Main Street Messenger October 2014 104 E. Main St. Waterford, WI 53185 www.absolutelywaterford.org [email protected] (262) 534-9000 “Like” us on Facebook Inside this issue: President’s column 2 Reading garden 3 Art walk artists 3-11 River Market 5 Construction 12 Economic opportunity 12 Volume 2, Issue 10 Discover downtown when talent takes over Dozens of local artists return for third annual River’s Edge Art Walk Oct. 10 Nearly 30 local artists will descend downtown Friday, Oct. 10, to showcase and sell a variety of works during Absolutely Waterford’s third annual River’s Edge Art Walk. A free community event sponsored by Runzheimer Foundation and Edstrom Industries, art walkers will meet some of the talented individuals who will be featured inside buildings within the Heritage District marked by colorful paint brushes. The event, which kicks off at 5 p.m., includes free trolley rides with historic narrative, a variety of musical entertainment and a sampling of Waterford’s best shops and eateries. Here is a bit on some of the featured artists: Linda Dzik Gerard’s Georgia’s Mystery Tree Watercolorist Linda Gerard Dzik who will be showing at Pink Peony, spent more than two decades as a commercial artist, first as a graphic designer, before pursuing an independent career. During her commercial years, Dzik created watercolor illustrations for a bimonthly magazine which got her interested in painting. Her works have been on display at the Wustum Museum of Fine Arts in Racine, the Anderson Art Center in Kenosha, Lake Country Gallery in Pewaukee and she was the “featured” artist at Avenue Frame & Gallery in Racine. She was accepted into the juried show Watercolor Wisconsin for See DZIK, page 3 Absolutely Waterford’s Main Street mission is carried through volunteerism and our Four Point Approach: Design. Enhance and beautify the physical appearance of the downtown Economic restructuring. Revitalize by strengthening existing businesses and recruiting new ones Organization. Focused on volunteer recruitment, training and fundraising efforts Promotion. Create promotions and special events to bring people downtown Brett Roberts of Waterford, who will be showing at Riverside Chiropractic, says the primary focus of his work is function. “My intention is for the pieces I create to serve a utilitarian purpose,” he said. “With utility in mind, I utilize the potter’s wheel as the basis for creating and often keep the forms straightforward, balanced, and comfortable. I regularly look for opportunities to alter the thrown forms by stretching or cutting See ROBERTS, page 3 Take a ride, hear tales from the trolley As with previous years, Absolutely Waterford offers free trolley rides to art walk visitors during Friday’s event. Those aboard will get to hear some history of the downtown and some of its buildings. Six trolley stops will be offered during AW’s annual art walk. Main Street Messenger Page 2 ABSOLUTELY YOURS By Mary Beth Mikrut, President Downtown is where community connects meeting with the vendors to find out how we can improve for next year. We would also like to hear from our consumers – please share your o Wolverines! thoughts, suggestions, or School spirit was criticisms so we can prorunning high along Main vide an even better Street last week as the Farmer’s Market for next students and businesses year. Feel free to drop a prepared for Homecom- line to Cynthia Jensen, ing! Many of the storeour Executive Director, at fronts were decorated direcwith wonderful artwork tor@absolutelywaterfor showing off Waterford d.org or call the High School activities. office at (262) 534 Along with the Home-9000. coming Parade that traveled down Main Street WE WANT YOU! to the high school – It Yes, AW is actively was wonderful to celeseeking folks who brate school spirit all would enjoy volunthrough the downtown teering for an orarea. Many thanks to ganization that is everyone who was incommitted to revivolved in making last talizing Waterweekend such a fun one ford’s Heritage for students, families and District. Whether it be to promote our visitors alike! Main Street busiRiver Market wraps up nesses or assist in researching our older homes and Absolutely Waterford would also like to tip its businesses so we hat off to our vendors can share our histowho have participated in ry with our residents and visitors our first year’s River to the area – there Market. Many, many thanks to all of you! The are lots of activities Village Hall Park was a to get involved with! Please feel great venue for both customers and vendors – free to call or email Cynthia or beautiful scenery and me at plenty of parking. Except for one bad rainy weekend, the weather has been picture perfect. Also, thanks to our musicians who entertained us during some of the Saturdays. AW will be G [email protected] if you want to know more about how you can get involved with our exciting and fun organization. their incredible group of volunteers who have put together another outstanding event that will spotlight our downtown Our art walk, three district, local artists and years going strong musicians on Friday, OcAnd, another plug for the tober 10. Don’t worry if you have seen some conRiver Edge Art Walk! struction signs in the arMany, many thanks to our leaders, Liz Theirbah ea, the sidewalks will be and Mary Windler, and clear and there will be plenty of parking available for all of our visitors. Fall in love Don’t forget – take