The Milwaukee Post

July 12, 2013 • Milwaukee Post • 13 Fostering local talent through the arts Photos by John Ehlke/Conley News Service Left: Carol Christ of Franklin looks over her work "Morning Glory," a part of the opening reception for the League of Milwaukee Artists exhibition at the Museum of Wisconsin Art in West Bend recently. Right: Andy Tisdel of Milwaukee looks over the artwork at the opening reception for the League of Milwaukee Artists exhibition at the Museum of Wisconsin Art in West Bend. Tisdel's grandmother, Eva Jacob of Milwaukee, has pieces included in the League of Milwaukee Artists. Museum of Wisconsin Art presents League of Milwaukee Artists exhibit By AMANDA VOSS Conley News Service WEST BEND – When the Museum of Wisconsin Art in West Bend was constructing a new building, one of its goals was to showcase art by Wisconsin art associations. Taking a step in fulfilling that goal, the museum recently opened an exhibition featuring artists from the League of Milwaukee Artists. Artwork from the LMA lines a wall in the state gallery of the MOWA. The artists' works are appreciated by guests of the museum. "It's an outstanding group of materi- als," MOWA Executive Director Laurie Winters said. "I love the diversity and the range, from watercolors, to pastels, to oil paintings. It's really a tremendous group." The LMA was founded in 1944 with a goal to secure better opportunities for members to exhibit their work. The exhibition at the MOWA features 25 works of art by 19 LMA members and will be in the state gallery through Sept. 1. LMA member Carol Christ of Franklin has her watercolor on paper – "Morning Glory" – in the exhibit. "It was a big surprise. It's wonderful. I've wanted to be in a facility like this. It's an honor," Christ said. "Artists in the league are the cream of the crop of southeast Wisconsin. There are so many wonderful artists," she added. Colette Odya Smith from Wauwatosa is a LMA member and has two paintings on display in the state gallery. "It's a feather in my cap. I am thrilled," Smith said. Winters said showcasing artists associations like the LMA is a way to support grassroots artists. "It demonstrates love of art can happen at every level. Art associations have a mix group. Some take it more seriously, some are weekend artists and people who appreciate art. They have a full gamut. It shows art can be for anyone," Winters said. Not only did the MOWA open the new exhibit, but the West Bend Noon Rotary Club presented a $30,000 check as the final installment of a $75,000 pledge toward the capital campaign project during an opening night reception. The West Bend Noon Rotary Club is paying off the pledge three years early, according to incoming West Bend Noon Rotary Club President Chris Wenzel. Contact Amanda Voss avoss@conleynet.com South Milwaukee Downtown Market unveils music lineup Post Staff SOUTH MILWAUKEE – The South Milwaukee Downtown Market announced its music lineup for this summer, including two free concerts presented by the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center. Jim Green, a Guitar Idol champion and who was voted one of the best artists in the Midwest by Billboard magazine, performs Aug. 8. His music has been licensed by the United Church of Christ and used in documentaries, including "Innocence Abandoned: Street Kids of Haiti." On Aug. 15, the OPUS Jazz Band will perform. An icon of Wisconsin jazz, the band was founded more than 30 years ago and nominated for a 2013 Wisconsin Area Music Industry award for best jazz group. OPUS has shared the stage with legendary jazz artists Dizzy Gillespie, Freddie Hubbard, Pat Metheny, Spyro Gyra and Bill Bruford. Both shows begin at 4 p.m. "We're proud to bring terrific acts like this to the downtown market," South Milwaukee PAC Director Chad Piechocki said. "We value our community partnerships, and we look forward to bringing a taste of the PAC to the South Shore throughout the year. These performances at the market are examples of that." The market also announced additional acts throughout the season. The South Milwaukee Youth Theatre will perform at 4 p.m. Thursday. The lineup continues with Merle Pinkens on Aug. 1; Ron Plevak on Aug. 22; Christopher's Legacy on Aug. 29; Garlic Mustard Pickers on Sept. 12; Crossing on Sept. 26; and Sweet Music on Oct. 3. Each of those shows begin at 5 p.m. "This is another great music lineup, and we've already had some great acts play this year," Market Chairman David Kieck said. "We've always felt we're more than a market. With our weekly music lineup and other special events, the downtown market is truly a special attraction." The market runs from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. each Thursday through Oct. 10 at 11th and Milwaukee avenues in South Milwaukee's city center.

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