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April Newsletter
The cast of Around the World in 80 Days Radio Play is ready to entertain you!  Jay Dickerson, Brian Schoenrock, Matt Blaum, Mark Haman, Cindy Caraway and Emily Painter. Photo by Julia Lieb.
Hello Art Lovers!
It has been an exhilarating month, and was so wonderful to finally have Art displayed at the new Center for the Arts, and hear live music and poetry once again. Are we finished with all renovations? No. But we decided that it was time to bring some life back into the building, and had a wonderful response for our Broad Ideas exhibit and events.
New Restrooms almost complete and will be a great improvement from the past!
Due to supply issues, we know we won’t have everything in the performance space complete by April 21, when we open our first radio show in the new space, but we are determined to bring you entertainment anyway. (If Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney could do a play in a barn, we are already so much better than that!) It will be fun for you to see what we have accomplished so far, and we can promise you a good time.
That also means that we once again need volunteers to usher and take tickets at the performances. Please use this link to sign up to volunteer.
Hoping to see you soon at the new Center for the Arts!

Carole
In Memoriam
Jo Ann Noe
(1930-2022)
Jo Noe has been an artist in Galena for many years, and a strong supporter of the arts. My favorite memory of Jo goes back many years, when she helped us create some very specific props. The play “Black Comedy” calls for a priceless Buddha statue to be destroyed in every performance, so we had to create 21 Buddha statues for the run of the play. Jan Lavacek sculpted a form, and with the help of Charles Fach, we created all the clay Buddhas.  
Then it was Jo’s turn, to make each of the plain clay statues into a beautiful work of art, and she did it wonderfully and cheerfully. I only have a photo of some of the statues before she did her magic, but I’m sure that by the time she finished the last one, they must have seemed like the Buddhas from Hades! We will miss Jo, and send our sympathy to her family. We also appreciate that they have requested that memorials to Jo be sent to the Center for the Arts, which will further her artistic legacy in Galena.
We’re growing!

We have an exciting opportunity for a creative person to work with amazing regional artists, elevating and celebrating their work in our new galleries, opening this summer. There will be a new expanded program of classes and workshops in our new dedicated space to plan and execute, as well as working with the team to promote the Center through this monthly newsletter.

Please contact Carole by email for more
information about this part-time position.
Become a Member
Did you know you can become a member online?
Click HERE for information about our membership program.
Contact list update!

We have been updating our contact list for our newsletter. Please let us know if you received more copies than you should, or if you have a different email address you would like us to use instead.

If you would like a change, please send your preferred contact information to officemanager@galenacenterforthearts.com.
Progress Report for March
We love our volunteers! We are so grateful to Leslie Waltman, Maren Coates, and Sandy Winge for digging through multitudes of boxes, sorting all our books in the arts resource library, shelving them appropriately, and even adding beautifully printed shelving labels. It was a big job, and the room will be completely functional soon.  
Preparing for the installation of an elevator in a previously constructed building is complicated! Here are two of the masons from Earl Thompson Masonry, in front of the elevator shaft that they have created within the building. A big thank you to Todd Knautz, Mat Metz, and (not in photo) Dan Kirchner. And of course, thank you, Earl!!
Matthew Carlson and Anthony Vito, from EHMS Mechanical Services, are getting close to finishing the installation of all the ductwork for the new HVAC system. It’s been a big job!
Virtual Exhibit
Invitation to Wonder
All around us are invitations to wonder. A walrus on a rocky cliff, the amazing night sky, the miracle of a fleeting mushroom or flower, a newborn in the arms of her grandfather, a yellow giraffe. From the whimsical, to the beautiful, to the ordinary, a sense of wonder enhances our lives.

Thirty-three artists from our Tri-State area are sharing their talents and wonder. The artists are varied in their mediums. Painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, fiber art, or the beautifully chosen words of poetry and prose have all been represented here. 
Click here or on the image below to view.
Many of the artworks are for sale.
Please email us at: Gallery Manager if you are interested in
purchasing a piece, and we will get you in contact with the artist.
Enjoy all of our past virtual books at:
Bob Rivoire has again made a beautiful collage of photos that depict all manner of wonder in our world. Take a couple minutes to enjoy his images. He sees wonder in our world, and records it with his camera for us to appreciate.
Songwriters Showcase
features
Brion Bowman
Thursday, April 14, 7 pm
We welcome singer and songwriter Brion Bowman, who will share his eclectic array of classical and jazz influenced original compositions for our April Songwriters Showcase.
 
The Dubuque-area musician started his career as a singer, eventually exploring piano as a hobby. Bowman gained experience in classical and jazz music while studying vocal jazz performance at Southwestern Community College’s School of Music in Creston, Iowa, and has performed in an array of musical genres touring with numerous vocal jazz choirs and theater troupes. As a private lesson teacher, Bowman’s mission is to help his students foster creative ideas at affordable prices. 
 