a few moments each day to breathe and enjoy the beautiful fall colors that surround our Village and Town of Waterford – Absolutely gorgeous! VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT R osemary Christensen has been active with Absolutely Waterford since 2012 when she helped other volunteers introduce the first annual River’s Edge Art Walk. The retired clinical research consultant often volunteers alongside her husband Tom, who Absolute- ly Waterford is also proud to recognize as a valuable member. You can catch Rosemary on the trolley Oct. 10 while the art walk is underway. She is one of three narrators who will provide passengers with a bit of history on the downtown. Here’s a bit more on Rosemary and her role in What got you started with Absolutely Waterford? “Interest in the community because it is a very nice place to live.” Proudest Absolutely Waterford moment: “Seeing the success at our various community events.” What motivates you to give back? “So many young families are unable to give time due to children, schooling, sports, etc. I have reached the age where these responsibilities are no longer time-consuming. It gives me the opportunity to meet nice people who care for issues and things beyond themselves.” Why should others get involved? “Your community is what each of us makes it to be. ‘It takes a village!’” Other community involvement? “I co-facilitate with two other women in the Alzheimer Caregiver Support Group in Waterford.” When you aren’t volunteering, how do you spend your time? “...with my husband, Tom is always fun. We bike, kayak, walk, have hobbies at home. There is time for our grown children and grandchildren.” Volume 2, Issue 10 Page 3 Reading garden pays tribute to donor’s love for planting, the library A group of supporters turned out Sept. 30 to celebrate the completion of Waterford Public Library’s riverside reading garden – a recent gift from the estate of Frederick Lewnau. stand on North Milwaukee Street. The library board chose to honor the gift by developing an outdoor reading garden along the river, behind the northeast side of the building, 101 N. River St. Bids were solicited from According to a press local landscaping serrelease from the library, vices to design and conprovisions of the estate struct a reading garden gift stated it be used for which includes separate something other than pockets of seating to operational expenses. allow space for multiple The library’s board of groups and landscaping directors discussed ways features that attract to pay tribute to the late birds and butterflies. Lewnau, who lived in Horticultural Handiwork, Waterford for 95 years Inc. out of Rochester deand was a regular lisigned the reading garbrary patron. den which will be accessible in three seasons. The board noted that Library Board President Lewnau raised vegetaJannah Kost said “The bles and flowers on his board was honored to family farm his whole receive this generous gift life. He was known by neighbors for the beauti- on the library’s behalf. In deciding how to pay ful produce and flowers tribute to Mr. Lewnau’s he and his brother sold life…it was important for every summer at their ‘Awareness and how it moves’ by Frank Korb Locals gather near the newly-opened reading garden at Waterford Public Library, a three-season serene setting designed by Horticultural Handiwork. us to create a connection to the outdoors.” She added, “The library means many things to many people and enhancing visitor experience through a welldesigned reading garden, a concert piano or a collection of new technology available for checkout encapsulates the library’s mission to bring knowledge, information and diversity of ideas to all residents.” Additionally, gift funds are currently being used From Dzik, front page several years, and took home a number of awards. Her painting titled “Wise Warrior” was used as the cover image for a book about breast cancer survivors called “The Blue Tattoo Club.” Much of her work can be found hanging on the walls of “The Gathering Room” at The Cruise in Tichigan, a restaurant that she and her husband have owned for more than 15 years. “As a child, I enjoyed playing outside and exploring. Long bike rides took me away from my neighborhood to search for creeks, Linda Gerard Dzik tadpoles and crayfish and to build forts. Other days, you could find me collecting white rocks, which I spent hours painting with watercolors. In the warmth of the sun, I loved watching the colors blend on each new white surface. When the rain came down on my temporary creations, I again had the opportunity to experience the flow of liquid colors. Little did I realize that in my busy grown-up life I would find comfort again in the process of paint and water flowing together. It brings me much joy and contentment to have instrumental music playing (like the sounds of nature) and a scented candle burning (reminding me of the fresh air of a summer day) as I lose myself in “the process” of painting with watercolors. In each painting, I experience things that are rarely visible in the finished piece, like the beauty of the blending colors that happens for my eyes only in a brief instant. It’s those hidden moments that keep pulling me back into my studio.” to sponsor the Gale online educational courses available to Waterford library patrons. The Gale courses are instructor-led classes in professional development, technology skills, and personal