You’re Invited to A Full Day of Celebrating the Arts!!!

Friday, August 8, 2025.

Paint Wisconsin Afternoon Reception: Roberta’s Art Gallery, UW-Whitewater University Center, Rm. 158, 190 Hamilton Green Way, Whitewater, WI August 8, 2025, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Program & Awards at 3:30 pm “Taste of Wisconsin” Friday Fish Fry themed refreshments will include: beer battered fish bites, mini potato pancakes, applesauce, coleslaw, relish tray veggies, Wisconsin Kringle, and sparkling cranberry juice Parking & Campus Map: Free parking for guests will be available in Lot 12 [Lot 12 is just off Prairie Street to the south of Heide Hall.] For more information, please visit: Roberta’s Art Gallery’s website and Instagram: uww_rag Paint Wisconsin Evening Reception, Art Auction, and WAA 20-Year Gala Event: Cultural Arts Center, 402 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI August 8, 2025, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm 5 pm: Heavy hors d’oeuvres: themed mocktails available for purchase; gallery viewing; live piano music by Jim Olm. 5:45 pm: WAA 20th Anniversary Acknowledgement; Marilyn Fuerstenberg Tribute and Thank You to WHS Class of 1961; Paint Wisconsin Awards and Acknowledgement of Roberta’s Art Gallery. 6:15 pm: Appeal Message by WAA Board Member, Dwight Watson. 6:20 pm: Live Auction-Conducted by Jenny Gehl, Bravo Benefit Auctions; Followed by a Paddle Raise and Drawing of Gift Basket; Artwork/Prize Payments and Pick-Up. 7:30 pm: Performance by “Here Comes Treble” Sweet Adeline Quartet Featuring Christine Hayes, Valerie Troxel, Lori Heidenreich, and Kim Taylor.

Detailed Schedule

Friday, August 8, 2025, will be a landmark day for the Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA), featuring a full schedule of events to celebrate its 20th Anniversary and honor local artists.

Paint Wisconsin Juried Exhibition Receptions

The day begins with the 1st Annual Paint Wisconsin Juried Exhibition’s Artist Reception and Awards Ceremony, held from 3 pm-4:30 pm at Roberta’s Art Gallery, located in the University Center at 190 Hamilton Green Way, UW-Whitewater. This juried exhibition honors the legacy of Marilyn Fuerstenberg and showcases works that capture the spirit of Wisconsin. A major exhibit, it is spread across two Whitewater galleries: Roberta’s Art Gallery and WAA’s own Cultural Arts Center Gallery, where a second reception will be held beginning at 5 pm. Awards will be presented to selected artists during both receptions. Parking in lot 12 at UW-Whitewater is free during the afternoon reception and parking is free at the Cultural Arts Center, with free overflow parking available across Main Street at First English Lutheran Church.

20th Anniversary Gala Celebration

At 5 pm, the celebration moves to the Cultural Arts Center, 402 W. Main Street, Whitewater, with the second Paint Wisconsin reception leading into the WAA 20th Anniversary Gala. The combined event at the Cultural Arts Center (CAC) runs from 5 pm–8 pm. Guests will enjoy live music, good food and treats, and a festive atmosphere that highlights the creative spirit of the community. For more information, visit the WAA Gala Event Page. Parking is free at the Cultural Arts Center, with free overflow parking available across Main Street at First English Lutheran Church.

Art Auction – Live Auction Fundraising Event

During the Gala, the evening at the CAC continues with an art fundraiser auction featuring paintings by the Stars of Whitewater, original works donated by WAA member-artists, and donated works created by nationally renowned, collected, artists such as Shelby Keefe, Schomer Lichtner, and Albert Benedict. Proceeds will support the Whitewater Arts Alliance’s mission to promote and sustain the arts in the region. Auction items may be viewed at the WAA Gala Event Page.

All events are free and open to the public.  A voluntary contribution of $20 is warmly appreciated to help offset event expenses and support future programming.

All are welcome!

“Celebrate the arts. Celebrate community. Celebrate 20 years.”

