The Whitewater Arts Alliance will kick off its 2019 Public Art Project, titled “Portals to the Past: Portals to the Future of Our Community,” at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 27.
Carol Cartwright will give a presentation during the event at the Cultural Arts Center, 402 W. Main St. Cartwright is a local historian and president of the Whitewater Historical Society.
The portals are to be painted on plywood boards measuring 2-by-42 inches. The plywood for the boards will be provided free to anyone who wishes to participate in the annual project.
The art will hang during the summer from the light poles in the downtown area. Each artist can include a story of his/her vision, and it will be included on the Whitewater Strive On app. Strive On utilizes the GPS on smartphones and will take individuals on a walking tour of the portals.
The project aims to provide a way for businesses, individuals, families and friends to participate in a fun, educational experience.
The Whitewater Arts Alliance will have materials and instructions ready at the kickoff. If an artist would like to participate but can’t transport the boards, an Arts Alliance member will deliver them. Opportunities to sponsor portals also are available. This is one of the major fund-raisers for the WAA each year.
The boards also will be available at the Cultural Arts Center during gallery hours: Thursdays through Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. beginning Feb. 1 during the quilt show.
