recite/perform their work, and to all those who would like to listen. All ages, all skill levels are encouraged to read their works.
Join us to experience the excitement of original spoken word performances, hosted by Galena’s Poet Laureate Ted Williams and accented between works by the music of Disiree Irwin. Snacks and refreshments available throughout the show.
Performance slots are limited! To sign up for a performance slot please write Ted Williams at: Poetlaureate@galenalibrary.org
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Songwriters Showcase featuring
Lexi Healey & Holy Crowe
Thursday, September 19, 7pm
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Our September 2024 Songwriters Showcase shares the original music of regional singer songwriters Lexi Healey and Holy Crowe. | |
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Healey is a singer/songwriter from the Dubuque area who’s been performing as long as she can remember. While she dabbles in many genres of music, her most prevalent styles feature soft rock, folk, and pop. She enjoys telling her own stories through her original works, and hopes her voice will guide you through all kinds of emotions and experiences, but most of all, she hopes to bring you joy.
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Holy Crowe is based out of Lancaster, WI. Their music blends the sounds of old mountain gospel, traditional bluegrass and a little honky tonk. | |
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Held on the outside stage, weather permitting. Otherwise held in the theater.
Refreshments available - Free to attend - Donations appreciated!
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Special thanks to sponsors Mark and Mary Ellen
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In-Door Cemetery Walk Performance
Galena Center for the Arts
September 20, 7pm - Doors open at 6:30pm
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The Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society will be presenting their 30th annual cemetery walk this month at the Old City Cemetery on Saturday, September 14 from 2 - 4pm and on Sunday, September 15 from 2 - 4pm.
The final show date! Indoor performance at the Galena Center for the Arts on Friday, September 20 at 7pm. Doors open at 6:30pm.
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Characters include:
- Charity Sears Pendleton, a Galena woman who patented improvements to the early washing machine.
- miner George Sidner, who volunteered with his brother to fight for the Union Army.
- Elizabeth Armstrong, who helped lead the defense of Apple River Fort during the 1832 Black Hawk War.
- Galena's first lawyer John Turney.
- Caroline Skene, a woman haunted by her son's crime.
- Minerva Shears, whose son's gravestone was just this year recovered.
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Summit Street Singers
Rehearsals begin on Tuesday, September 24 at 7pm
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Start warming up those vocal cords! Summit Street Singers, our community chorus, will start again in September. Larry Cording will direct the chorus; Susan Lipnick will be our accompanist.
Rehearsals begin on Tuesday, September 24 at 7 pm. We anticipate eleven weekly one-hour rehearsals culminating with a performance at the United Churches of Galena Christmas Concert in December. All ages welcome, no auditions necessary. Join in the fun of making music!
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Make a Scarecrow!
Saturday, September 28, 1 - 4pm
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We’ll be gathering at the Center to create Scarecrows for our “Art that Stands Out in its Field” annual exhibit, which will be up and around town most of October. Your creation can be a part of our exhibits, or you can take it to decorate your home or business.
Please bring old clothes, stuffing, frames, etc. to the Center to add to the fun. We will have other materials available as well.
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Guided Open Studio will continue from 1 – 3pm on the second Monday of each month, which will be on September 9th. Practice the principles of drawing and painting in these facilitated classes. | |
- Bring your own supplies and reference material.
- All mediums welcome, but please avoid products that emit toxic fumes.
- Cost: $5 a class for members, $10 for non-members.
- Studio open to beginners as well as seasoned artists.
- A still life will be set up in the classroom.
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Figure drawing is open to all ability levels. Whether you are a seasoned sketcher or a beginner, join us. As with anything in life, one only learns and improves through practice. The next figure drawing session will be Thursday, September 12 from 5 – 7pm and will be held on the second Thursday of each month. Do not miss this opportunity to sketch a live model for only $10. Session facilitated by K. Kriesel.
Click for more information.
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Introduction to Traditional Drawing | |
David Erickson, lifelong artist and art teacher, will teach foundational drawing skills in a series of six classes beginning October 12 and continuing each Saturday from 1 – 3pm through November 16. Please watch Center website for further information and to register. David is convinced, and will convince you, that everyone can learn to draw with proper instruction. | |
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Special Exhibit Gallery
Opening Reception on October 3 from 5 – 7pm
| Mark your calendars for the next art gallery Opening Reception on October 3 from 5 –7pm. In the Special Exhibit space, we will be featuring Bob Rivoire’s beautiful work from a lifetime of photographic experience. | Katherine Hepburn by Bob Rivoire | |
Meet our Board of Directors new member
Ben Jenkins
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Ben Jenkins has lived in Galena all his life and brings millennial representation to our Board of Directors. Ben is self-employed as a trivia writer and editor, and has written and edited thousands of trivia questions for various organizations including pub trivia companies, quiz websites, and more.