enrichment. Main Street Messenger Page 4 M ixed media and fiber artist Kathryn Storey, who will show at Love Inc., grew up in Texas where she received training in Fine Arts before moving to the area where she apprenticed with a hand weaver, and has since shown her works at a number of regional art shows and fairs. The artist has an at-home studio, where she works in both art and traditional weaving. She works in mixed media that includes pen and ink, acrylic, watercolor and graphite. Her weaving includes items for personal use like scarves and unique shoulder bags, and consists of natural fibers such as cotton, wool, rayon or chenille. Storey said she has had the luxury of growing up in a family of artists and in a community of artists. Barn scene, Terry Alby More artists, mediums Longtime resident Terry Alby, who will be showing at Patriot Financial, is wellknown in the community as former owner of Alby Materials Inc., a local concrete business, which he ran for three decades. After selling the company in 2007, his artistic business, Alby Raw Photography, took the forefront, plugging him into the community, through local events and small-town scenes, including area barns at sunset. “I enjoy being creative in both art and weaving and feel that both complement each other very well,” she said. “I believe that art is a way of living one’s life - that each day can be influenced by a creative touch or observation. This is what makes life worth living. Each day can hold a new idea of something that is extraordinary and worth imparting on paper, canvas or in fiber.” outstanding product and services. I started an in-house marketing department and then a graphics company. These divisions also did work for outside clients, including our own large and broad base of customers.” Alby is presently a freelance photographer with Southern Lakes Newspapers and also Journal Publishing. His works often appear in the Waterford Post and other area publications. He is a proud According to Alby, he started his passion member of the Coalition of Photographic Arts of Milwaukee, with photos on disfor photography 35 years ago when he play in the members’ gallery. set up his own wet lab and darkroom. His selected works are now on display at “I designed and built an automatic, adthe Museum of Wisconsin Art in West justable speed, drum turner for photo Bend. paper development that is still working today,” he said. “As Alby Materials grew, I found a need to promote our His work can also be viewed at “Alby Raw Photography” on Facebook. Waterford-native Patti Bacun, who will be showing at Bon Voyage, received her bachelor’s degree in fine art from the University of Wisconsin in 1975. After graduation, she moved to Florida, where she worked own glass beads. for Largo Fire Rescue for 27 “It is my passion and joy; I years before retiring. find it challenging and satisFor the past 18 years, she fying. It is a seemingly endhas been designing weara- less adventure,” the artist ble art jewelry based on her said. Main Street Messenger Page 5 Just two markets left… Continue showing support for local producers this season by attending the final two Waterford River Markets hosted in 2014. “Choices Will Always Remain in Details” by Frank Korb F the interaction with one another, I explore visual relationships and work toward a sense of balance and harmony,” he said. “By juxtaposing colors, shapes and textures while considering Korb earned his bachelor of fine arts degree at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and his master’s degree from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee. His exhibitions have included galleries and art spaces throughout Wisconsin, including group exhibitions, solo exhibitions, art happenings, fundraisers, and lectures. Korb’s works are held in numerous public and private collections nationally and internationally. He teaches art at Waterford Union High School. rank Korb, who will be showing at Thai-Italiana, is known for his figurative works, portraits and abstract geometry. Inspired by the formal qualities in the elements and principles of art, Korb observes the existence of them in the environments around him while working to incorporate those observations in his compositions. Searching throughout art history for answers to visual questions, Korb finds his inspiration and answers from the Pop Artists, the Abstract Expressionists and Minimalists. From Roberts, front page and assembling. Visually, the artist likes to create contrasts throughout the piece with the use of shape, texture or glaze color. Glaze application plays a great role in segmenting various areas of a form and creating little focal points within a piece, according to Roberts. Roberts attended University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2005 to pursue a Fine Arts degree in Ceramics with teaching licensure. There, he worked as a volunteer assistant in the ceramic studio upon graduation in 2011. He has also had experience teaching clay work to kids and adults in community courses and currently teaches 3-D Art at Waterford Union High School. Revived in May by Absolutely Waterford in response to community demand, the River Market showcased a modest selection of vendors who offered up fresh and unique products throughout the summer months. The last two events will be held on Saturdays, Oct. 4 and Oct. 11 at Village Hall Park on River Street from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Young