Kite auction set for Sept. 28 at Cultural Arts Center
Don’t miss out on the last chance to bid on one of the unique and colorful kites that graced downtown Whitewater this summer. On Sunday, Sept. 28 at 5:30 p.m., 58 one-of-a-kind kites will be auctioned off to the highest bidders during the Whitewater Arts Alliance’s 10th and final (for a while) fundraiser at the Cultural Arts Center, 402 W. Main Street. No tickets are required and there will be no admission charge to attend the auction.
The doors will open at 5 p.m. with live music and refreshments and an opportunity to view all of the kites between 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. (well after the Green Bay Packers are finished playing.)
Proceeds from the auction will go to fund the works of the Whitewater Arts Alliance and members of the greater community are encouraged to come out and bid generously on the kites, created by local organizations and artists.
The kites were placed on Main Street light poles in Whitewater this summer. Sponsored by the Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA), the public art project has helped make Whitewater a popular tourist stop during the summer months.
For each of the last 10 years the WAA has selected a theme, and local artists and enthusiasts have created lively interpretations on the basic forms. In recent years, the artwork was produced by professional and amateur artists, including school children – from pre-school to high school – community members, families, business owners… all with creative ideas to share.
This year’s theme, “Up, Up and Away in Whitewater,” brought a record number of artists to the table.
The board of directors and members of the Whitewater Arts Alliance would like to publicly thank Home Lumber for cutting the kite forms; the Scharine Group for the metal kites; Rick Fassl for developing the prototypes, and; Chuck Nass and the City of Whitewater crew for hanging the kites and making the necessary adjustments.
Additional recognition goes to: Zingg Automotive for providing the clear coating; Kim Scharine and GMA Printing for distributing and storing the kites, and for being the general contact, and; Coburn Company for creating the number tags.
Kudos for helping to hang the kites goes to: Dave Saalsaa, Lyle Hunter, Joyce Follis, and Linda Long; publicity – Marjorie Stoneman and Jim Stewart; and for initiating the project – Dawn Hunter.
The board and alliance also would like to recognize all of the kite artists and sponsors, the Public Art Committee, and Roni Telkfer for leading the charge for many years.
