Summer classes slated throughout city July 20-24
This summer, adults will have the opportunity to take classes in the visual arts, mind/body and writing when Live Art Loud Waupaca is held.
The program will be held Wednesday, July 20 to Sunday, July 24.
Classes will be taught at Waupaca High School and at local parks and studios.
Live Art Loud Waupaca is being supported by the Fine Arts Festival of Waupaca.
The idea to offer such a program is the result of a local artist asking Mary Jo Tomaras if the Fine Arts Festival had ever thought about getting involved in painting plein air.
Tomaras is the chairperson of the festival’s Art Show Committee and asked local artist Ashley Gordon to explain painting plein air to her.
“Plein air” is a French term which means outdoors, in the open air, so that means this style of painting is about observing and painting subjects from life outdoors.
During that conversation, Gordon shared with Tomaras the fact that the School of the Arts In Rhinelander was closing after 52 years.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Continuing Studies was the main sponsor of that week-long event, which had brought the arts and culture to rural Wisconsin.
Tomaras and Gordon met on the day after Thanksgiving to plan a five-day opportunity for adults to take such classes here.
Gordon came up with the name “Live Art Loud Waupaca: due to the strong art influence in the community.
Gordon contacted artists from Rhinelander, and Tomaras contacted professional artists from past art shows, as well as from galleries around the area.
Professional artists were given a proposal and were able to design their classes according to their teaching style.
A total of 22 artists will teach close to 30 classes, which range from spray-painting and electro-etching to watercolors, basket weaving,art tiles and poetry.
Class registration officially opened at the Waupaca Art Show and ends on June 30.
Classes will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Five-day workshops, three-day classes, as well as one- and two-day classes, are being offered.
People may visit www.liveartloudwaupaca.com for information about the classes, instructors and how to register for them.