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Emerald Echoes and Highland Harmony: Join us in an enchanting evening of
Irish and Scottish Music with Colm & Laura Keegan this Tuesday!
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Dear Friends of the Arts,
July has been a busy and fulfilling month at the Center. We are in the midst of rehearsals for “Psych”, and enjoying many laughs as we rehearse this crazy show. If you’d like to assist by ushering, or with concessions, please click here.
We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our supporters. A magnanimous donor volunteered a large donation to obtain more comfortable seating for the theater, and another long-term supporter has matched that gift. Now we’re in research mode to find the perfect chairs!
We will be completely re-modeling the student gallery, thanks to a kindhearted donor. Another donation has come in to help us with the “matching” funds for a grant we have received to improve our theater lighting and curtains. We still need to raise about $17,000 for that match! These unsolicited gifts will make such a difference to all who come to our Center, as well as the many who have sent their memberships which will help to keep the lights on!
We have been blessed with in-kind gifts too. In addition to those who volunteer to staff the gallery, we appreciate Lizzie Pollock for repainting our sign, Kathy Filipiak and Michele Sullivan for pulling weeds around the parking lot, and Derinda Valley Landscape Design for major grounds clean-up.
Hope to see you soon at one of our many upcoming events!
Carole
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Have you noticed how nice the grounds on the Center look recently? We are so grateful! | |
Kathy Filipiak has volunteered countless hours to pull weeds. | |
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A big thank you to Derinda Valley Landscape Design, who volunteered to clear out shrubs and vines to make our Center look wonderful. What a wonderful gift!
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Brian Wydra and his crew from Derinda Valley Landscape Design. | |
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Center Open Hours
11am to 4pm, throughout the summer months, on
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
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Regional Arts and Special Exhibit Gallery Opening
Slice of Life
Opening Reception Thursday, August 1 from 5 – 7pm
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The walls of the art gallery have been transformed once again! Plan to join us for the Opening Reception on Thursday, August 1 from 5 – 7pm when you will be able to view new creations in the Regional Arts Gallery and activity-filled art in the Special Exhibit space, which is showcasing the Slice of Life exhibit.
Spend an evening luxuriating in art, good conversation and music by guitarist Marcus DeJesus.
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Tucker with a Sucker by Casey Klein | |
In August we will be remodeling the student gallery including enlarging the room by removing closet walls, adding new carpeting and appropriate lighting for the artwork. Look for an opening date in September! | |
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Have you visited the gift shop lately? We have new books: one by G. Richard Ryan, and others by Galena native Heather Swan (Davis). | |
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Colm & Laura Keegan
with guest star Brian McGrane
Live in Concert - TOMORROW – July 30, 7pm
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We’re looking forward to an unforgettable evening of Irish and Scottish music with Colm and Laura Keegan (of Celtic Thunder fame)! They will be joined by special guest Brian McGrane on keyboard.
Join us in an unforgettable evening filled with the spirit of Ireland and Scotland, featuring songs that have touched hearts around the globe!
| Tickets ($15 adults, $5 students) available at the door. | |
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Laugh Your Pants Off!
PSYCH! by Lisa Rowe
August 9,10 & 16,17 at 7pm
August 11 & 18 at 2pm
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Suspense and comedy abound in this fast-moving play, set in the office of psychiatrist Dr. Robert Smith where, one by one, the cast of bizarre characters assemble. There’s an escaped convict/psychiatrist Edward Baxter, who comes to his colleague’s office for help; there’s the Russian psychic Lydia, Smith’s neurotic patient; a trench-coated detective, a janitor, a pregnant wife, and a pizza deliveryman.
Cast includes: Robyn Davis, Mark Sumpter, Stephen Green, Mark Haman, Sue Flogel and Austin Scott.
Sponsored by: The Neighborhood; Apple River Well and Pump Co.; A Darkness Lovely; Baranski, Hammer, Moretta & Sheehy; Eagle Ridge Realty and Happy Joe’s. Each performance will include a cameo appearance from a very special person representing that performance’s sponsor.
Playwright Lisa Rowe will be at the Saturday, Aug. 17 performance, and will be a part of a talk-back after the show.
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Student $10 and adult $25 tickets are available online: Click to select and pay.
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Songwriters Showcase featuring
Sophia Landis/Burn It Up
Thursday, August 15, 7pm
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Our August 2024 Songwriters Showcase shares the original music of regional singer songwriters Sophia Landis and Burn It Up. | |
Landis is a lifelong singer and songwriter. Her lyrics are rooted in compassion and grit, backed by polished piano and powerhouse vocals. Her natural blend of ballads and blues will both soothe your soul and light your fire. | |
Eight current members LA Suess, Kara Gordon, Becky Sanders, Jayne Miller, Pearl Breitbach, Emily Huppert, Karen Buechle, and Thomas Burn will be joined by Galena’s new Poet Laureate, Ted Williams. Ted will weave original spoken word pieces into the band’s compositions, expanding and enhancing each song’s lyrical content. Audience members are invited to become active participants in this conversation. | |
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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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“A Visit from Will Dilg”
A Performance by Steven Marking
Friday, August 23 from 7-9pm
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Please join us as actor, musician and American Cruise Lines favorite Steven Marking presents a multi-media performance about the founding of the Refuge.