talent Savana Schraeder lent her musical talents at select events, taking the Village Park Stage to entertain vendors and patrons alike. Jeanne Christensen of Horticultural Handiwork noted Savana was a great asset to the weekly markets, and brought a nice following to the park. In appreciation of Savana and the local producers who joined AW’s premier farmers market year, the Board of Directors is supplying participants a light lunch. The public is encouraged to attend. Community support is critical to keeping the markets going. Feedback on how to improve upcoming seasons is appreciated. To help plan the 2015 River Market season, email [email protected]. To learn more about the market and this year’s slate of vendors, visit www.waterfordrivermarket.org. Waterford artist William Dutkiewicz, who will be showing at Patriot Financial, tapped into his talent after contemplating retirement. “I was always good with a pencil, so I started to go to comic book shows that had artists there, like Comic Con.” It was at these types of shows that he learned from artists, including the legendary Neal Adams, who he said took some one-on-one time with him. His creations are all done by hand with pen and marker. Soon enough he created a fishing comic book, "It's Time To Fish,” on Amazon E-books. He also designed a logo for the "1158th Transportation Company," National Guard, as well as executed T-shirt designs and commissioned pictures of bikes and cars. Volume 2, Issue 10 Page 6 ‘Beyond all that we know…’ Waterford painter David Koel, who will be showing at Riverside Chiropractic, is passionate about history, people of the past and the places they have inhabited. “The actions and life struggles of those individuals and the past can teach us a lot about ourselves today,” he said. In Koel’s work, the artist chooses to illuminate historical figures Americans learn about, “beyond all that we know from books or historical accounts regarding them.” The artist researches each person for a better understanding and empathizes with what life must have been like for that person, in order to make a personal, human connection. “I love this research,” he said, “learning about different individuals and finding their place in history, and, by doing so, may find mine. I have learned to appreciate them as individuals, each with their own unique character, perfections and flaws.” His work is also about layers, textures and patina – elements he likens to history, peeling back the layers of memory. “I begin by creating the basic structure from large marks or brushstrokes and work toward small, detailed marks and brushstrokes, much like a camera being out of focus to clarity,” he explained. The artist mostly works from black and white photographs, which he contends, allows more freedom to choose what palette to use for a particular piece. Breathing new life into old photographs is something the artist says adds great excitement to his experience creating. Koel graduated in 1991 from Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) with a fine arts degree in drawing. He currently teaches art at Waukesha Public Schools, where he has been for 21 years. The artist has had a number of showings in both public and private collections and is known locally for his works on display at the Creative Arts Resource & Network, where he also lent his teaching skills to adult student artists. Waterford potter Stephanie Maass, who will be showing at Bill Czaja State Farm Insurance, spends nights and weekends in her home workshop elbow deep in clay, throwing pots on her pottery wheel. Several years ago while searching for a creative hobby she met Karen Norris, owner of "Our Creative Outlet" in Delafield. “She introduced me to throwing clay which has turned out to be a welcome relief from my stressful day job,” she said. Much of her techniques were learned by watching others online, which gave way to the name of her shop, Eclectic Pottery. “I try many different pottery techniques, some successful and some not. I almost never Save the date! Professional broadcaster Nicholas Strong has been busy this summer with AW Director Cynthia Jensen producing a video about Absolutely Waterford and businesses within the Heritage District. A premiere of the video, “Not Just Anywhere…Absolutely Waterford!” is set for Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Waterford Public Library, 101 River St. The public is invited to attend. make the same thing exactly the same more than once,” she said. Maass, who was born and raised in Burlington, moved to Waterford 35 years ago to start her family. She holds a bachelor's degree in healthcare management and a master's degree in education. Returning for her second year in the River’s Edge Art Walk, the artist said she really enjoyed meeting “all the great people who came out to enjoy the evening,” last year. Waterford jewelry maker Brenda Heald, who will show at ReMax Premier Properties, is self-taught, creating designs for more than a decade. Her nature-inspired jewelry includes a lot of natural stone, especially jasper, which she says is one of her favorites. “I enjoy manipulating wire and metal in my designs and recently have been making shamballa bracelets,” she said. Heald shares her designs in her Waterford home when she periodically hosts open houses. Her designs are also for sale at Simply Marvelous in Burlington. Volume 2, Issue 10 Page 7 Creating is ‘source