The Whitewater Arts Alliance held its eighth annual public art project auction on Sept. 22, raising $4,290 for Arts Alliance programming.
The banners, which graced downtown city light poles this summer, received bids by business people, families, artists, teachers and residents of all ages.
“We continue to be so grateful for the participation of artists in our community and the generous folks behind the scenes who have supported public art in Whitewater,” said Linda Long, President of the Whitewater Arts Alliance.
This year’s banner project was created to honor Jim Stewart and his news website, www.whitewaterbanner.com.
A banner created by Whitewater High School students that featured Stewart and his site was stolen one day after it was displayed; however, this didn’t stop the banner from receiving the top bid of $800.
Following a lively competition between Richard Telfer and James Coburn, the bidders decided to both contribute $400 for a certificate with a photo of the banner.
The banners were created by a diverse group of local artists.
Jayanne Aron, who attends Washington Elementary School, created a piece called “Save Us!” featuring several animals.
“I think about them always. I want them to be saved forever,” she said.
Roni Telfer, chair of the Public Arts Project, also announced the 2013 project theme.
Next year, water barrels will be featured, providing a useful and lovely way to water trees, she said.
Telfer and Rick Fassl developed a prototype, which Jeanine Fassl painted.
The barrel forms for next year’s project will be available at the end of October at GMA Printing, 136 W. Main St. and will cost $25.
Adelyn Tabb and Amber Burgermeister, both UW-Whitewater students, provided music for the evening.
