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You’re invited to celebrate with us!
Click here to reserve your spot at our Embrace the Experience Gala.
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Dear Friends of the Arts,
What a wonderful time of year to be in the driftless region when our trees will put on their annual fall show of color. I feel so fortunate to live in a place where there is art on every hillside. Our own new art show opens in just a few days, and I hope you will join us to celebrate Bob Rivoire and his amazing photography. And of course, new artwork from thirty or forty of our regional artists will also make their debut.
Recently I was filling out a Grant Report form, which asked how many volunteers we have, and how many hours they donated. I started adding... and adding… thinking of reception desk volunteers, ushers, concessions helpers, servers and cooks for openings, garden helpers, actors, singers, backstage crews, newsletter creators, grant writers, and so many more … as well as our wonderful Board of Directors. How lucky we are to have so many people who care about the Arts and want to spend precious hours helping us. We are so grateful.
Speaking of the Board of Directors, they are putting together a fantastic evening for our second annual fundraising Gala. Tickets are going fast, and can be purchased at the link below.
Hope to see you soon!
Carole
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2024 2nd Annual
Embrace the Experience gala & Live Auction
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We invite you on October 17, 2024, at 5:30 PM to our 2nd Annual Embrace the Experience Gala, benefiting the Galena Center for the Arts. Attendees will enjoy an elegant four-course dinner, be entertained by local artists performing Lee Adami's take on 20 Broadway shows, and an engaging auction with ten fabulous items auctioneered by Joe Mattingly. Grab your tickets before it's sold out! Presenting Sponsor: Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa; Champagne Toast Sponsors: Champagne on Main and The Goldmoor Inn.
Click to participate in our silent auction, even if you can't attend, with nearly 50 items available!
Click to make reservations and purchase tickets!
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Center Open Hours
October open hours remain 11am - 4pm on
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Beginning in November, open hours change to 1 - 4pm on
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
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Special Exhibit Gallery
Featuring the work of Robert Rivoire
Opening Reception on Thursday, October 3 from 5 – 7pm
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The walls of the special exhibit space will feature a lifetime of photographic works by Robert Rivoire. Robert studied at the "Harvard of art schools": the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography. His guiding philosophy was to “take photographs with the hope that viewers may appreciate elements of the world that they may not have noticed before; each image reflects some unique circumstance that was simply there, and which I had the good fortune to notice.” | |
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Viewers will appreciate his mastery of composition and light as well his subject matter. Robert has graciously donated his photography collection to the Center, for which we are sincerely grateful. Most all his photographs and images will be for sale.
Be sure to attend the Opening Reception on Thursday, October 3 from 5 – 7pm, when you can listen to Robert talk about how he came to be a photographer and his photographic experiences at 6pm.
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Regional Art Gallery
Opening Reception on Thursday, October 3 from 5 – 7pm,
with music by Desiree Irwin.
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The Regional Art Gallery will once again sport an eclectic array of mediums, styles, and subject matter. We and visitors are always surprised to see what our talented artists bring in to sell. Plan to attend the Opening Reception on Thursday, October 3 from 5 – 7pm. | |
Transition into Fall by Dotty Prince | |
Scales Mound Art Club Opening! | |
Students from Scales Mound High School proudly showed off their artworks, which will remain in the newly refurbished student gallery for about a month. | |
Here, artist Denali Fenn explains her artwork to Chris Chapin-Tilton. | |
We will have a special opening for the Jac Tilton Student Gallery in November, once the back-ordered carpeting has been installed! | |
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Songwriters Showcase featuring
Desiree Irwin & Lenny Wayne
Thursday, October 24, 7pm
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Our October 2024 Songwriters Showcase shares the original music of regional singer songwriters Desiree Irwin and Lenny Wayne. | |
Celebrated pianist, singer, and entertainer, Desiree is renowned for her captivating performances and dynamic stage presence. With a career marked by collaborations with legendary artists, including the iconic blues musician Buddy Guy, she showcases exceptional talent and musical prowess that resonates with audiences worldwide. Desiree is excited to debut some new songs on the Showcase stage - be the first to hear! | |  |
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Lenny is an energetic performer whose style of music encompasses country, rock and folk.
Originally from the Pacific Northwest, he came to Galena about 18 years ago, and has had the fortune to play music with many of the fabulous artists that call the Driftless home.
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Refreshments available - Free to attend - Donations appreciated!