One hundred years ago, Will Dilg was the singular driving force behind the formation of our Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. The Refuge borders all of Jo Daviess County, including three JDCF preserves. In all, it covers 261 river miles and 244,000 acres of wildlife habitat, extending from the Chippewa River in Wisconsin to Rock Island, Illinois. Steven Marking’s multi-media production showcases his talents as an actor, musician, and filmmaker, all in service of bringing to life the true story of the man who roused a nation to a fete of conservation never before imagined.
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Tickets $25 are available online: Click to select and pay.
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This event is presented in partnership with the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation
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Presentation and Book signing.
Of Insects and Interconnection,
a Night of Prose, Poetry, and Art
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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Unleash Your Storytelling Potential:
Workshop Series for adults with Amy Ressler
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We all have stories to tell! Participants will dive into the art of storytelling under the expert guidance of award-winning storyteller, director, and educator, Dr. Amy Ressler.
---------------No experience necessary.
Aug 13 - Workshop 1: Crafting the Narrative
From creating vivid characters to building a captivating plot, Amy will share her insider tips and techniques to help you structure your story in a way that keeps your audience engaged from beginning to end.
Aug 20 - Workshop 2: Bringing Stories to Life
Using vocal techniques and body language, you’ll learn how to captivate your audience with dynamic performances, turning your narrative into a vivid, unforgettable experience.
Aug 27 - Workshop 3: Polishing & Performance Preparation
Refine your story and prepare for the grand finale. Amy will provide personalized feedback to help you polish your narrative and perfect
your performance. You’ll gain valuable insights on how to handle
stage presence and manage performance anxiety.
Sept 3 Storytelling Concert:
The culmination of this workshop series is a live performance,
where you will showcase your original tales to an invited audience, celebrating your growth as a storyteller.
Click for more information and to register
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Guided Open Studio will continue from 1 – 3pm on the second Monday of each month, which will be on the 12th in August. Practice the principles of drawing and painting in these facilitated classes. | |
- Bring your own supplies and reference material.
- All medium 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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A reminder that the next figure drawing session will be Thursday, August 8th 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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Meet our Board of Directors new member
Patty Kelly Boggs
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A proud native of Galena, and fourth generation-Galenian on her father's side, Patty returned to Galena with her husband Bill (and their dog Chip) to live here full-time in October of 2023.
Patty holds a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Northern Illinois University. With more than 25 years of Corporate Learning and Organizational Development experience, she has proven success in building and mentoring high-performance teams by creating a collaborative culture that values individual skills and inspires confidence.
In her words:
"I see the Galena Center for the Arts as a place where everyone of all ages and backgrounds may come together and experience an appreciation of art in all forms: classic art such as painting and sculpture, dramatic expression through the theater, dance, music, and other artistic expression yet to be discovered.
I believe that the arts provide a foundation that unite us as a community. I am humbled and delighted to support this amazing group of artists!"
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Sept 3 --- Storytelling Performance
Sept 17 -- Poetry Program led by Galena Poet Laureate Ted Williams
Sept 19 -- Songwriters Showcase featuring Lexi Healey and Holy Crowe
Sept 20 - Cemetery Walk performance
Oct 17 --- Annual Gala at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa
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Recent Activities at the Center | |
Beautiful weather called for Songwriters Showcase to be held on the outdoor stage. Megan Bee's songs and storytelling made for a magical evening! | |
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The Youth Acting Camp entertained family and friends
on the last day of their theater camp, taught by Jay Dickerson.
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The Teen Acting Class created a radio show! | |
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The Workshop has been a corporate member in past years, and we are grateful to have their support this year! We applaud their dedication to enhancing the lives and families with disabilities in Jo Daviess county by creating opportunities for independence. We have been delighted to meet and spend time with individuals from the Workshop, who have participated in Center activities such as ChalkFest and Improv Night.
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Known for their service to the community as well as their environmental responsibility, Exact Pest Solutions, Inc. has been a faithful corporate supporter of the Galena Center for the Arts since 2017, and has frequently been featured as a sponsor at Radio Shows. It is local business support, such as Exact Pest Solutions, Inc., that is so important to the future of the Galena Center for the Arts!
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- Bryan and Jenni Ackerman
- Lee Adami
- Diane Banas
- Kate Barton
- Catherine Basten
- Carol Baumann
- Julie Bruser and Tommy Saccomanno
- Mary Cinto
- Chris Chapin-Tilton
- Steve Coates
- John Cox
- Janet Eggleston
- Cathie Elsbree
- Ilisa Farrell-Ericcson
- Julie Ferring
- Kathy Filipiak
- Carol Goodwin
- Stephen Green
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- Mark and Sheila Haman
- George and Charlotte Kennedy
- Helen Kupetis
- Courtney Lomax-Moser
- Susan Lipnick
- Suzi Piro
- Lisa Prindle
- Marion Roberts
- Nancy Schuldt
- Deb and Michele Sullivan
- Dennis Waltman
- Lenny Wayne
- Bob Wehrle
- Andy Willis
- Sandy Winge
- Chris and Brian Wydra
- Derinda Valley Landscape Design
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We are looking for Ushers and Concessions Volunteers for Psych performances
August 9-11, 16-18. Click to sign up.
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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 August 2 - 4. | |
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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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Don't forget to "Like" the Galena Center for the Arts on Facebook
Have a preferred email address? Please let us know.
Thanks so much for your support of the Galena Center for the Arts!
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