Celebration of Life on the Lake

 

Gary participated in a community based project recently, Celebration of Life on the Lake, and here's the clay tile that he made.  I'm so proud of him for trying something new and doing it so well-good job!  The reception was this past Saturday where everybody got to see them all together for the first time, I didn't know what to expect since I wsn't a part of this one, and was blown away with what I saw.  And to see all the kids with their parents, showing off their art work, well that was just precious!  The following text is from a press release (making sure I get the facts straight!), and photos from Gary.  This will be the 3rd attempt, for some reason Typepad keeps eating my posts tonight!

Through the months of April and May students from Kewaunee and Algoma schools, as well as home school children and adult community members, have gathered at Clay on Steele in Algoma to create works of art celebrating life here in Northeast Wisconsin on the Lake Michigan shore.  Nearly 150 participants designed, created and glazed clay tiles that depict scenes of local plant and wildlife, recreational activities, family farms, historical buildings and endangered and invasive species.  The project, designed and implemented by local artists Kirsten Christianson and Stephanie St. John, was partially funded with a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board.  The artists were able to receive this grant by partnering up with ArtBeet, Inc., a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the arts in Kewaunee County.  Additional support was provided by local businesses, individuals and over a dozen volunteers from the community.

 This project was created to bring the community together and to help us appreciate the beauty, history and culture of Kewaunee County.  We are thrilled with the exciting response we have received from all the participants, volunteers and donors.  The quality of art work and the excitement generated from the project participants was astounding and far surpassed what we had anticipated.  All the artists and families should be extremely proud of this body of work.  Celebration of Life on the Lake has truly been a community project, we are thankful for all your support and hope to continue to organize future community art projects.  A selection of tiles will kept on display at The Flying Pig through Memorial Day weekend.

 

 

Comments

[Debbie Overton]

Gary's tile is wonderful and what a great project!

[Tammy Vitale]

wow - Gary's and ALL of the tiles are awesome! Great use of bas relief and texture...and these are beginners! I can only imagine given some time "playingin the mud" what they might create. I just love clay - it really lends itself to this kind of work: marvelous!

[Jo Anne]

These are awesome! Gary's is especially wonderful too!