Give local artists a presence under your tree this year
Photo Gallery
Why not art for Christmas?
The real deal—original works, not framed reproductions: paintings, watercolors, pen and ink drawings, pottery, sculpture or fiber art, all created by local artists.
"I don't think people realize how much talent there is in their own backyard," said Alicia Reid, owner of Raven's Wish Art & Framing in Janesville.
It's a gift suggestion for ordinary folks on ordinary budgets.
But how do you find out what it costs? Where do you find local talent? And how do you know what's good?
You might not want to risk asking those and other questions out loud. So we did it for you.
Q: I don't know anything about art. How will I know what to buy?
A: "Buy what you love; buy something that speaks to you," Reid said. There's nothing wrong with getting input, but in the end, you're the one who has to live with it."
Connie Glowacki a professional watercolorist from Janesville, put it this way: "You have to like it; you have to feel like it enhances your life or gives you insight into a subject in a different way."
Q: I want to buy a piece of art to match my drapes. Is that OK?
Sure it is. But consider you choice carefully. Drapes come and go, but art is forever.
"A lot of people want something that will match a piece of furniture," said Pat Moxley, Janesville artist and gallery owner. "But you want something that you really love, not something that belongs to a piece of furniture."
Q: But what if I'm interested in roosters? Or tractors? Or Chinese cooking? Real artists don't paint those subjects, do they?
A: Pish, not true.
Janesville painter James Richter often paints local landmarks, such as the Cozy Inn sign. It's a wonderful painting that captures downtown Janesville's lively past and changing present.
Recently, he was part of a two-man show at the Monroe Art Center featuring that town's local landmarks.
Janesville painter Nancy Raufman, who also works at The Janesville Gazette as a graphic designer, has created a series of tractor paintings. The vibrant colors awaken the spirits of those old classics.
Q: But if it's local, how can it be good?
A: Ah yes. You've got a bad case of geographical low self-esteem. It's painfully common in this area, despite plenty of evidence to the contrary.
But consider these facts:
Glowacki has made her living as an artist for almost three decades. That says something about the staying power of her work.
Susan Hunt-Wulkowicz, who lives just outside of Janesville, routinely takes her work on tours of Japan, where it is wildly popular. Her work has increased significantly in value over the years.
We don't have enough room to print all of the awards and prizes local artists have won. But rest assured that those awards mean that the winners have been judged by a tough group of critics: Their peers.
Finally, consider Martha Hayden of Sharon and New York City. Hayden has participated in shows at the Art Institute, the Milwaukee Museum of Art, the National Academy Museum in New York City, Racine's Wustum Museum and a variety of other spots.
She studied at the Art Institute of Chicago; Schule des Sehens, Salzburg, Austria and the University of Chicago.
Q: OK, so where can I buy local art?
A: First stop, the Janesville Performing Arts Center, 408 S. Main St., Janesville. The lobby has been transformed into a gallery by the Janesville Arts League holiday show. It runs through Dec. 19.
The lobby is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends before performances.
"The Janesville Art League always has something up," said Laurel Canan, JPAC executive director. "And starting in January, we'll be doing featured artists on the front wall."
The first featured artist will be George Gutmann.
Featured artists will have their works displayed for a month; works in the other portion of the gallery will be up for two months.
Other options include:
-- Raven's Wish Art & Framing, 2871 Liberty Lane, Janesville.
-- Leuca Guild Hall, 742 East Madison Ave., corner of Highway 26 and 59, Milton.
-- Pat Moxley's Studio, featuring her artwork, 111A East Milwaukee St., Janesville, by appointment only, (608) 752-0228.
-- The Wine Shop, 105 West Milwaukee St., Janesville, which has a small gallery of featured artists, almost all are local. Check the store's Web site, www.thegrapevinewineshop.com, to see what's showing.
-- Hedberg Public Library, which hosts an exhibition every month and often, but not always, offers those works for sale. In December, the exhibit features the work of fiber artist Kristine Moser.
-- Tallman Arts Festival, which is held every summer on the grounds of the Tallman House, 440 N. Jackson St., Janesville.
-- Charity auctions for local nonprofits. Such events are great for buyers but difficult for the artists, who are hit up repeatedly for donations and then see their pieces go for ridiculously low prices.
-- The Janesville Art League; call (608) 754-4544 for information about shows.
-- L'Atelier, 509 Laural Ave, Janesville. Gallery open by appointment, (608) 754-3358.
-- Susan Hunt-Wulkowicz Graphics, 7011 Williams Road, Janesville. Gallery open by appointment, (608) 752-1999
-- Local artists' Web sites. Here are a few featuring the artists we've mentioned. However, it's always better to see the art in person.
James Richter: www.artrichter.com.
Nancy Raufman: www.ticon.net/~nraufman/index.html.
Connie Glowacki: www.connie-glowacki.com.
Susan Hunt-Wulkowicz: www.huntwulk.com.
Martha Hayden: www.marthahayden.com.
Q: How much is this going to set me back?
At JPAC, the prices range from $75 to $800. Many pieces are in the $125 to $400 range.
At Raven's Wish, Reid carries some small pieces of art for $15, but generally the prices range from $100 to $400.
Q: You call that affordable?
A: Yes, just put it into perspective. A framed, limited edition copy of a wildlife or Thomas Kincade piece can cost upwards of $500—and those are copies.
Q: Is it appropriate to haggle over price?
A: No. Artists know what they need to get for their work.
Q: I'd like to get a painting of the family dog. How do I do that?
A: A number of artists work on commission. JPAC's Canan has helped connect people with painters.
Q: So I buy a piece of local art. Would I ever get to meet the artists?
A: Yes, there's a good chance you would. Every fall, the United Arts Alliance puts on ArtsFest. One day is dedicated to the fine arts, and artists often come and mingle with buyers.
Or your might get to meet them at the Tallman Arts Festival.
Finally, many artists show out of their homes.
Dec 11, 2007 at 9:52 a.m.
Suggest removal
As mentioned, the UAA ArtsFest is not only a great way to speak with local artists one-on-one, but to also watch them at work and try creating art yourself, as well as make purchases! Anyone who wants to "connect" with area artists (of all types!) throughout the year can find info about upcoming events and activities at www.rockcountyarts.com or stop by JPAC to pick up a copy of UAA's Arts Resource Directory.
Dec 11, 2007 at 3:37 a.m.
Suggest removal
Connie Glowacki is an amazing woman and artist. I have had the pleasure of attending her open house many times. Thank you Connie, and all local artists...for giving us something from home to be proud of!
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.