Our academy, over the years, has provided learning and growing opportunities for countless individuals. We are proud to offer the canvas, the stage, and the page, for the painters, the singers, the dancers, the actors, and the writers. We take that responsibility seriously.

But as NSAA has grown, and our family of supporters has, too, I’ve personally watched the silent artists create, as well. The silent artists are those who do not put their signature at the bottom of a painting, but instead stay late into the night building scenery, take small hands into theirs to teach them how to sculpt clay, give resources so a velvety blue curtain can be bought and hung, nail raw wood into a brand new stage, put together a brochure, a playbill, a website, or a blog, write a grant, take out the garbage, pay the bills, type endless emails to parents, and work on boards and committees…. 

 
American scholar Warren Bennis said it well, “There are two ways of being creative. One can sing and dance. Or one can create an environment in which singers and dancers flourish.”

I am grateful to all of those who have and continue to create the amazing environment for others to flourish. Starlight Night was a success thanks to the hard work of our staff and the dedication and leadership of Jodi and Steve Heston and their committee.

Together, we’ll enjoy the next decade. As our Broad Street location continues to buzz with activity of young and old artists, we’ll open our new doors at the Arts Mill for people to have a place to experience inspiration, imagination, and creation.

North Shore Academy of the Arts. Imagine, Discover, Create, Dream.

I hope to see you on March 11 at the Arts Mill Grand Opening.  Thanks for your continued support.
Sheri

We need your help! North Shore Academy of the Arts (NSAA) is moving closer to its grand opening of the Arts Mill. Last Saturday, dozens of amazing people volunteered to get the new site ready. We’re having another “Hometown Supports the Arts Day” this Saturday, January 15, and we hope you can help.

NSAA’s Arts Mill will feature studio space for local artists, a boutique and an entertainment venue, all in the historic Grafton Mill. We are seeking your help in all areas– cleaning, painting, and skilled labor (such as construction work) to get the site ready. 

Don’t miss being a part of the transformation of this national historic site in support of the arts and a local non-profit organization. We hope to see you there!

Hometown Support the Arts Day
Saturday, January 15
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Historic Grafton Mill, NSAA Arts Mill (2nd & 3rd floors, enter through north door)
1300 14th Avenue, Grafton

Any questions, please call Paula D Christensen at 262-377-3514 or paulac@northshoreacademyofthearts.org.

For Immediate Release

December 27, 2010   

Contact: Sheri Bestor  Cell:  262.719.4633                              

Arts Mill in downtown Grafton secures initial funding; Construction Underway Soon.

The “Arts Mill” in downtown Grafton to transform the Grafton Mill building into a vibrant community for artists, performers and residents of the north shore communities. 

•  The new “Arts Mill”  created by the North Shore Academy of the Arts will help make downtown Grafton a tourist and entertainment destination.
• The one-of-a-kind Arts Mill to include studio space for 20 artists, a boutique, gallery and banquet space.
• Kapco to provide lead $10,000 gift and up to $5,000 in matching funds.
• Community members are encouraged to contribute now so that the $5,000 match can be secured.
• The historic building will receive many upgrades that will transform the space into a vibrant arts community. 

(Grafton, WI) The New Year will be an exciting start to North Shore Academy of the Arts’ second decade of offering Southeastern Wisconsin programming and opportunities in the visual, performing and literary arts. 

WIth the expansion of the soon to be opening “Arts Mill” NSAA is striving to become the hub of arts in Grafton.  

“Moving into the historical Grafton Mill is like coming back home,” said Sheri Bestor, Founder and President of NSAA. “We began there with three small rooms ten years ago and now we’ll be occupying the second and a portion of the third floor.”  

“We have many artists who have already committed to occupying studio space with us. The high talent and variety of mediums will be an asset to the project,” said Paula Christensen, Director of NSAA’s Studios and Gallery. “I’m confident that we can fill all our spaces once we’ve committed to the upgrades.”

To make the space the perfect location for art studios and a gallery, there are several updates that need to take place before the move can happen.  That’s where the community comes in, lead by Kapco. 

“We’ve always been able to count on Jim Kacmarcik and the Kapco team to support our endeavors in the arts for our community.  Neil Willenson, the Vice President of  Community Relations at Kapco, has secured a generous,” said Bestor. 

“Kapco is pleased to be the lead contributor to the exciting Arts Mill project.  We have always admired the vision of NSAA Founder Sheri Bestor and have partnered with this fine organization for many years.   We know our funds will be utilized to transform the Grafton Mill building into a vibrant center for the visual and performing arts.  To encourage community participation in this important endeavor, In addition to our $10,000 lead gift,  Kapco will also match up to $5,000 in contributions received prior to spring 2011.     We are hopeful that the entire community will embrace what will soon become a one of a kind artistic and entertainment destination,” said Jim Kacmarcik, President of Kapco Metal Stamping.

 NSAA  envisions this project to be a community wide endeavor.