For more information about Brion, visit
his website bkbmusix.square.site
Radio Show
Live and in Person!
Join fearless adventurer Phileas Fogg and his faithful manservant as they race to beat the clock!
Tickets for this rollicking production, with six actors playing 39 roles, go on sale April 1. Click on this link to purchase tickets or to sign up to volunteer as an usher.
View from the Studio
Mackenzie Jane Witman has been a studio artist with us in the Center building on Summit Street for several years and now has enthusiastically moved into her new space. She has many plans for this new space. 
photo by Gigi Embrechts
“When I heard that studio artists could be moved into the new building, I was so excited. I've been looking forward to the beautiful new space and creating new pieces. My biggest plan is to start recording my painting process to share on social media. I think art is a great way to connect to people near and far, which I think is so important in times of sorrow and celebration. I've had plenty of reason for both in the last few years. I look forward to reconnecting to my creative self and sharing that with others.”
Corporate Spotlight
for April
Dupaco Community Credit Union Eaton Financial Advisors Inc.
Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery
We are very appreciative of the many businesses that have become Corporate Members of the Center, and will be featuring them monthly in our newsletter as a way of letting everyone know the many ways they reach out to help their community.
For more than 70 years, Dupaco Community Credit Union has been serving and enriching the lives of its members with its philosophy of cooperation and mutual self-help. The non-for-profit financial cooperative joined Galena Center for the Arts as a corporate sponsor in 2018. Dupaco fulfills its mission of people-helping-people by contributing to local businesses and charities, just like Galena Center for the Arts. For more information, visit Dupaco online at www.dupaco.com or call Galena Dupaco at 800-373-7600.
Eaton Financial Advisors Inc. offers financial advisory services, uniquely shaped by the needs of each client. From families to high-caliber institutions, this business helps a wide array of clients with retirement planning, as well as asset allocation and management. For more information, call Eaton Financial Advisors at 608-776-8688 or visit www.raymondjames.com/eatonfinancialadvisors.
Since 1974, Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery has been proudly sharing their passion of high-quality wine-making with Jo Daviess County and beyond. Galena Cellars is headed by third-generation wine-maker Eric White. From its vineyard and winery, to its wine club and tasting room, Galena Cellars is committed to producing and serving award-winning wines and making your experience at their business one you’ll never forget. For more information visit www.galenacellars.com, or call Galena Cellars Downtown Galena Tasting Room at 815-777-3330.
Karen Wilson’s Needlework
Lecture and Exhibit in Algonquin
The Center’s Office Manager, Karen Wilson, was invited to be a needlework lecturer and exhibitor at the American Needlepoint Guild’s (ANG) regional Fox Chapter meeting in Algonquin, IL on March 8. Karen’s talk and exhibit focused on seven years of coursework for her Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery from the Royal School of Needlework in Great Britain. Over 60 members of the ANG Fox Chapter meet in Galena each summer for their annual retreat. Visitors are welcome to view their embroidery art in the DeSoto House Hotel Ballroom from June 3-5 this year.
Coming Events
Theater Camp
Acting Classes

Theater Camp returns in July 2022!
We are excited to offer two classes in
the new Galena Center of the Arts performance space.
Instructor, Cindy Tegtmeyer
Youth Acting Class: Monologues (Ages 10-13)
July 18-22, 2022 from 1pm-4pm
Use this link to sign up for the Monologues workshop.

Learn basic vocal techniques, have fun with theater games, explore improv skills and put all your newly learned skills together in the performance* of a short theatrical or film monologue.
Acting for Teens: Scene Study (Ages 13-18)
July 25-29, 2022 from 1pm-4pm
Use this link to sign up for the Scene Study workshop.

Utilize specific vocal and movement techniques to develop a character. Learn how putting your attention on your partner builds a compelling relationship onstage. Put all your newly learned skills together in the performance* of a short theatrical or film scene.
 
*Each week will end with a Friday afternoon showcase
so friends and family can see them perform.
  • Classes held in person at Galena Center for the Arts, 971 Gear St., Galena.
  • Cost: $125 per student (need based scholarships available).
  • Class size limited to maximum of 12 students.
  • Proof of Covid-19 vaccination required for participation.
Urban Sketching Workshop
Capturing Galena in
Pen and Ink and Watercolor!