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Special thanks to sponsors Mark and Mary Ellen
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Meet the Artist
Saturday, October 26, 1 - 3pm
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The inaugural Meet the Artist monthly event was a rousing success. On October 26 from 1 – 3pm, you will have the opportunity to engage in conversation with Dotty Prince, a talented artist – new to the area - who creates original oil paintings, focusing on abstract realism. She uses a variety of techniques to give the paintings a rich and textured appearance.
Dotty explains, “My art is
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Dotty Prince and her pups
surrounded by her art
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a personal expression of myself and my relationship with nature and wildlife. My love affair with nature started at an early age, having grown up in the rolling hills of Western Wisconsin. Life then took me to Colorado where the majestic beauty of the mountains captured my soul and is reflected in many of my works. After more than 20 years of living in the West, I am now living in Galena, IL and exploring the Driftless areas of the Midwest, capturing the beauty of these unvarnished bluffs and woods around the Mississippi River." Join us for an afternoon of art and conversation. | |
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"Art That Stands Out in its Field"
for the month of October
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“Art That Stands Out in its Field” will have scarecrows around the Center for the month of October. We hope you will stop by to wander around the scarecrows, and that maybe you will make a scarecrow to put up by your home or business! | |
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Auditions for table reading of “Lost Memories”
at the Center, Wednesday, October 9 at 7pm
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Come be a part of something new and real. In this new play by Shawn Carr, help tell the story of one family learning about dementia, a truly educational and warmly entertaining play.
Auditions Oct 9, 7 pm at the Center. Three rehearsals, Performance November 12. Cast includes a woman in her 70’s, 2 middle-aged men, three middle-aged women, one teenage girl, and a man and woman of any age.
If you can’t attend the auditions but are interested in being a part of the reading, click to email Carole.
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Summit Street Singers
will be rehearsing every Tuesday at 7pm
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Start warming up those vocal cords for the Summit Street Singers, our community chorus! Larry Cording will direct the chorus; Susan Lipnick will be our accompanist.
We anticipate eleven weekly one-hour rehearsals culminating with a performance at the United Churches of Galena Christmas Concert in December.
All ages welcome, no auditions necessary. Join in the fun of making music!
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Children's Christmas Show | |
If you enjoyed THE FOREST STONE children's theater production this spring, come join us for our Christmas musical, “The Best Holiday of All,” a fun-filled family show, sure to put you in the Christmas spirit!
Performances are scheduled for 2pm Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15. Directed by Lee Adami, with Musical Director Krista Wilhelm.
Ticketing information will be available later this fall.
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Holiday Gift-Making
This class will be held in early December and taught by Cat Clausen.
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Imagine the surprise and delight your loved one will feel when they open their holiday gift and see that it is something they like or need, which has been decorated and turned into a WORK OF ART--by you-! First, we will meet at the Grand Antique Mall in Elizabeth, IL to search for our object ($20 spending limit. Some free objects will be available too, donated by the Galena Center for the Arts). Your object could be a metal water bottle, a felt top hat, a plain set of PVC pipe flutes, or a resin sculpted lion (see photos). | |
Examples of Cat Clausen’s handmade gift creations | |
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A glass dish or bottle, a wood recipe box, an old frame would work. At our next session you will bring in your paints, old jewelry, coins, feathers, fabrics, buttons, beads, colored papers, anything you can glue down etc. (some paints, brushes, glue, and silver metal leaf will be provided by the teacher). Unleash your FUN CREATIVE SPIRIT!
December 7, 10 - 2. Meet at Grand Antique Mall, Elizabeth, IL. Object purchase time.
December 14, 10 - noon and 1 - 5. Project creation at Galena Center for the Arts.
Cost of Class: $25 in addition to what students spend at Antique Mall.
Click to watch for the class posting on the Center website.
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Introduction to Traditional Drawing Techniques | |
David Erickson with his art | |
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Want to improve your drawing skills? This course, taught by David Erickson will accomplish just that. David is confident that by the end of the course, students will be able to see clear progress in the ability to draw in a representational manner.
Traditional Drawing is a six-week course on consecutive Saturdays from 1 – 3pm beginning on October 12 and ending on November 16. Each session will build upon previous learning. David Brian Erickson received traditional training at the Atelier Lack School of Fine Art of Minneapolis, Minnesota in the 1980s.
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He has taught in private schools and art centers, designed stained glass for churches, and has commissioned work in private collections across the country. Click to see the Center website for further information and to register. | |
The last Open Studio until after the holiday season will be October 14 from 1 – 3pm. Practice the principles of drawing and painting in these facilitated classes. Open Studio will resume in January. | |
- Bring your own supplies and reference material.
- All mediums welcome, but please avoid products that emit toxic fumes.