Feature Story

From Community Canvases to Cultural Treasures: The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) Gala Auction Tells a Story of Artistic Generosity The Whitewater Arts Alliance’s 20th Anniversary Gala art auction began with a playful idea: invite Whitewater’s leaders to paint original works to be auctioned off as a fundraiser during the 20th Anniversary gala. That idea became Painting with the Whitewater Stars, a joyful July event where local figures—from university leaders to local business owners partnered with WAA Artist Coaches to create one-of-a-kind paintings. These spirited, original pieces would be auctioned at the Gala on August 8, 2025, with proceeds supporting the WAA. But the story didn’t stop there. As word of the art auction spread, donors stepped forward with remarkable gifts—artworks of serious merit and legacy. Among them, an extraordinary painting by Whitewater native, Shelby Keefe, a nationally acclaimed painter known for her expressive urban landscapes and vibrant realism. Also donated are serigraphic prints by Schomer Lichtner, one of Wisconsin’s most beloved artists, whose work is known worldwide and whose whimsical depictions of dancers and cows have charmed collectors for decades. His serigraphs add depth and prestige to the auction. Another generous donation comes from the Benedict family and honors the legacy of Al Benedict, a respected regional artist known for combining sculptural impact with playful design. The three pieces—creative and strong—show how Al’s work balanced his personality with craftsmanship, using unusual materials and bold forms to explore his inventive style. Alongside these renowned names are three beautiful pieces donated by local artists—each one a reflection of the community’s creative spirit and commitment to the arts. “What began as a lark quickly became a legacy,” said WAA Gallery Director, Kim Adams. “We’re honored to showcase both the playful and the profound. These works—whether painted by a city manager or a nationally recognized artist—share the same purpose: to bring people together and support the future of the arts in Whitewater.” The Gala will be held at the Cultural Arts Center Gallery, 402 W. Main Street, from 5–8:30 pm. Guests will enjoy an evening of celebration, live music, food, storytelling, and bidding on artwork that bridges generations and genres. Whether you’re drawn to the charm of local leaders’ first brushstrokes or inspired by the legacy of renowned artists, every piece in the auction tells a story—and every bid helps write the next chapter. Go to the Whitewater Arts Alliance website (whitewaterarts.org) to see the schedule of the 20th Anniversary Gala and to view all of the art pieces to be auctioned off during the event.

Saturday, August 9th, 2025
12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

At the Lauderdale Landing
W5625 West Shore Drive, Elkhorn

Steak Dinner – $22
Burger with Fixings – $13

Proceeds to be used toward replacement of our engine

Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) is proud to announce the grand reopening of its Whitewater branch. FCCU hosted an open house on Wednesday, July 30, with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Whitewater Chamber of Commerce.

The branch was originally constructed in 2000 to accommodate the merger with Whitewater Community Credit Union that occurred in 1999 and the growing membership in the city. Until this year, no major changes had been made, except for the installation of Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) in the drive-up in 2018.

FCCU worked with LaMacchia Group to reimagine the interior layout of the Whitewater branch to enhance the banking experience for members. The branch remodel involved a reconfiguration of the space to ensure accessibility and private meeting spaces. The Whitewater branch has an inviting design that incorporates modern technology to improve member interactions, engagement and satisfaction.

“These upgrades reflect our commitment to providing a modern banking experience while remaining accessible to everyone in Whitewater,” said Sue Johnson, President and CEO of FCCU.

FCCU also has a new gallery wall provided by the artists of the Whitewater Arts Alliance. Community members are welcome to visit the branch to view the improvements.

About FCCU: Established in 1940, Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) is a member-owned financial cooperative open to anyone living or working in Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Rock, Walworth, or Waukesha counties. With branch locations in Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Watertown, and Whitewater, FCCU holds $380 million in assets and has more than 21,000 members. For more information about FCCU and the products and services they offer, visit fortcommunity.com or call (920) 563-7305.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Fort Community Credit Union.

Steve Watson writes, “This morning’s [August 1] bike ride by Hillside cemetery hay field. Two deer playing tag and running circles around sandhill cranes.”

Our thanks to Steve Watson for these great wildlife action photos!

— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share.  Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!

The 2025 National Senior Games is coming in hot in Des Moines, Iowa and four Wisconsinites representing the Wisconsin Tai Chi Academy are helping to bring the fire by already bringing home 7 golds in their sport.

Tracy Douglas, who attends the WTCA at their Whitewater location in the Cravath Lakefront Community Center was especially gratified. “This is the first time Tai Chi has been included in the National Senior Games, so to have won 1st place in the solo and group competitions is amazing. It’s wonderful knowing I’ve been a small part of tai chi’s history while representing Wisconsin. I even got to be the Wisconsin flag bearer in the Celebration of Athletes parade on Monday, July 28th which was an incredible honor.”

Founder and Head Instructor at WTCA, Ray Gates, was excited to be participating in the Games this year with three of his students. “Competitions are a great way to enjoy Tai Chi and meet others in the Tai Chi community. It’s a very supportive community; people are more interested in seeing what other people do and how they do it as opposed to being competitive. Having said that, we’re still very happy to have brought some medals back to Wisconsin.”

Four WTCA participants were the first from Wisconsin to compete in this sport at the Games.

The four WTCA athletes competed in a Group competition, as well as solo men and women’s competitions. Gates also competed in Open Weapon and Sword solo competitions, as well.

WTCA Medals

Women’s 65-69 Open Chuan Beginner- Sheila Quinnies

Women’s 60-64 Open Chuan Intermediate- Kerrie Hoffman

Women’s 55-59 Open Chuan Beginner- Tracy Douglas

Men’s 50-54 Open Chuan Advanced- Ray Gates

Open 50-54 Weapon (Non-Jian) Advanced- Ray Gates

Men’s 50-54 Sword (Jian) Advanced- Ray Gates

Group Advanced- Ray Gates, Kerrie Hoffman, Sheila Quinnies, Tracy Douglas

The National Senior Games run July 24-Aug 4 and include competitions for 25 different sports. Over 12,500 participants, including 400 from Wisconsin, ages 50-100+ will compete during this two-week event. More information about the Tai Chi competition at NSG can be found at: https://nsga.com/tai-chi/.

