Steenbock Gallery: Representing WRAP 2014

Moraine Sunset, Pastel, by Greg Torgeson, Hartford WRAP Coordinator

Representing WRAP: an exhibition of leaders in the          
Wisconsin Regional Art Program

On view April 28 to July 12, 2014
Weekdays during business hours
at the
Steenbock Gallery
1922 University Avenue

Join us for an
Closing Reception
Saturday, July 12, 2014
1:00-3:00 PM

We are delighted to present the work of eleven artists from across Wisconsin who represent the wonderful lay artists that the Wisconsin Regional Art Program (WRAP) has served so well sin 1940.  Committed artists all, they are also community volunteers working to provide opportunities for creative growth for other artists in their community as well.

All of the participating artists in this exhibition either coordinate a WRAP exhibition and workshop in their local community or are significant help in making the events successful.  Participating artists include:

Nancy Buchanan of Spring Green
Audrey Bunchkowski of Neshkoro
David Carpenter of Madison
C.K. Chang of Madison
Virginia Jungwirth of Oshkosh
Mary Ann Narveson of LaCrosse
Gary Warren Niebuhr of Milwaukee
Marlene Salls of LaCrosse
Valorie Schleicher of Wauwatosa
Greg Torgeson of Slinger
Stephanie Walter of Oshkosh

---

'They woke to the possibility of desire instead of duty', assemblage,
by Gary Warren Niebuhr, Coordinator of the Greendale WRAP

These eleven artist are representing the coordinators of over twenty local WRAP exhibits and workshops, as artists who not only pursue their own creative endeavors, but work hard to provide opportunities for others as well.  If you are going to be in Madison, please put stopping by the Steenbock Gallery in your 'must do list' and help us celebrate the art of these accomplished art leaders and artists.

The images posted here are just some of the artworks our twelve artist have to share. 

Remember to join us at the Steenbock Gallery weekdays May-July 12th and check out the wonderful artworks our Wisconsin Regional Art Program coordinators and volunteers from around the state have included in this dynamic art exhibition. 

And especially plan to join us July 12th from 1:00 - 3:00 when you will have a chance to see the art AND meet some of the artists.

Spring, oil by C.K. Change, Co-coordinator, Madison WRAP

There are currently twenty-one communities that provide exhibition and workshop opportunities to state and local artists as a part of WRAP.  WRAP exhibitions offer non-professional artists from across the state of Wisconsin.

WRAP exhibitions offer non-professional lay artists from across the state of Wisconsin. WRAP defines 'non-professional' as those artists who do not make the majority of their income from their art.  Both beginners and highly accomplished artists are welcome to participate in these self-juried exhibitions.

Each exhibit and workshop is coordinated locally, most with the support of a local art organization.  You can find information about which WRAP exhibits are closest to you here. 

Looking Out, Looking In, by Valorie Schleicher, Grafton WRAP Coordinator, and Pensee' Tranquil, Clay, by Marlene Salls, LaCrosse WRAP Coordinator

First Prize at the Rib Fest, Ceramic, Mary Ann Narveson, LaCrosse WRAP

Regional exhibits include a workshop on the final day for participating artists and the public in which a guest artist gives a lecture or demonstration followed by an educational critique of the exhibited artwork lead by the exhibit judge.  The artists who receive a State Award for their artworks are eligible to exhibit at the Annual State Art Exhibition and Conference held  August and September.  In 2014 the State Conference and Exhibition will be held at the Center for Visual Arts in Wausau. 

In 2015 the State Conference and Exhibition will be back in Madison.

---

Watercolor paintings by Audrey Bunchkowsk, Wautoma WRAP Coordinator

Wisconsin Regional Art Program (WRAP) exhibits/workshops began in 1940 to encourage the creative growth of Wisconsin non-professional artists from rural areas. WRAP is developed and administered by the UW-Madison, Division of Continuing Studies and has since expanded to include urban areas. WRAP exhibit/workshops are held throughout the year in over twenty locations around the Wisconsin.  WRAP and our non-profit partner, the Wisconsin Regional Artist Association,  are always interested in working with local community leaders, arts organization, and art venues to see if it is possible to bring WRAP to their communities. 

Pink Water Lilies, Colored Pencil, by Davide Carpenter, Prairie du Sac WRAP Coordinator

Your art organization or art club can host an Art  Exhibit and Workshop too. We plan early so contact us as soon as possible, if you'd like to sponsor a workshop next year. We're looking for new places now to help us celebrate the 75th anniversary of WRAP.

Creative Energy, mixed media, by Nanci Buchanan, Richland Center WRAP Coordinator.

The Wisconsin Regional Art Program is delighted to continue our new collaborative relationship with the Wisconsin Academy of Science Arts and Letters to coordinate exhibitions in their Steenbock Gallery a in Madison Wisconsin, giving more opportunities for our State's creative lay artists to share their art in this urban center. 

The Steenbock Gallery is in the lobby of the building that houses the Administrative Offices of the Wisconsin Academy.  Thank you to WASAL, and thank you to all of our wonderful WRAP artists for sharing their creative work and inviting us to enjoy it.

---

Our partner, the Wisconsin Regional Artists Association (WRAA), is a non-profit organization, started in 1954 with just 36 members. WRAA’s mission then and now is to support Wisconsin Regional Art Program (WRAP). In 2014 the WRAA's celebrates its 60th Anniversary promoting creative growth for Wisconsin's artists. Today with over 600 members, WRAA members continue to participate in and promote WRAP exhibits and the annual WRAP State Exhibit and Conference.

WRAA publications include Contour Notes, WRAP State Exhibit color catalog, WRAP Timely Treasures calendar, and brochures. In addition, WRAA also kicks off the WRAP State Exhibit and Conference weekend by hosting Evening with the Arts artists’ reception showcasing WRAP State Award art, WRAA sponsored Statewide Teen Art Mentor Program and WRAA Tiny Treasures Exhibit, Competition and Sale. WRAA also solicits and distributes over $4500 in awards given out at the annual award ceremony, which follows the annual WRAP State Exhibit Conference.

Consider joining the WRAA and participating in one of our local WRAP Exhibits and Workshops.  We would love to see you there and at our state day and exhibition in Wausau this summer.  Watch for more information as both draw nearer.

Buds and Blooms, oil, by Ginny Jungsworth, Wautoma WRAP Volunteer

Remember, look for the sign outside the Wisconsin Academy of Science Arts and Letters offices at 1922 University Avenue to indicate 'The Gallery Is Open'!

THE GALLERY IS OPEN with artwork by Stephanie Walter, Wautoma WRAP Coordinator