View the Official Press Release

http://www.theartsmill.org

THE ARTS MILL Grand Opening Event March 11

The North Shore Academy of the Arts Would Like to Invite the Community to the Arts Mill Grand Opening Event on March 11 Between 5-10pm at the Arts Mill Location.

Grafton, WI, March 6, 2011:  The Arts Mill, a new sister site for the North Shore Academy of the Arts, will have its Grand Opening Event on Friday, March 11 from 5 to 10pm.  The general public is invited to attend the Grand Opening Event at 1300 14^th Avenue in Grafton.  Food and beverage will be available for purchase by Grapes and Tastes.  Visitors can browse the Arts Mill Boutique which showcases the merchandise of Wisconsin artisans.  Newly renovated gallery, studio and event space will be open for the public to browse as well.  The community can meet the artists and celebrate this great event.  Please visit http://www.theartsmill.org for more information.

ABOUT US… The Arts Mill

The Arts Mill is a division of North Shore Academy of the Arts, a not-for-profit organization offering quality opportunities in the visual, performing and literary arts. As we move into the next chapter of our growth, we have opened this satellite location to further our mission of supporting the arts. The Arts Mill is situated in the historic Grafton Mill located at 1300 14th Ave. Grafton, WI adjacent to the Milwaukee River and two blocks from our home site. The newly renovated 3rd floor of the mill will host many exciting NSAA events and is also available for our community to rent for private parties. Our 2nd floor has been renovated to house our art studios, which supports local artists in their discipline while giving the public the opportunity to view live artists at work. Within the studio space is the Arts Mill Boutique, developed to encourage the pursuit of artistic careers. It is a wonderful mix of gift items and creative accessories developed by local artists from Milwaukee and Southeastern, WI.

Funds to renovate the Arts Mill have largely been provided by Kapco, Inc.    Donations are still being accepted. Kapco, Inc. has offered to match funds up to $5000.  Please email Arts Mill Director Paula Christensen if you are interested in making a donation.  paulac@northshoreacademyofthearts.org

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News Graphic Article “Chairman of the Arts” from January 18, 2011

For Immediate Release

Re: North Shore Academy of the Arts, Board of Directors

Contact: Sheri Bestor/262.719.4633

North Shore Academy of the Arts Inducts Neil Willenson  as Chairperson of Board of Directors

North Shore Academy of the Arts Inc., a not-for-profit 501c3 organization located in Ozaukee County, providing quality opportunities in the arts, enters their second decade of service to the community.  

“We have many inspiring developments taking place and on the horizon,” said NSAA Founder, Sheri Bestor. “One of the most exciting is Neil Willenson joining our Board. With his tremendous non-profit knowledge, people skills and overall leadership qualities, Neil will be a fantastic addition to our already strong board.”

Current Board members include former chair, Dave Fischer the CFO of Kapco, who is now the Vice President  of NSAA’s board and joining the financial committee, Darrell Hofland, Village Administrator of Grafton, Mike Donahue,  CPA and owner of Donahues Accounting Services, Paula Hare, owner of Hare Strigenz Design, Bruce McIlnay, Attorney, and Urszula Cholewinska.  “We are pleased and proud to welcome Dave Cavil to the board as well. Dave and his wife Sara were the people who stepped forward with a contribution to close the gap and make the outdoor classroom a reality. Dave is  already involved with exciting improvements to the Broad Street Facility. The addition of Dave is perfect timing with Neil taking on the Chairperson position.”

Stepping in as Chair, Neil will work with board members on fundraising and governing the organization.  

 ”When Neil became available, Sheri and I saw it as a golden opportunity.  Neil is uniquely qualified to lead the Board with his firsthand knowledge and understanding of what it takes to run a successful 501c3 organization, his training and background in arts and entertainment as well as his participation in past NSAA productions.  We are extremely fortunate to be able to add such a talented individual to what is already a strong Board.”