Wisconsin Tai Chi Academy is celebrating their 10th year this year, and offers classes in Cedarburg, River Hills, Brookfield, Wauwatosa, and Whitewater. You can find out more about WTCA at: https://wisconsintaichiacademy.com/.

Editor’s note: The above press release was submitted by Tracy Douglas.

Renea Gardner Zuehlke writes, “This was a beautiful butterfly that joined me in the garden.”

Our thanks to Renea Gardner Zuehlke for sharing this beautiful photo.

— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share.  Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!

Paint Wisconsin Awards, Art Auction and 20-Year Gala: Cultural Arts Center, Friday, August 8, 2025, 5-8 p.m.

• 5:00 pm – Gallery viewing, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and piano music by Jim Olm
• 5:45 pm – 20th Anniversary Acknowledgement, Marilyn Fuerstenberg Tribute and Thank You to WHS Class of 1961, Paint Wisconsin Awards
• 6:15 pm – Appeal by WAA Board Member Dwight Watson
• 6:20 pm – Live auction of “Painting with the Whitewater Stars” pieces and WAA artwork
• 7:30 pm – Performance by “Here Comes Treble” Sweet Adeline Quartet

The Painting “Stars” at work on their masterpieces – Courtesy of Tom Ganser

The Marilyn Fuerstenberg Paint Wisconsin Exhibit Reception and Whitewater Arts Alliance 20-Year Anniversary Gala Scheduled for August 8, 2025

The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) is proud to present the 1st Annual Paint Wisconsin Exhibition and to host its 20th Anniversary Gala on Friday, August 8, 2025. The Paint Wisconsin Exhibit will run from Thursday, August 7 – Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Due to the overwhelming response to the call for art and the high-caliber pieces submitted for this juried exhibition, the WAA has partnered with Roberta’s Art Gallery in the James R. Connor University Center, located on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UW-W) campus, to display some of the works. A list of the exhibiting artists and biographies of jurors Thomas Jewell, Frank Juarez, and Graeme Reid are available on the WAA website at https://www.whitewaterarts.org/paint-wisconsin-2025.  Roberta’s Art Gallery will hold a Paint Wisconsin Overview and Reception on August 8, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Free parking will be available in UW-W Lot 12. The lot is located behind Andersen Library, near the corner of Prairie and Main Streets.

At 5:00 p.m., the program and celebration will continue in the Cultural Arts Center, home of the Whitewater Arts Alliance, located at 402 W Main Street, Whitewater. The ticket cost is “pay what you will.” The event will open with free heavy hors d’oeuvres, a beer and wine cash bar, and live piano music by Jim Olm. At 5:45 p.m., the WAA will honor former member, self-taught artist, and inspiration for the Paint Wisconsin Exhibit, Marilyn Fuerstenberg. When Marilyn passed away in June 2024, her many friends in the WAA and classmates from the Whitewater High School class of 1961 wanted to establish an event in her honor. Through their generosity and the contributions of local sponsors, the Paint Wisconsin Exhibition became a reality. The Paint Wisconsin Awards will be announced at this time.

Marilyn Fuerstenberg was instrumental in the development and growth of the WAA as she led workshops and brought renowned artists from around the country to Whitewater. Thanks to dedicated members like Marilyn, the WAA is also celebrating its 20-year anniversary on August 8. Established in 2005 by community members and local artists working together to preserve the Prairie Tillers Mural at the corner of Center Street and Whitewater Avenue, the organization strives to expand its mission to “support, promote, and develop the arts as an essential and integral part of our community.” To that end, the evening will include a live auction at 6:20 p.m. as a fundraiser. Auctioneer Jenny Gehl from Bravo Benefit Auctions will auction off the 12 pieces from the “Painting with the Whitewater Stars” event (to include pieces by Chancellor Corey King, City Manager John Weidl, and First Citizens State Bank CEO Jim Caldwell, among others), two paintings by Marilyn Fuerstenberg, two pieces by Albert Benedict, and other works. Directly following the auction, Jenny will guide a live paddle raise; all donors over a certain amount will be entered in a drawing for a gift basket valued at more than $500. The festivities will close with a performance by “Here Comes Treble” Sweet Adeline Quartet featuring Christine Hayes, Valerie Troxel, Lori Heidenreich, and Kim Taylor.

Everyone is welcome to the Cultural Arts Center for an evening of food, drink, art, and music in celebration of Marilyn Fuerstenberg, the Whitewater Arts Alliance, and community.  Many thanks to our sponsors for making this event possible: Anonymous sponsors, Edge Broadband, Fort Community Credi

An Old Fashion Ice Cream Social
Music: Hardanger Fiddle. Pump Organ,
and Flute
Children’s Activities
Books, Bakery, and Photography Sale
100% proceeds go to church restoration.
August 17th 2:00 p.m.
Heart Prairie Norwegian
Methodist Episcopal Church
N7372 County Road P, Delavan, WI
Limited Parking ~~~Early Arrival Advised
>>>>>>> Ice Cream Free <<<<<<<