ArtStart

The pandemic has posed a serious challenge for artists and musicians everywhere.

That’s why WXPR has partnered with Nicolet College and ArtStart to present a project called “Working from Home” to support and share the work of local artists.

One part of that project is the Homegrown Concert Series. Every Sunday evening, local musicians perform on Nicolet’s stage.

Listen to the full interview with Nicolet’s Mike Effinger to learn more about what working on this project has been like.

WXPR’s Nonprofits of the Northwoods spotlights organizations in our area that are working to strengthen the community – whether that’s by lending a hand to someone in need, educating about the arts, or caring for the environment.

ArtStart is a Rhinelander organization that fosters creativity by making art accessible to everyone.

They’re involved in projects that range from a Free-for-Wall Quarantine art exhibition showcasing pandemic creations to Valentine’s Day singing grams featuring local musicians.

Usually around this time of year, there’s no shortage of artist and crafter markets.

ArtStart in Rhinelander is known for showing the works of amazing artists in its two galleries inside.

Now it wants to show off some of that art outside and make it functional.

“We want it to be something that is interactive and conducive to an outdoor gathering space and potentially an outdoor classroom for our kids art classes to move outdoors and some of the events and programs that we have to take place outdoors and have kind of an artistic beautification element and also interactivity built in,” said Childs.

The pandemic has severely cut the income possibilities for artists, who often find a place to show and sell their work in public places, now nearly entirely closed. Beginning Friday, a collaboration between Nate Sheppard Media, Nicolet College and ArtStart offers 'Art Fest Online'.

The event includes a platform and potential income for artists while developer Nate Sheppard says giving the public an option to view and become involved in their creativity...

The concept of arts and culture advocacy creating a more engaged community and strengthening the economy is the key to an event Tuesday at Nicolet College in Rhinelander.

Nicolet College is hosting their next HireUp Series event from 8 a.m. until noon Tuesday, Feb. 25 at the college's Northwoods Center.

CREATE Portage County is inspiring this collaborative effort. ArtStart's Melinda Childs says she will reveal plans soon to begin a similiar program here called CREATE NORTHWOODS...

ArtStart in Rhinelander is the site of two sessions over the next two weeks to teach people how to communicate effectively concerning public policy.

The Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service is hosting public dialog training, "How To Manage Difficult Conversations" with the first sessions Tuesday at ArtStart.

Eric Giordano is an associate professor of Political Science at UW-Stevens Point and is Executive Director of the Institute.

He says the most recent political discourse across the nation is a backdrop for the sessions...

Area artists can have their artwork on display for no charge this week at ArtStart in Rhinelander as part of their annual "Free For Wall" exhibit.

Program and Operations Director Ashley McLaughlin says it provides an opportunity for area artists to exhibit their work in a gallery setting. She spoke with Ken Krall about the event beginning this week...

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Area artists can have their artwork on display for no charge this week at ArtStart in Rhinelander as part of their annual "Free For Wall" exhibit. 

A unique art exhibit has been the focus at ArtStart Rhinelander since May. Layers by artist Phillip Faulkner is on display through Saturday, August 10th.

The exhibit combines appropriated imagery with original work and the artist behind it says he's open to any and all interpretations you might have of it.

Mackenzie Martin has this report from the opening reception in June.

 A famous chef from the TV show "A Taste of The Islands" on PBS will be in Rhinelander this weekend cooking for people who also want to support ArtStart and taste Haitian food and culture.

The Waterloo Center for the Arts began collecting art from Haiti in 1977. Over the last four decades, the Haitian Collection has grown to more than 1,500 works of art and is recognized as the largest public collection of Haitian art in the world. The exhibit is at ArtStart through Sunday.

Nicolet College in Rhinelander and ArtStart are collaborating to advance community arts and cultural development in the region. The new partnership creates a new position at ArtStart to manage the day-to-day operations of the Nicolet College Art Gallery and oversee cultural projects at ArtStart, on the Nicolet Campus and in area communities.

Current ArtStart development director Melinda Childs has been named to the new position. ArtStart President Ken Juon says the collaboration will bring more to the community...

One talented person is Forest, Langlade, Oneida and Vilas counties will get a chance to further their artistic career but the application deadline is nearing.

Northern Arts Council is sponsoring the Emerging Artist Grant Program. Jaron Childs is on the board of the Northern Arts Council.

He moved to the area from arts grant rich Minnesota where he noticed it wasn't so fertile, money-wise, for artists...

One of the founders of ArtStart Rhinelander has picked up one of two awards from a state arts group.

Ken Juon will receive the recognition at the tenth annual Arts In The Community Awards at the League of Wisconsin Municipalities conference October 25, in Wisconsin Dells.

Arts Wisconsin Executive Director Anne Katz talk about what it means to win this award...