of fulfillment’ for artist Fiber artist Penny Schaubel, who will be showing at Marty’s Fiesta Hall, grew up in rural Kenosha, where she was brought up by a creative family, including aunts who were very successful painters and potters, and her mother a gifted seamstress. “As a child I loved painting, drawing, sewing and gardening. I studied art all through high school and was inspired to be an art teacher as an adult,” she said. She attended UW-Whitewater from 1966-1969, majoring in art with a minor in art history. Her emphasis was painting and ceramics. She went on to graduate from UW-Parkside in 1970 with a BA in Art Education, and was one of 25 students in Parkside's first graduating class. “Short on cash, and frustrated at not being able to obtain a full time art position, I abandoned art and took a corporate position at Baxter International in Deerfield, Ill., becoming a Documentation and Training Manager,” she explained. “After years of a fairly stressful, fast-paced, corporate career, I began quilting and sewing in 2006. I was finally able to focus on art using my creative skills as a stress reliever and a source of great fulfillment.” In 2007 and 2008, when her parents died, Schaubel created her first hats using their old wool sweaters. B urlington mixed-media artist Gail Willert who will be showing at Waterford Public Library, carries degrees from the Art Institute of Chicago and the University of Illinois. In addition to creating mixed media and photography works, she is a therapist and teacher. Her recent exhibits include solo and group shows at the Anderson Arts Center in Kenosha, the Wright Museum in Beloit, CAR&N Gallery in Waterford, ARC Gallery in Chicago, Koehline Museum in Des Plaines and the Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan “I love to respond to life with three-dimensional assemblages as well as two-dimensional photomontages, sometimes in a spiritual vein, sometimes with humor,” she said. “The hats were a way of remembering them, using something that was theirs and adding my own designs and love of flowers,” she said. “Friends began asking about them and my career literally ‘bloomed.’” The artist continues to combine her love of gardening to her pieces, and brings new life to old materials, mostly sweaters, transforming them into new wearable art. Appropriately, she calls her pieces, New Leaf Designs. “Each hat is unique and made with care and creativity,” she said. “I pride myself on their originality and quality. A lot of love, joy and sense of accomplishment go into making each hat. Over the years I have also added aprons with the same type of botanical designs and I have also painted silk scarves and used commercial silk with floral patterns.” The third annual River’s Edge Art Walk will also include live entertainment throughout the evening. Performers include: Pianists Ingrid Hanson Popp, Eric Carlson and Kristen Gleason, Waterford Public Library KR Bluegrass Band, Marty’s Fiesta Hall The Tichigan Two, Riverside Chiropractic Burlington photographer Betsy Redmer, who will be showing at Kerri’s Custom Cakes, is a novice landscape photographer who was raised on a local dairy farm. She is married with three grown children. She loves to hike and bike and is drawn to the sky and nature. Susan Larkin, Patriot Financial Jackie Powell, Bill Czaja Insurance Jim Bergles, Rendezvous Jewelers Brian Lauer and Friends, former Martini MO’z site Volume 2, Issue 10 Page 8 B rookfield fiber artist JoAnne Meyer, will be showing at Bill Czaja State Farm Insurance, is a creative knitter who started by felting hunting hats for her three sons. “They needed hats that were warm and almost waterproof, and felted-merino wool seemed to work well,” she said. ‘Divine beauty of the natural world’ Burlington artist Lisa Dukowitz, who will be showing at Marty’s Fiesta Hall, creates photographs, paintings and mixed media artworks. As a child she spent a great deal of time exploring and drawing the rugged limestone bluffs and anthropomorphic twisted cedar trees found in Door County’s famed Port de ’Mort of Lake Michigan. There, a spiritual connection formed in her imagination between land, body and soul that still exists today, she said. During graduate school at UWMilwaukee’s Peck School of the Arts, Dukowitz studied under landscape painter Tom Uttech who encouraged her to document the remaining remote places of the world and to paint en plein air. She studied human and animal anatomy through the work of Renaissance artists da Vinci and Michelangelo while studying abroad in Florence, Italy. becoming a professional educator. She currently teaches art at Waterford Union High School. Her paintings and photographs have been shown in a wide variety of public art events, juried regional exhibitions and Midwest travel publications. Dukowitz’s current works, she said, “not only seek to provide evidence of the divine beauty of the natural world but also to provoke viewers to see themselves within the heavenly landscapes and to question our traditional dogmas that separate our origins and hereafters from the evolution of the planet. Humanlike forms After earning her MFA, she are often secretly hidden in landworked in a variety of art roles scapes; similar to those in my including graphic designer, pro- childhood drawings of the twisty fessional framer, portrait photog- trees.” rapher and retouch artist before Look for the brightly-colored paint brushes inside pots