“We are working to make this building and what is within, a pride of Ozaukee County. The public will now be able to enjoy live artists working, be able to shop for high quality unique gift items. purchase art work, enjoy the special events held in the gallery, all while appreciating the amazing views and charm of the old building.  Our plans include making sitting areas near the river, and hopefully working with the village to expand the river walk.”

 ”We’d like the public to be able to be a part of this excitement.  So give us a call and we’ll give you a paint brush. We guarantee your contributions will be appreciated and you’ll have made a difference in what will become a long lasting special place for community members,” said Christensen.  

But that’s not all NSAA will appreciate. Make a donation, any size, and help NSAA reach their goal of raising $5,000 that will be matched by Kapco. 

“We’ve had only positive feedback about the project. We appreciate, already, all of the support and donations that have been coming in,” said Bestor. 

The public is encouraged to donate to the project by: visiting our website, www.northshoreacademyofthearts.org, or mailing the donation to: nsaa, 1111 Broad Street, Grafton WI 53024 

Artists interested in renting studio space: Paula, at paulac@northshoreacademyofthearts.org 

Artisans interested in selling their products in the store can contact: Adria, at adriaw@northshoreacademyofthearts.org

For more information (website) www.northshoreacademyofthearts.org 

About NSAA:  North Shore Academy of the Arts is a not-for-profit 501c3 organization offering quality opportunities in the visual, performing and literary arts to all ages.

Here we go!   One decade down.  Many more to go!  2011 will mark our next decade of providing visual, literary and performing arts opportunities for all ages.   For 10 years we have provided the Southeastern WI communities with quality programming.  Here is a peek at our newest offerings. 

Announcing our Winter Spring Program and Events Guide

“Growing Strong” photo courtesy of Angela Mack (c) 11/10.  May not be used without permission.

(NSAA Founders Scott and Sheri Bestor and Stagekids Community Coordinator Debbie Knuth mailed out a letter to registered HAIRSPRAY members.)

North Shore Academy of the Arts Presents: HAIRSPRAY !

This amazing upbeat musical  which is touring America, is certain to be an experience of a lifetime for cast members!  This show will bring the audiences to standing ovations! North Shore Academy of the Arts, Inc. and Nicolet Recreation Department are joining together to bring a cast of talent and energy to the stage from all over Southeastern Wisconsin. All registration fees are non-refundable. For those that are auditioning—you will receive a refund if you aren’t cast in the show.

Please note the following changes:

We are now REGISTERING for HAIRSPRAY 2011

AUDITIONS: February 2nd 4:30 to 9:00 at NSAA

FIRST REHEARSAL: February 5th 2:30 to 4:30 at NSAA

SHOW TIMES/DATES:  Friday, April 29 @ 7:00pm, Saturday, April 30 @ 7:00 pm and Sunday, May 1 @ 1:30pm

PERFORMANCE VENUE: Nicolet High School Auditorium

REHEARSAL and AUDITION LOCATION: North Shore Academy of the Arts

REHEARSAL TIMES:  Saturdays 2:30 to 4:30 until closer to the show

TARGET CAST: High School, Adults, and limited roles for 2nd through 8th graders

FEE:  $150R/$170NR

Email Stagekids Community Coordinator, Debbie Knuth with Questions debbiek@northshoreacademyofthearts.org

Register ONLINE today!

We are now registering for the musical, CAMP ROCK!

AUDITIONS: 1/31/11

FIRST REHEARSAL: 2/8/11

PERFORMANCE WEEKEND: 5/6-5/8 2011

REHEARSAL LOCATION: North Shore Academy of the Arts

REHEARSAL TIMES: Tuesdays

TARGET CAST: 2nd through 8th grade

Email Stagekids Community Coordinator, Debbie Knuth with Questions debbiek@northshoreacademyofthearts.org

For more on our STAGEKIDS PROGRAM

Register Online Today!

Perhaps you may not know that North Shore Academy of the Arts (NSAA) expands far beyond the reach of our Grafton facility.  Our instructors have been traveling to other cities for quite some time to bring PREMIER ARTS ENRICHMENT PROGRAMMING in the visual, performing and literary arts. 

NSAA has brought fine visual and performing arts programming to Bayshore Town Center in Bayshore.  Our Stagekids directors have been traveling to the Hartford Schauer Center for several seasons putting on high quality productions.  Our instructors have taught music and drama in Pre-K facilities in Mequon and Germantown.   Our performers have performed in Cedarburg, Mequon and Bayshore for various key events.  We have gone into public  schools to present assemblies and have fulfilled the need for arts enrichment in a private Milwaukee high school.   We have worked with Nicolet and Homestead high schools. 

With the 10 year anniversary of NSAA, we expect to continue expanding to fulfill the need for high quality arts programming in Wisconsin.  We are excited to launch our 2010-11 season.  If you would like for us to join you at your facility, in your community, on site at your location please email info@northshoreacademyofthearts.org  attn: Sheri or Paula to discuss your specific arts needs.  For more on CATERING THE ARTS grab a brochure!

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

"Our ARTISTS in MOTION Thursdays at Bayshore Town Center"

Stop by and say “hi” this summer!