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A Darkness Lovely opens on February 15.
In the photo: Robyn Davis, Lynda Mackie, Ted Williams,
Melissa Goranson, Wendy Lynn Marcus
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Dear Friends of the Arts,
The Center was a busy place in January, with the completion of the classroom floor and installation of the first set of our new stage lights, with more coming soon. Great progress! These spaces are already being used heavily, with rehearsals in the theater almost every night for one or the other of our two upcoming productions, and ongoing classes and occasional rehearsals in the classroom.
We hope you will support our Jo Daviess County youth this week, with a student art opening on Tuesday and the GHS Speech Team Showcase on Thursday. See details below. Maybe make an evening of it on Tuesday, and follow up the art opening with dinner at Culver’s, where we will receive 10% of all sales between 5-8 pm. What a yummy way to support the Arts!
We support Black History Month with a presentation by Scott Wolfe, who has done extensive research on the history of our black community in the 19th and 20th centuries.
It’s been a very difficult world for us all to understand in the last month, and the thought of peace anywhere seems hard to fathom. We share all the heartache, anxiety and concerns with you. In this world of uncertainty, the Center offers our community a safe refuge to reflect and heal through connecting with the arts. Stop by to clear your head.
You are always welcome, and we need to see you too.
Carole
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Center Open Hours
The Gallery and Gift Shop are open from 1-4pm
Thursdays through Sundays
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Studio Rental
If interested in renting an art studio, please click to contact Sandra Evans by email.
The waitlist is shorter than it has been in quite a while,
so reserve your place on the list today!
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Street Art / Regional Art
Thursdays-Sundays 1-4pm
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Street Art without the streets? Yes, it is possible! And you can contemplate the thought-provoking pieces exhibited in the Special Exhibit space as well as the lovely art in the Regional Art gallery until Friday, February 21. Stop by to see this interesting gallery show! | |
Photo credit: Casey Klein. New-to-the-Center artist Drake Tilton created Money Hungry, a challenge to the status-quo, and on display in the Street Art exhibit. | |
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"Say Anything" - An Art Show by
the Voices of Tomorrow
Opening reception-
Tuesday, February 4 from 5-6pm
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Come check out the Regional High School collaboration. Students from CTE Academy, East Dubuque, Galena, River Ridge, Scales Mound, and Stockton all have work in this dynamic show.
Each piece offers a unique perspective on the theme of expression, dialogue, and the importance of speaking out. Whether through bold statements, quiet reflections, or abstract interpretations, these artists remind us that we all have something to say.
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In a world that often feels divided, their art serves as a reminder that creativity can bridge gaps, provoke thought, and spark meaningful conversations. | |
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CALL FOR "RE-HOMING" ART
Are you planning some spring cleaning, or downsizing? Have you purchased original artwork in the past for which you no longer have a place? We can help! We will be having a “Re-Homing” art sale in April. You bring us up to 5 artworks you would like to sell to a good home. This will be a juried exhibit, so the crayon portrait your child drew in kindergarten probably isn’t appropriate! You set the price for the artwork. We will exhibit it. If it sells, half of the selling price will be a donation to the Center, the other half goes to you. The exhibit opens on April 3, and will be up for two to three weeks.
Click to contact Carole by email for details.
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Culver's Share Night
Tuesday, February 4, 5-8pm
Let our Board of Directors serve your meal!
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Help Culver’s help us! Please plan to have dinner at Culver’s on February 4 between 5-8pm. The Center will get 10% of all they take in, and all of the tips! | |
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GHS Regional Speech Showcase
Thursday, February 6, at 6:30pm
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The Center for the Arts hosts the Galena High School Speech Team for their third annual Regional Speech Showcase. The showcase will feature students performing their IHSA State Series entries. These performances range from humorous to serious, acting to public speaking. You won’t want to miss seeing these talented students in action.
Come and support the team who will travel to Sterling for the IHSA Regional Competition on Saturday, February 8. The team has had a successful season and are excited for the chance to advance in the state series.
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Student Performers include: Liliana Asta '26, Julia Dominak '25, Caitilin Kennedy '27, Adison Leitzinger '25 , Evon Main '27, Macklan Murphy '27, Luna Pham '27, and Seven Smith '28. | |
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Meet the Artist
Rose Ann Derks
Sunday, February 9 from 1 – 3pm
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If you visit our gallery, you have certainly seen Rose Ann’s art, from her well-known depictions of Dubuque's gazebo in Washington Park or the 4th Street Elevator to her newer styles and subject matter. You have an opportunity to meet Rose Ann in person and learn about her art, techniques, and sources of inspiration. She graduated from Clark College with a BFA and is a Signature Member of the Iowa Watercolor Society. Rose Ann will be present in the gallery on February 9 from 1 – 3pm to share her experiences and answer any questions you may have. | |
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Summit Street Singers
Tuesday, February 11 at 7 pm
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The Summit Street Singers will resume rehearsals on Tuesday, February 11 at 7 pm, with lots of new music to enjoy. All singers are welcome, with no auditions necessary. Join us to have fun making music together! | |
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Coffee & Conversation
Thursdays from 10am - 12pm Beginning February 13
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Join us for a dose of coffee and conversation: two good things in life. Beginning on February 13 from 10:00 – 12:00 and every week thereafter, Coffee and Conversation will be held in the Alfie Mueller room. The Center will provide coffee and muffins/ breads, and you the conversation. Or, if not in the mood for conversation, backgammon, puzzles, etc. will be available for your enjoyment. Artists, art lovers, and anyone who enjoys a cup of coffee, or tea, are welcome! | |
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A Darkness Lovely
7:30pm on February 15, 21,22,
2pm matinee on February 16, 23
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A poet, a muse, and dark fairy tales come to life in this original drama.