that mark artist locations downtown With requests for dozens of hats from extended family, friends and all kinds of fashionistas, Meyer stays busy with her business, Jo’z Feltz. Recently, she discovered hand-spun alpaca. “I found the blend of merino wool and alpaca produces an amazing finished sheen to the hat, as well as added warmth. I now prefer to work with the blend of the two fibers for that reason,” she said. Wind Lake-based fiber artist Ann Gainey, showing at Waterford Public Library, designs unique apparel fashions, jackets, scarves and jewelry. Her designs are sold at Ann’s Unique Boutique in Wind Lake. She has displayed her designs at a number of venues, including the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts in Cedarburg for its “First Fiber Arts Biennale” exhibit. In the exhibit, two of her pieces were shown, including an Italian linen bolero jacket and an Italian silk burnout velvet peacock design on silk chiffon scarf. Burlington potter Kathy Kerner, who will be showing at Waterford Public Library, specializes in raku pottery, a craft she learned as a student at Mt. Mary College. She is an art teacher at Norris School in Mukwonago. She is involved in art shows around the area, showing her work as well as being active with CAR&N, the former gallery that offered owcost art classes to people of every skill level. She lived in Waterford for 36 years and recently moved to Brown's Lake in Burlington. Volume 2, Issue 10 Page 9 German-inspired art Waterford potter Dorothee Pfundt, who will be showing at ReMax Premier Properties, was just 10 when her parents signed her up for a clay class along with her siblings. “We were rolling, kneading and shaping clay and having a lot of fun,” she recalled. “Later on trips or vacations, I was always fascinated when I saw clay spinning on the wheel, seeing how it turned with magical fluidity into large plates and tiny vessel. ‘If I just could try that once,’ I thought,” she continued. respect for clay and a few small pots to show.” Today, she works right in Burlington at her studio, Nature’s Turn, where she “makes that connection with clay on the pottery wheel and it is just as much fun as it was when I was 10.” “I had a lot to learn; patience, focus, being prepared for the unexpected, but it all pays off when a good piece comes out of the kiln,” she said. atercolor painter Don Vander Leest of Racine, who will be showing at Waterford Public Library, has documented his travels through his art, painting in all 50 states. “I also have paintings in 29 countries with 33 in Japan, and 30 in England,” he said. “The latest places on the list are Russia and Korea along with India, Europe, North Africa and South America.” Eventually the artist signed up for a 10-day pottery vacation in northern Germany, where she was born, learning how to throw clay on the pottery wheel. Four of the artists paintings covering the Southeast corner of Wisconsin have been reproduced on Master, Visa and debit cards by Educators Credit Union. His images of lighthouses have been used for its checks. “Wow, it was not easy,” she said. “At first lumps of clay did not turn into anything, but I had the feeling that I can do it. Not giving up during that week, I emerged with a new sense and Potter Brigitta Richter, who will be showing at Marty’s Fiesta Hall, was born in Munich and grew up in Passau, Germany. Early in her career as a dental technician, she exhibited excellent technical and spatial abilities. This experience further enhanced her interest in artistic expression and creation. Along with family, came the opportunity to concentrate full time on her artistic talents. In 2002, she started to explore her creative interests by experimenting in oil painting. She has since expanded into other media including pastels, ink, acrylics, clay sculpting and pottery. W Additionally Vander Leest has painted Park High School buildings in Racine which will be copied onto collectors items like ink pens and cups. He is currently working on Preservation Racine sketches for its September Historic Tour. “I love history and enjoy sketching and painting buildings, sky and water,” he said. a way to communicate both visually and emotionally through color, subject and context. She seeks to bring extraordinary perspective to ordinary situations. Her strong work ethic, sincerity and fanciful spirit all play a role in the creative process where she strives to achieve a certain ambiance and emotive feel with Her work concentrates on finding each piece she creates. Beading enthusiast Diane Miller of Wind Lake has been creating and selling her beadwork jewelry since 1999. In 2003, she was introduced to chainmaille - jewelry made by connecting metal rings to one another, a common technique used to craft medieval armor. Although she still enjoys all kinds of beading, her focus today is mainly on her chainmaille work. She shares her love of the art with others at her jewelry-making classes held routinely at Waterford Public Library. When she is not teaching or selling her finished jewelry at art fairs throughout southeastern Wisconsin, she is managing her online stores, DianeMillerDesigns.com and MidwestMaille.com, which specialize in Argentium, sterling silver chainmaille kits, jump rings, supplies, finished jewelry and art glass lamp-work beads. She will be showing at Waterford Public Library. Volume 2, Issue 10 Page 10 “I believe art is a visual language.” - Tanya Fuhrman