Melissa Kolstad is the curator for the Langdon Divers Gallery at the Fond du Lac Public Library in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. For her new quarterly series with the Library as Incubator Project, Mel talks about exhibitions and displays in the library’s gallery.
by Melissa Kolstad
It’s August, and for many non-professional artists around Wisconsin that means it’s time for the Wisconsin Regional Arts Program, or WRAP!
This wonderful program is celebrating 75 years this year and it’s bigger than ever! Established in 1940 at the University of Wisconsin as a way to reach out to rural areas with the visual arts, WRAP has grown to over 20 communities in Wisconsin and now also includes urban areas. In 1940, there were very few means of mass communication; today, of course, the need for rural communication is sort of a moot point, so everyone is welcome to join in! The program is still very active in incorporating arts programs and classes to those in urban and rural areas who otherwise may not have the opportunity to learn new art skills and techniques.
“Does Size Matter?” by Susan Delain, Neshkoro.
“Rainforest” by Kathy Teichmiller, Oshkosh.
Here at the Langdon Divers Gallery, we’re having out biggest exhibit EVER. There are nearly SIXTY pieces in this show, and we’ve utilized space in the gallery we didn’t even know we had! As you can see, the artwork has fully engulfed our little gallery. And what gorgeous art it is!
There is no theme to these shows, so artists are free to enter their best work. The artists must be non-professional, but that really means nothing as technically, many of these artists are as skilled as any professional artist working today. Many of the entrants belong to artists’ associations in their cities or towns, and the majority in our show are retired. I enjoyed hanging this show so much! I was able to chat with many of the artists who were dropping off their work and to hear them explain their process is to hear that spark that fuels their creativity, now that their time is their own. You can see the lifelong love and passion for art in every square inch of their canvas.
Here’s to encouraging artists of ALL ages to keep their creative spirits alive in the visual arts, and to keeping this wonderful program going for another 75 years!
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