Based on an epic poem written by Ted Williams in 2013, this series of five dark tales are woven into a single dynamic stage play, produced and performed for the very first time at the Galena Center for the Arts. The cast includes Tim Wedeward as the poet, violinist Wendy Lynn Markus as the Gypsy Muse, and others in multiple roles including Doug Mackie, Robyn Davis, Lynda Mackie, Melissa Goranson, Mark Haman, Michele Sullivan and Ted Williams. Click to select and purchase tickets.
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Songwriters Showcase
featuring
Weary Ramblers
Thursday, February 20 at 7pm
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Photo credit: Natural Expression Photography | |
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Iowa folk duo, Weary Ramblers bring years of experience to the stage with award-winning songwriting and chemistry.
Chad Elliott and Kathryn Fox showcase multi-instrumental performances with tight harmonies and captivating storytelling.
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This concert is free and open to the public,
donations welcomed. Refreshments available.
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Special thanks to sponsors Mark and Mary Ellen.
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Qi Gong and Tai Chi Basic Moves
Six-class sessions with Amy Alderman
Mondays, 9 am or Tuesdays, 9 am
February 24 – April 7
with a one-week break the week of March 24
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Qi Gong, translating to breath work, and Tai Chi Ch’uan are mind-body exercises. Often referred to as meditation in motion, these ancient practices serve as tools to help you connect with yourself and the world around you all while gaining strength and flexibility. In this class, we will build on simple movements and tools for you to use in your daily life. | |
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Cost: $60. All levels of experience are welcome. Registration is required. Please contact Amy Alderman for questions and to register at taichimama@outlook.com
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Tai Chi Forms
Six-class session with Amy Alderman
Mondays, 10 am
February 24 – April 7
with a one-week break the week of March 24
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This class embodies the principles of Qi Gong and Tai Chi taught in level one while practicing a series of flowing meditative movements, known as a tai chi form.
Cost: $60. Previous tai chi experience is recommended but is not required. Registration is required. Please contact Amy Alderman for questions and to register at taichimama@outlook.com
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Instructor Amy Alderman is certified in teaching the Tai Chi Fundamentals Adapted program, which is designed to make tai chi accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Alderman is also a trainee of Stanwood Chang and Peter Wayne, Ph.D., in the Tree of Life Tai Chi Teacher Training program, the regimen outlined by Dr. Wayne in the Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi.
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History Deferred: The African American Heritage of Galena
Presented by H. Scott Wolfe
Thursday, February 27 at 7pm
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"Driving a Bargain,”
ca. 1850s daguerreotype by Galena photographer Alexander Hesler
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H. Scott Wolfe, Historical Librarian of the Galena Public Library District, has worked for years to record and commemorate the rich history of African American residents, entrepreneurs, and church communities in Galena.
In this presentation, Wolfe will give an overall survey of the Black experience in Galena during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the significant, yet often overlooked, role African Americans played in shaping the town's history and development.
Free to attend, donations appreciated.
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Come to paint, to draw, to chat along with fellow artists in the Center’s classroom now with a beautiful wood floor, which warms the space. Open studio will resume in February from 1–3pm on February 10 and continue every second Monday of the month. You can bring what you are currently working on or paint the still life that will be set up. Please bring your own materials; tables and easels will be available. Cost: $5 for Center members and $10 for non-members. Bring a friend!
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Broad Ideas 2025 needs YOU to SHOW UP!
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If in need of inspiration, this year’s theme is SHOW UP. How do you show up for others and your community? How have people in your life shown up for you?
Otherwise, as always, Broad Ideas is about the power of our stories. This feminist community arts show is committed to inclusion by dismantling patriarchy and misogyny. Create with that in mind!
Artwork and spoken word deadlines are right around the corner. Click to see our website for more specifics.
We’ve got lots of amazing things planned for 2025. Be a part of year 8 with us.
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Broad Ideas 2025 Events
Artwork Drop Off is 2/22 from 4-6pm & 2/23 from 10am-12pm. We look forward to including your work. Spoken Word has the same deadline of 2/23.
March 1: Opening, 5-7pm
March 7, 8, 9: The Vagina Monologues
March 20: Songwriters Showcase, 7-9pm
March 30: Spoken Word Closing, 3-5pm
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The Vagina Monologues
March 7 & 8 at 7pm
March 9 at 2pm
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The Monologues, written by V (formerly Eve Ensler) are based on hundreds of interviews with real people of various ages, races, gender identities and sexualities. As the stories are explored, discussed and eventually performed, the women in the play often find ways to reclaim their bodies and challenge the negative stereotypes surrounding them. The challenges addressed throughout this play are some of the same issues far too many women are still navigating and fighting today, which is one of the many reasons the Center, Broad Ideas and director Chelsea Middendorf are pleased to be bringing The Vagina Monologues back to the Tri-State Area! Dive into the mystery, humor, pain, power, wisdom, outrage and excitement of these women’s experiences, and reserve your seats now by clicking here.