You may have seen him acting in some of our table readings, including "Red" and "The Cocktail Hour," and performing in last summer's Cemetery Walk. He hopes to continue the Center's mission of supporting local art while enhancing access to the arts for underserved areas of the community.
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Sep 7,8 - Auditions for Kids show “the Best Holiday of All”
Sep 08 - Sunday Salon, Maestro William Intriligator from Dubuque Symphony
Sep 17 - Poetry program with Ted Williams, Galena’s Poet Laureate
Sep 19 - Songwriters Showcase featuring Lexi Healey & Holy Crowe
Sep 20 - Cemetery Walk performance
Sep 24 - Summit Street Singers rehearsals begin
Sep 28 - Make a Scarecrow!
Oct 03 - Bob Rivoire Exhibit Opening
Oct 17 - Annual Gala at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa
Oct 24 - Songwriters Showcase featuring Sarah Lentini and Lenny Wayne
Nov 29 -John Erickson Jazz Trio
Dec 08 -Turner Hall Community Concert
Dec 14,15 - "The Best Holiday of All" Kids show
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Recent Activities at the Center | |
Colm & Laura Keegan with guest star Brian McGrane | |
An appreciative audience enjoyed lively and soulful Irish and Scottish songs played by Colm and Laura Keegan and Brian McGrane. An evening to remember! | |
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Cast members Stephen Green, Mark Sumpter, Sue Reese Flogel, Robyn Davis, Mark Haman
and Austin Scott "killed it” with their performances in the dark comedy “Psych” by Lisa Rowe.
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Sophia Landis, and the Burn it Up band | |
A large listening audience attended Songwriters Showcase, to enjoy music by Sophia Landis, and the Burn it Up band. Performing on the set of “Psych” gave a feeling of a house party! | |
The audience was entranced by actor, musician, and filmmaker Steven Marking, who presented a multi-media performance, “A Visit from Will Dilg,” about the founding of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. This enlightening program was presented in collaboration with the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation. | |
Paul Chase Art was one of the Galena Center for the Arts’ first Charter Corporate Members in 2016. Paul is a creative, multi-talented artist who works in a wide array of artistic mediums. | |
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His artwork has graced the galleries of the Center many times. Paul’s art and artistic exploration personify the mission of the Galena Center for the Arts to elevate and celebrate the arts. We are grateful to have his continued corporate support. | | |
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The Grape Escape has been supporting the Center since 2018. We are happy to have them as a returning Corporate Member! | |
Eagle Ridge Realty joined Galena Center for the Arts as a Corporate Member in 2021. We are also grateful for their generous sponsorship of numerous events over the years, including art exhibits, table readings, radio shows and plays. | |
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- A Darkness Lovely
- Julie Bruser and Tommy Saccomanno
- Jenni & Bryan Ackerman
- Lee Adami
- Lisa Anderson
- Apple River Well and Pump Co
- Dan Balocca
- Baranski Hammer Moretta & Sheehy
- Carol Bauman
- Carol Bell
- Beth Bird
- Libby Burmaster
- Margaret Bussan
- Dave & Paula Chapin
- Chris Chapin-Tilton
- Diane Checchin
- Anna Cogan
- John Cox
- Eagle Ridge Realty
- Janet Eggleston
- Cathie Elsbree
- Sandra Evans
- Ilisa Farrell
- Kathy Filipiak
- Lynn Giles
- Teresa Green
- Karen Greiner
- Sheila & Mark Haman
- Happy Joe’s
- Bree Hernandez
- Barb Hocker
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- Kathleen Hoeper
- Ron Jenkins
- Lauren Knapp
- Bonnielynn Kreiser
- Kim Kreiser
- Helen Kupetis
- Ginny Larsen
- Abigail & Deb Larys
- Yasyn Lee
- John Liberg
- Susan Lipnick
- Poopsie’s
- Lisa Prindle
- Millicent Richard
- Marion Roberts
- Lisa Rowe
- Brian & Lisa Schoenrock
- Ann Shepherd
- Caroline Sipiera
- Bonnie Sims
- Deb & Michele Sullivan
- Mark Sumpter
- The Neighborhood Trading Co.
- Melisa Vaassen
- Leslie & Dennis Waltman
- Lenny Wayne
- Kay Weibel
- Teela Wild
- Ted Williams
- Tina Wilson
- Ken & Sandy Winge
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- New dishwasher for the kitchen.
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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 September 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! | | |
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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Thanks so much for your support of the Galena Center for the Arts!
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