Fifty one-of-a-kind banners that have graced downtown Whitewater all summer long will be sold during the Whitewater Arts Alliance’s annual auction fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 22 at the Cultural Arts Center.
The auction will begin at 5 p.m. The doors open at 4 p.m. during which attendees can view all the banners up for bid and enjoy live music and refreshments.
New for this year, there will be no tickets required and no admission charge to attend.
The 2012 art includes banners created by local organizations and artists, including four done by Stoughton artist, Derek Hambly, whose works were exhibited earlier this year at the Cultural Arts Center.
The banners, which were selected as the city’s eighth annual public art project, have been up on Whitewater’s Main Street light poles since May.
Sponsored by the Whitewater Arts Alliance, the project aims to help to make Whitewater a popular tourist stop each summer.
For each of the last eight years, the Whitewater Arts Alliance has selected a theme, and local artists and enthusiasts have created lively interpretations on basic forms.
In recent years, the artwork was produced by professional and amateur artists, school children from pre-school to high school, community members, families and business owners – all with creative ideas to share.
This year’s theme, “It’s a Banner Year in Whitewater,” is a tribute to the Whitewaterbanner.com, an online newsletter serving the Whitewater area, which is operated by Jim Stewart.
As has become tradition, the object for next year’s public art display will be revealed at the close of the auction. The form will also be available for artists to get started on their 2013 creations.
Stands that have been fabricated by the Scharine Group for displaying the 2012 banners outdoors will also be available for purchase.
“The board of directors and members of the Whitewater Arts Alliance would like to thank the Whitewater city crews for hanging and taking down the banners, Schopen’s Automotive Service for clear-coating the banners, the Public Art Committee for managing all the details and all the artists and sponsors for their creations,” said the Whitewater Arts Alliance.
All proceeds go to the Whitewater Arts Alliance, which provides art opportunities in the area.
The Whitewater Cultural Arts Center is located at 402. W. Main St. in Whitewater.