Waterford painter Tanya Fuhrman, who is showing at Peoples Bank, carries a master’s degree in painting from UWWhitewater, where she studied under Helena Ehlke. Much of her work is commissioned portraits and landscape in private collections, however, she has shown in a number of exhibits including UWWhitewater, Crossman Gallery, Downtown Racine Corp; Dog Days of Summer, Summer Splash, Bears it All, previous year’s River’s Edge Art Walk, area coffee shops and Community United-Methodist Church in Waterford, among other places. “We have been all given talents and gifts with which to communicate,” the artist said. “Mine just happen to be visual, and this has given me a voice to be heard. I believe art is a visual language.” Furhman has been drawing and painting since childhood, and noted, “I drew what my mind liked and painted what my heart enjoyed.” “But when I noticed what pricked my social conscience made other people think, and what gave my heart joy helped others find joy in their lives, well, I think that’s when I became an artist. To make others look inside to confirm their own thoughts or to notice outside themselves the Creation around them with new eyes was like a language. Art is another language to communicate with other people...” S elf-taught painter Katie Babinat Gardipee of Mukwonago, who will be showing at Marty’s Fiesta Hall, has been painting for more than 15 years. At 15, she was commissioned to do a mural which paved the way to many other opportunities with a number of referrals for her work doing other residential murals. Her murals can be found in approximately 32 different homes throughout southeastern Wisconsin, a few churches, and businesses; such as the ARCH building in Waukesha, Pattersons Orchard of New Berlin and Café 213. She displayed at Martini MO’z before it was destroyed in the January 2014 fire, and is well-known by the MO’z family for her execution of the former historic building. Her medium of choice is acrylic paint but has recently been experimenting with watercolor. Most of her artwork is custom pieces and murals designed for customers per their requests. Don’t forget to check out community art work during the River’s Edge Art Walk. Loose Ends Quilters group will have their creations on display at Waterford Public Library. Waterford Union High School art students will have their pieces on display at the high school. Enter through Door #1. Muskego painter Terry A. Fischer, who is showing at Peoples Bank, is a self-taught artist who has lived and painted in southeastern Wisconsin her entire life. She concentrates on portraits and landscapes, or as she puts it, “what God put in front of me.” “That time in spring when there are a million shades of green – incredible. That time in summer that I call golden days. It’s not just the quality of the light, but the quality of life and family and friends. That time in fall when the trees burst with so much color and leaves crunch underfoot – unbelievable. Then there is winter, when the snowfall puts such a hush on the world, I feel I have to whisper,” the artist relays. relaxed. The goal is to reveal a bit of a person’s personality while still keeping the mystery. The exploration of the diversity of humankind is a journey in itself, she explains. Introduced to watercolor as a child, Fischer found the versatility perfect to create soft As difficult as portraits are, greens and muted blues, as well there is nothing more rewarding, as crisp oranges, and deep according to the artist. The purples. She loves to make the challenge is to make the paint flow or sparkle, blend or complicated look easy and contrast. Volume 2, Issue 10 Page 11 Don’t miss the line up! The 16th annual Waterford Winter Wonderland Parade, hosted by AW and sponsored by Runzheimer Foundation is right around the corner. Hit the streets of downtown Saturday, Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m., to see a fantastic holiday lineup proceed from the Associated Bank down Milwaukee to Main Street and end at the Waterford Public Library where tree lighting, carolers and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus await. The parade committee is currently seeking parade participants and donations to help support the event. To get involved, email [email protected] or call (262) 534-9000. Hours of patience and practice to produce Waterford’s Tom Heald, who will be showing at Rendezvous Jewelers, is a scroll saw artist and woodworker who quickly went from hobbyist to full-time artist. Using scrap cedar wood left over from a friend’s construction jobs, Heald found his niche making trellises with stained glass, planters and birdhouses. The hobby took a forward leap to scroll sawing and intarsia. “Next I began creating cutting boards, serving trays with all types of wood; creating my own patterns and designs,” he said. “Word of mouth became a business with my art work found all over the states and in some foreign countries.” As word-of-mouth grew, so did the spectrum of the wooden art projects coming out of Heald’s shop, River Ridge Woodworks in Waterford. His works are also seen alongside chainsaw artists who do shows throughout the Midwest, and during the Absolutely Waterford’s weekly River Market. What began as a hobby for Camblesport jewelry maker Marie McAllister bloomed into a business, Designs By Marie, shortly after her retirement in 2001. Citing her travels to Asia, Europe, Scandinavia and South America, the