August 12 and 13, 2022
Registration is open for this two day workshop—with only three spots left! (We will keep a waiting list when it fills.) With our beautiful Galena architecture and landscape, Ann Thomas will guide you through the techniques she has mastered over the years. It will start in the classroom at the Center and everyone will move downtown or to historical residential neighborhoods to capture the essence of their surroundings.
For more information about Ann, the class, the supply
list, and to register click on this link 
Other Coming Events
May
  • 11 Table reading, Romance in D by James Sherman
  • 19 Songwriters Showcase, featuring Jacquie Miller, Robyn and Ted, hosted by LA Suess
  • 28, 29 (matinee) Table Reading,  And Miss Reardon Drinks A Little
June
  • ​3 Art Opening
  • 4,5 Juliani Ensemble
  • 16 Songwriters Showcase Fete de la Musique
  • ​18 The Jimmy’s Blues Band
July
  • 18-22, 25-29 Youth Acting Camp
August
  • 12,13 Capturing Galena Painting Workshop
September
  • 16,17 John Erickson trio
Recent Activities
at the Center
Broad Intentions Virtual
Workshop on March 13
We had a wonderful turn out for our Broad Intentions Virtual Workshop on March 13. This hour-long journaling workshop, taught by Kate Miller, was all about creating your own paper weather-gram. During the workshop, many individuals used recycled materials, like wrapping paper, magazines, and paper bags, on which they wrote their written wishes for the year, a.k.a. their Broad Intentions. You may find some Broad Intentions dangling from trees or displayed in windows next time you drive around town.
 
If you want to make your own Broad Intention, visit our Facebook page to watch a recording of the workshop. Don’t forget to tag #BroadIdeas when you post photos of your Broad Intention on social media!
Transition!
We send our great appreciation to Elizabeth Boggess, for all the promotional work she has done for us for the last few years, as well as being one of the staunchest supporters of the Center.

In her retirement, she will now be creating more “little houses” for us all to enjoy, and surely will be seen at the Center for many events.
We are delighted to announce that the promotional position will be covered by Julia Lieb, who is new to our organization. Julia graduated from Luther College with a degree in Arts Management, and is eager to help us get this new building in action.

I hope you will introduce yourself to her, and make her feel welcome.
SPECIAL THANKS
THANK YOU!
  • Barbara Alexander
  • ​Arts Midwest
  • Liliana Asta
  • Jim Baranski
  • Karen Buechele
  • Jac and Chris Chapin-Tilton
  • Maren Coates
  • John Cox
  • Heather Cunard
  • Cathy Dorwick
  • EHMS Mechanical Services
  • Al & Cathie Elsbree
  • Tom Erdman
  • Kara Gordon
  • ​Grace Episcopal Church
  • Mary Carol Harris
  • Al Jirkovsky
  • Kloss-Winter Electric
  • Lord of Love Lutheran Church
  • Kate Miller
  • Montgomery-Timmerman Construction
  • Colleen Nielson
  • Rose Noble
  • Jen Nottrott
  • Pearl Olson
  • ​Powers Charitable Trust
  • Marty Raymon
  • Gladys Ressler
  • Bill & Nancy Schuldt
  • Deb & Michelle Sullivan
  • Cindy Tegtmeyer
  • Earl Thompson
  • Irene Thraen-Borowski
  • Dennis Waltman
  • Leslie Waltman
  • Connie Warnsing
  • Lenny Wayne
  • ​Chuck and Patty Wemstrom
  • Andy Willis
  • Sandy Winge
Special Thank You to Participants in
Broad Ideas Spoken Word Event
  • Jan Bristol
  • ​Susan Doyle Miller
  • ​Cathie Elsbree
  • ​​Carmen Ferguson
  • ​Dottie Joslyn
  • Kitrina Keeton
  • Charlotte Kennedy
  • ​Hope Leeper
  • ​Kate Miller
  • ​Courtney Moser
  • ​Kimberley Poe-Jensen
  • ​Katie Ries
  • ​Marion Roberts
  • ​Judy Rowett
  • ​Mina Saba
  • Janet Smith Post
  • ​Carrie Stier
  • ​Cindy Tegtmeyer
Art Studios Available
In our beautiful new space, we still have two studios available to rent. A dedicated room to gather all your supplies and display your inspirations may be just the thing to create your own special artwork or writing. Join a group of likeminded artists and interact with the public during gallery hours, or find a quiet time away from distractions at home. A room of one’s own may be just what you need to spark creativity. 
to set up a time to tour the space and discuss the possibilities.
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 April 1-3.
Support us with AmazonSmile Foundation Donations
We invite you to show your support for the Center when shopping on Amazon. We are now established as a charitable organization for contributions via the AmazonSmile Foundation. The Foundation will donate 0.5% of eligible purchases to us whenever you designate the Center as the charitable organization of your choice.

Here’s how to support the Center:

  1. Visit smile.amazon.com (you need to follow this step each time you designate donations).
  2. Log in with your regular Amazon account information.
  3. Select “Galena Center For The Arts Inc” as your charitable organization choice.
  4. Begin shopping.

Thank you for your support! We truly appreciate your thinking of us when shopping with Amazon!
Become a Member
Did you know you can become a member online?
Click HERE for information about our membership program.
Please Donate
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
971A Gear Street, Galena, Illinois 61036
(779) 214-0261
To join the Galena Center for the Arts YouTube channel click on this link. When on YouTube click SUBSCRIBE. To receive notification of new videos click on the bell icon next to SUBSCRIBED then click on ALL.
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.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
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!
 
Newsletter produced by Dennis Waltman