- Cost: $5 a class for members, $10 for non-members.
- Studio open to beginners as well as seasoned artists.
- A still life will be set up in the classroom.
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Meet our Board of Directors new member
Kimberly Kreiser
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A new member on our Board of Directors this year is Kim Kreiser. This is what she said about her relationship with the Center:
"I was honored to be asked to be a part of the Center for the Arts Board. I feel that the Arts and Theater are an important part of my life and a great part of the Galena community. I find the Arts to be an escape into the dreams of another persons' writings. The theater scene was an important part of my life when I was younger, though I don't find myself to be a great singer, I enjoy watching all the shows and readings we bring to the Center.
The Art shows are a joy to be a part of - as a volunteer I love seeing all the creativity that we have in the Galena community. To be a part of a community that values the Arts is important to me."
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Nov 13 - Table Reading of “Lost Memories”
Nov 29 - John Erickson Jazz Trio
Dec 08 - Turner Hall Community Concert
Dec 14,15 - "The Best Holiday of All" Kids show
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Recent Activities at the Center | |
“Where the Grass Still Sings” | |
Heather Swan author of “Where the Grass Still Sings”, poet Catherine Jagoe and photographer Mark Montgomery shared their love of the natural world at “Of Insects and Interconnection” - an inspiration to look more closely at the wonders of nature and realize how we are all connected. | |
Heather Swan and Catherine Jagoe | |
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Sunday Salon with the Maestro | |
Maestro William Intriligator, conductor of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, intrigued us with stories of his musical life and snippets of music that will be part of the Symphony’s coming season. You can view the orchestra’s upcoming season (which opens this weekend) at dubuquesymphony.org/concerts-and-events. | |
Poets and Poetry lovers gathered to hear local poets read their work. Led by Galena’s Poet Laureate, Ted Williams, the evening was a great success, and we plan to do more poetry events. | |
On a magical late summer evening with perfect weather, we were treated to great music by Lexi Healey and Holy Crowe. | |
The indoor performance of the Cemetery Walk, sponsored by the Galena Historical Society, shared stories of six people who have preceded us living in Galena. We are proud that the program was written and directed by our board member, Jay Dickerson. We love to collaborate with other non-profits in the region! | |
Many visitors – some new to the Center - stopped by to chat with local artist Casey Klein and to see her photographs. | |
Art That Stands Out in its Field | |
We had lots of fun making new scarecrows. Watch for them when you go by the Center! | |
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Corporate member since 2022, Apple River Well & Pump Company was also a sponsor of our recent production of “Psych”! Their generous support not only enhances our performances but also helps us promote the arts within our community. Join us in thanking them for their commitment to fostering creativity and bringing exceptional theater experiences to life!
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We are immensely grateful to Corporate member, Jail Hill Inn and owner Matthew Carroll, who was a long-time member of the Center’s Board of Directors from 2017-2024. Matthew’s passion for the arts and unwavering support have made a lasting impact on our arts community!
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We send an enormous THANK YOU! to our anonymous donor who bought us a new dishwasher for our upstairs kitchen. Especially grateful will be the many volunteers who have spent hours washing wine glasses.
Thank you so much!
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- Jenni Ackerman
- Lee Adami
- Catherine Basten
- Libby Burmaster
- Chris Chapin-Tilton
- Mary Cinto
- Gary Churnovic
- Larry Cording
- John Cox
- Jay Dickerson
- Janet Eggleston
- Cathie Elsbree
- Ilisa Farrell-Ericcson
- Lois Gordon
- Sheila Haman
- Harold Kaplan
- George & Charlotte Kennedy
- Casey Klein
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- Helen Kupetis
- Susan Lipnick
- Emily Painter
- Pam Powers
- Bob & Frances Rivoire
- Marion Roberts
- Colin Sanderson
- Nancy Schuldt
- Deb & Michele Sullivan
- Mark Sumpter
- Irene Thraen-Borowski
- Dennis Waltman
- Connie Warnsing
- Lenny Wayne
- Sara Wendt
- Ted Williams
- Sandy Winge
- Faye Wrubel
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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 October 4 - 6. | |
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Please help us to advance our mission to
elevate and celebrate regional arts and artists.
To donate online click, or send your check to:
The Galena Center for the Arts
971 Gear Street, Galena, Illinois 61036
(815) 402-3111
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Please forward our newsletter to your friends and relatives. They can click below to receive their own monthly update. Thanks for sharing our news with others! | | |
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. | |
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This program is supported in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. | |
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Thanks so much for your support of the Galena Center for the Arts!
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