Indeed, with 20 years of non-profit executive leadership skills as the  Founder and former CEO of One Heartland, a national charity for disadvantaged children, Willenson is the  perfect fit to lead our Board of Directors.  Most recently, Willenson began work as the Vice President of Community Relations at Kapco where he leads Kapco’s vast philanthropic and community work.

“The dedication and experience provided by Dave Fischer throughout his tenure as Board Chair has brought North Shore Academy of the Arts (NSAA) to a new level.  I am confident that Neil, who has been involved with NSAA for many years will continue the growth and leadership that Dave has provided.  The combination of Neil’s and Dave’s experience and dedication will provide NSAA with a tremendous leadership team,” said NSAA’s Advisory Board Member, Les Weil, Community Volunteer.  

“NSAA continues to transition in such a positive way.  With the addition of Neil and Dave Cavil and the continued dedication of our other board members, our administration at NSAA will be able to focus on running the organization and programming,” said Bestor.

“It is a great honor to be invited to serve as the Board Chair of the North shore Academy of the Arts. For many years I have been an admirer of Founder Sheri Bestor and the creative and dedicated team she has assembled.  As a resident of Grafton myself and a participant in NSAA programming, I know firsthand the great value that NSAA provides to thousands of people in our community.  I am excited for the opportunity to help NSAA bring their bold and ambitious vision of growth to fruition.  Art and arts education truly enriches lives.  NSAA is a preeminent organization in making this possible,” said Neil.

North Shore Academy of the Arts is located in Grafton. Wisconsin, with two facilities.  They focus on classes in the arts for children and adults, musical productions, workshops, mentoring in the arts and the soon to be opening art studios, boutique and art gallery.  To learn more about NSAA or to become involved, visit the website at www.northshoreacademyofthearts.org

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The Willenson Family

MORE PHOTOS…….. found on our FACEBOOK PAGE

Please join us for a semi-formal family evening filled with song,  dance and auction fun…all to celebrate the arts and benefit NSAA programming!

POSTER

VIEW INVITATION

RSVP CARD

WHAT:  Please join us for the 1^st Annual NSAA Golf Classic

WHEN:  Monday September 20, 2010

12:00pm Lunch

1:00pm Shotgun Start

WHERE:  The Bog

COST:  $150 which includes:  18 holes with cart, Lunch, Hole events, Prizes and Raffle, Appetizers and Drinks to follow.

REGISTRATION FORM                                                                                

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Thursday, August 19, 5:00PM to 9:00PM    

Join us for an evening on the shores of Lake Michigan in support of North Shore Academy of the Arts and the celebration of their 10 year anniversary.   The evening will include a signature cocktail, appetizers and a complimentary boat ride.  Cash bar available.  This is an adult only event. 

Cost is $35 per person by contacting Jodi Heston at 414-331-5634 or sjheston@aol.com

Milwaukee Yacht Club
1700 North Lincoln Memorial Drive
Milwaukee, WI US

In talking with people within the community, it’s amazing how some in Southeastern WI are very familiar with our programs.  However, you might be stumbling upon us for the first time.  Let us introduce ourselves. 

We tend to attract families.  And those families stick with us for a very long time.  NSAA is a FAMILY FRIENDLY community.  We have something for everyone.  We have offerings for ALL AGES in the visual, literary, and performing arts.  This is what makes NSAA UNIQUE.  We specialize in all of the arts.  Whether its dance classes, modeling classes, computer classes, private music lessons, yoga, art classes, writing critiques and workshops, we pretty much cover it all. 

NSAA also has the CREDIBILITY AND LONGETIVITY that makes us a successful organization.  We have a solid board of directors, advisory board members, and we have been around for 10 years!  We are a GROWING 501c3 nonprofit organization.  We attract creative people and produce creative energy.  This is our contribution to making our region A BETTER COMMUNITY. 

You can support our mission through volunteering, signing up for classes, telling a friend about us, or by giving a charitable contribution of any size.  Stop in sometime and look around.  See for yourself the excitement that the arts bring to individuals, families, and communities!

(And remember, NASA launches rockets.  We, NSAA, LAUNCH DREAMS!