artist said she has seen numerous unique designs which inspired her own creations. “I love making jewelry and the opportunity it provides me to display my talents and unique designs,” she said. Her earrings are made from sterling silver and Swarovski crystals. However, for heavier pieces such as spoon bracelets and wind chimes, she opts for silver-plated parts in order to keep her designs affordable. In addition to participating in area artisan fairs, McAllister also hosts an open house inside her home annually. She will be showing at Café 213. Muskego-native Jeanne Raccoli-Baas is a pastel and mixed media artist who will be showing at Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce. She has taught and has continued to study art in various university and gallery settings. Her work is in corporate as well as private collections. She has served as a juror for art competitions and shows. Her goals are to instill a love of art in people of all ages and to provide a working knowledge of the area’s art heritage. Her current focus has been the exploration of jewelry making techniques. Having taught art metals to young adults, she has gained an appreciation for the hours of patience and practice involved in making a wearable piece of art. She makes one-of-a-kind pieces in silver, brass and copper, often using “found” objects as surprise accents. “I feel a sense of guidance and discovery in the act of creating,” she said. Main Street Messenger Page 12 Main Street intersection construction continues through fall Built in 1961, the current configuration of the intersection is problematic for large trucks and trailers to maneuver without entering opposing traffic, according to the release. Also, large volumes of vehicles use the intersection in the mornings and afternoons, which creates congestion and unsafe conditions. ject. During construction, one lane of traffic will be open in each direction on all legs of the intersection. Temporary sidewalks will be used for pedestrian access to local businesses. Work is underway at the intersection of Main and First streets as part of the Department of Transportation’s $445,000 reconditioning project of highways 20 and 83. The WIS 20/83 and Main Street intersection is at a bridge crossing the Fox River— the only bridge vehicles can use within This project includes installing traffic sigthree miles and is a gateway to the downnals, expanding the southwest corner radius town Waterford area. This intersection to facilitate large truck movements, intreatment is in advance to a much larger stalling new sidewalks with updating peconstruction project of WIS 20/83 which is destrian ramps/crossings, as well as inplanned for 2018 or 2019, pending fundstalling new curb and gutter. ing. Work began on Sept. 22, with contractor Zenith Tech planning to complete the project late fall, according to a press release from the Village of Waterford. The Village of Waterford has had law enforcement helping coordinate traffic flows during peak commute times; this practice will continue through the life of the pro- For more information contact Brian DeNeve, WisDOT SE Region Communications, at (262) 548-8759 or [email protected] Business briefs they serve. DEED does this through partnerships with governmental entities, educationRacine County Economic Development Cor- al institutions, non-profit organizations and poration and Gateway Technical College’s the business community. DEED, via the Small Launch Box have teamed up to offer area Business Development Centers, helps entreentrepreneurs a Technology 101 workshop preneurs create new businesses and grow on Thursday, Oct. 9, from 7:30-10 a.m. Free Technology 101 workshop offered The free workshop will take place at SC Johnson iMET Auditorium, 2320 Renaissance Blvd, Sturtevant, and will include a team of presenters who will discuss website strategies, Google Mail and integration, Microsoft Office 365, mobile technology and computer networking and systems, among other areas relevant to business. For more information, or to register, visit racinecountyedc.org. In’DEED’ a good business resource The Division of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (DEED) foster, supports and coordinates entrepreneurship and economic development activities occurring at the University of Wisconsin campuses and the communities existing businesses by providing training; information about finances, technology and other resources; one-on-one business counseling; and networking opportunities. For more information, visit www.uwex.edu/ about/economic-development.html OUR PROUD SPONSORS Sponsorship opportunities Absolutely Waterford’s Sponsors and individual donors are cherished members of the AW team! Your support makes possible the exceptional cultural events that Waterford residents and regional visitors count on, including the River’s Edge Art Walk, our season-long Saturday Farmers Market and the Waterford Winter Wonderland Parade. As a not-for-profit Wisconsin Main Street program, Absolutely Waterford welcomes sponsorships and gifts at all levels. Please let us tell you more about making a gift or becoming a Sponsor by calling our Executive Director, Cynthia Jensen, at (262) 534-9000, or visit us at absolutelywaterford.org. Our valuable contributors Waterford Public Library Mary Beth & Chas Mikrut Café 213 Mike Ciezki Gil & Rose Amborn Cynthia Jensen Howard Bryant
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