LOLA Arts receives Northern Arts Council Grant
LOLA Arts is pleased to announce they have been awarded a grant from the Northern Arts Council in the amount of $650. The Northern Arts Council (NAC) was formed in 1968 for the purpose of developing and sponsoring art and cultural events in Northern Wisconsin, and is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to encourage broader participation in the arts through grant-making for community art and cultural activities in Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Oneida, and Vilas Counties. The grant received by LOLA will go to partially funding three community arts projects during their winter programming, “Community through Creating”, which is taking place now through April.
The NAC grant will help with funds for a collaborative community weaving project, Open Mic Music and Poetry sessions, and mosaic workshops designed to create community during the cold winter months.
LOLA kicked off January with the installation of a floor-to-ceiling loom in the gallery room, where folks are encouraged to collaboratively weave. Local fiber artist Katlyn Koester, who created and installed the loom, also made instructions on how to weave a variety of styles and patterns. There will be baskets of yarn, fibers, and scraps participants can use to weave during Community Arts Events, art groups, or classes. The loom will be up until the end of April, with all ages welcomed to weave. LOLA is located at 4262 County B in Land O’ Lakes.
After successful events last year, LOLA will once again hold winter Open Mics. Local favorite Bret Miller hosts the music again, bringing in a variety of instruments and songs sure to entertain. Anyone can perform or be just an audience member, the vents are free and open to the public. The next Open Mic and Jam is Thursday February 15th. Local poet and author Adrienne S. Wallner will host an Open Mic Poetry and Prose Thursday April 18th. Both events start at 6pm, with a potluck before at 5:30pm, and will be held in the gallery room at LOLA. “The Open Mics were so inspiring last year,” says LOLA marketing person McCall Hocking. “Seeing community members display their talents or share a little piece of their soul, just really warmed up cold winter nights. We hope to have a great turnout this year as well.” Some of the funds for the grant will cover the money paid to the Artist facilitators.
Another part of the NAC grant will go to partially funding a new workshop called Mosaic Mondays, which will happen each Monday in February. Artist Sharon Molinaro will lead participants through the process of designing and creating their own glass mosaic. Students can work at their own pace, and during whatever hours and days they can, before finishing with grout or epoxy. Registration is required, and can be found on the LOLA website under classes.
LOLA would like to thank the Northern Arts Council for their continued support of the arts in the Northwoods, and encourage residents to participate in their winter programming, “Community through Creating”.