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Meet our Board of Directors new member
Pam Powers
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My husband Tom and I moved part-time to Galena in 2016. The natural beauty and tranquility of the area is what drew us to Galena, but the kindness of the people and the sense of community is why we plan to retire here. Our two daughters and son-in-law also appreciate all that Galena has to offer when they can come up and visit.
I have a Masters of Public Administration degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/Social Work degree from Purdue University.
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My career has always been community focused including policy development and planning for community organizations and non-profits, as well as coordinating with the public sector in implementing economic development initiatives. My interest in community art came about during my tenure as President of Brookfield’s Beautification Commission. Along with other members of the Commission, we introduced the Village’s first public art program and created a master plan for Public Art for the Village. I joke that I have absolutely no artistic talent myself, but I always surround myself with wonderful friends who are amazing artists.
I am so thrilled to be a part of the Galena Center for the Arts. The Center is such a warm and inviting family of artists. It provides a remarkable opportunity for the entire community to be engaged in art – from amazing showcases for visual and performing artists but also learning opportunities for aspiring artists through a variety of classes and programs. I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this incredible organization and hope that I can contribute to its continued growth and success in bringing art of all forms to such a great community.
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March 1: Broad Ideas Opening
March 4: Broad’s Share Night at Culver’s
March 7, 8: The Vagina Monologues, 7pm Click select and purchase tickets.
March 9: The Vagina Monologues, 2pm Click select and purchase tickets.
March 16: Sunday Salon, Ar Ais Aris Irish Band
March 20: Broads Songwriters Showcase
March 30: Broad Ideas Spoken Word
April 21,22: Julien Dubuque International Film Festival at the Center
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Recent Activities at the Center | |
LitFest, in collaboration with the Galena Public Library | |
Dr. Kevin Koch took participants on a photographic journey through natural spaces across each of the twelve Midwestern states, including short excerpts from his newest book, Midwest Bedrock: The Search for Nature’s Soul in America’s Heartland. The audience left feeling ready to travel the Driftless area! | |
L A Suess opened for the Songwriters Showcase evening. Dean Mattoon and Esmé Alexis of Barefoot and Sunshine effortlessly fused style and voices in a celebration of entrancing vocal harmonies and the rich resonance of melodic electric guitar. | |
Meet the Artist, K Kriesel | |
K Kreisel was featured at January’s Meet the Artist event, and spoke with friends and fans about their artwork. | |
Volunteer Appreciation Event | |
Our volunteer volunteer-coordinator, Michele Sullivan, created a lovely appreciation event where a number of our many volunteers came to share some fun and food. Because we have such a small paid staff at the Center (1 full-time and 4 part-time employees), our volunteers are an integral part of our mission, and we value every single one. Thank you to all our volunteers! | | |
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Outside the Lines, led by owner Stormy Mochal, has long been a valued supporter of the Galena Center for the Arts. We are deeply grateful for their commitment as a Corporate Member, their generous contributions to Galena ChalkFest, and the insightful workshops Stormy has presented at the Center. | |
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JCE CO-OP has been a corporate member since 2017. Their dedication goes beyond providing electric, gas and fiber services—their commitment to connecting our community fosters a vibrant, thriving environment where creativity and culture can flourish.
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We send an enormous THANK YOU to Poopsie’s for their generous gift, and are so grateful that we were chosen as one of their featured non-profits for 2024. Their support makes a great difference for all of the non-profits they help in our community. | |
Jan Lavacek, Lauren Boyd, Carole Sullivan | |
A big thank you to Mary Bronson, for hanging two bird feeders in our yard, and keeping them filled. It gives us the opportunity to see Mother Nature's artwork up close, and the birds have been so happy! | |
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Lee Adami
Catherine Basten
Libby Burmaster
Chris Chapin-Tilton
John Cox
Janet Eggleston
Cathie Elsbree
Sheila & Mark Haman
Ellimina Henderson
Terri Jackman
Nancy Kenney
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Bonnielynn Kreiser
Kim Kreiser
Jan Lavacek
Joan Murray
Bob North
Marion Roberts
John King Sturm
Deb & Michele Sullivan
Leslie & Dennis Waltman
Lenny Wayne
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Designer/Builder Request
The Center needs a new A-frame type of outdoor sign to put alongside the road. We are looking for an individual who would not only help us to design a sign that would suit our needs but also build it. If you have a skill set well suited for this, click to contact Sandra Evans by email. We would love to hear from you!
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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 February 7-9, 2025 | |
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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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These programs are supported in part by a grant from Illinois Humanities | |
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Don't forget to "Like" the Galena Center for the Arts on Facebook
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Thanks so much for your support of the Galena Center for the Arts!
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