| WRAP EXHIBITION CELEBRATES 75 YEARS OF HOMEGROWN WISCONSIN ART |
Jan Woods, Muskego, Wisconsin,
'Ace In The Hole (Acorn
Woodpeckers),' acrylic, 23.75x
14.75, Photographer Dave Wood
'Ace In The Hole (Acorn
Woodpeckers),' acrylic, 23.75x
14.75, Photographer Dave Wood
Mabel Tousignant, Wausau,
Wisconsin, 'Autumns Rose,' silver
point, 11x16
Wisconsin, 'Autumns Rose,' silver
point, 11x16
MADISON - What does the world look like to Wisconsin visual artists? Since
1940, the Wisconsin Regional Art Program (WRAP) has allowed us to see
through their eyes by encouraging self-expression in all corners of the state.
WRAP's 75th anniversary culminates in an exhibition that showcases
homegrown artistic vision.
The program helps nonprofessional artists develop their creative abilities. It
holds workshops and exhibitions around the state, including an annual
showcase in Madison for award-winning work. This year's exhibition, now on
display, features more than 200 artists through Sept. 26 at the Pyle Center on
the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. The artwork was chosen by the
two dozen professional artists who've judged local WRAP exhibitions.
The state exhibition concludes with an annual conference Sept. 26, including
an awards presentation. With help from WRAP's nonprofit partner
organization, the Wisconsin Regional Artists Association, selected artists will
receive more than $5,000 to support their continued development.
"The amateur artists who participate in the Wisconsin Regional Art Program
are true lovers of artistic and creative growth for its own sake," says WRAP
director Helen Klebesadel. "While they may not be professionals in the
sense of making their living in the arts, the art they make often reaches
professional level in technique and content. Many of them put their art aside
to make a living or raise a family and now credit WRAP with giving it back to
them."
1940, the Wisconsin Regional Art Program (WRAP) has allowed us to see
through their eyes by encouraging self-expression in all corners of the state.
WRAP's 75th anniversary culminates in an exhibition that showcases
homegrown artistic vision.
The program helps nonprofessional artists develop their creative abilities. It
holds workshops and exhibitions around the state, including an annual
showcase in Madison for award-winning work. This year's exhibition, now on
display, features more than 200 artists through Sept. 26 at the Pyle Center on
the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. The artwork was chosen by the
two dozen professional artists who've judged local WRAP exhibitions.
The state exhibition concludes with an annual conference Sept. 26, including
an awards presentation. With help from WRAP's nonprofit partner
organization, the Wisconsin Regional Artists Association, selected artists will
receive more than $5,000 to support their continued development.
"The amateur artists who participate in the Wisconsin Regional Art Program
are true lovers of artistic and creative growth for its own sake," says WRAP
director Helen Klebesadel. "While they may not be professionals in the
sense of making their living in the arts, the art they make often reaches
professional level in technique and content. Many of them put their art aside
to make a living or raise a family and now credit WRAP with giving it back to
them."
The Wisconsin Regional Art Program, inspired by the Wisconsin Idea, is the
only program of its kind in the United States. It began as a UW-Madison
initiative to engage rural Wisconsin in cultural activities. The American
Regionalist artist John Steuart Curry, who served as the university's
artist-in-residence from 1936-46, became a mentor to adults in small
communities who wanted to pursue art in their spare time.
only program of its kind in the United States. It began as a UW-Madison
initiative to engage rural Wisconsin in cultural activities. The American
Regionalist artist John Steuart Curry, who served as the university's
artist-in-residence from 1936-46, became a mentor to adults in small
communities who wanted to pursue art in their spare time.
| Sharon L. Dowis, Merrill, Wisconsin, 'Monet's Skiff.' photograph, 11x14 |
Since then, thousands have participated in
the program, which has expanded to include
urban areas. Some of them, inspired by their
work in WRAP, went on to become
professional artists, notably Nick Engelbert,
Harry Nohr and Lois Ireland Zwettler.
The Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts
and Letters will explore WRAP's place in the
state's cultural history with a Sept. 24
Academy Talk, "Visual Art and the
Wisconsin Idea: 75 Years Encouraging
Wisconsin Artists." Maryo Gard Ewell will
discuss UW-Madison's role in encouraging
artistic development among rural teachers,
mail carriers, blacksmiths, farmers and
homemakers.