North Shore Academy of the Arts

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.