(Grafton, WI)  Italian native, NSAA Program Director and Arts Mill Director Paula D. Christensen is keeping very busy as always.  Not just with her directing duties at the NSAA and NSAA Arts Mill but doing that which she loves the most….making art.

Paula was recently awarded a blue ribbon for her oil painting at the Cedarburg Cultural Center Ozaukee Art Exhibit.  She was also awarded two guitars to paint by the the Grafton Arts Board.  Her designs will soon be hanging in the heart of Grafton’s Paramount Plaza.  In addition, she was juried into the exhibit “Drawing the Line” at Gallery 224 in Port Washington.  The Village of Shorewood recently commissioned her to paint a large heart for their public art event, “I Love Shorewood”.  Her work is shining everywhere bringing beauty to the community and warming the eyes of the viewers.

For more on Paula’s work,  see her blog or watch her paint in her NSAA Arts Mill Studio.

The North Shore Academy of the Arts (NSAA) has a top notch Dance Department for a wide variety of ages.  Levels range from beginners to advanced with some competing in competitions.  NSAA has just released its Summer 2012 Programs, Classes & Events containing classes in the visual, literary and performing arts for all ages. This summer, the NSAA Dance Department will be offering:

Ballet Princesses Dance Camp for the potty trained

Hip Hop-Level: MTV (Intermediate/Advanced) ages 14 and up

Hip Hop-Level:  Commercial (Beginning) ages 14 and up

Ballerina Superstars ages 5-7

Ballet & Lyrical (Intermediate/Advanced) ages 12-16

Jazzista Rock Stars ages 6-9

Jazz it Up ages 12 and up

Private Dance Lessons for ages 6 and up

Animals on the Move ages 4-6

Premier Dance Company Professional Performing & Competitive Dance Company ages 10-18

Mommy and Me ages 2-3

Stomping Out Rhythms ages 5-7

For registration questions please contact info@northshoreacademyofthearts.org or call 262.377.3514.  The Dance Department is run by Kathleen Fictum who has a longstanding history of bringing her teams to success.  You can email Kathleen at kathleenf@northshoreacademyofthearts.org The NSAA dance department is located on the 3rd floor at 1111 Broad Street in Grafton.

North Shore Academy of the Arts (NSAA) is proud to announce their Arts Mill 2012 Exhibition Calendar   VIEW PDF FLYER  The NSAA Arts Mill is the “sister site” of the North Shore Academy of the Arts and is located in the historic mill at 1300 14th Ave. in Grafton.  FOR HOURS & MORE INFORMATION

Contact NSAA Arts Mill Director Paula Christensen paulac@northshoreacademyofthearts.org

MIAD ALUMNI EXHIBIT
March 23 – May 29, 2012

This juried exhibition is open to all alumni from MIAD or its predecessors Milwaukee School of Art and Layton School of Art.

Deadline for Entries: March 8, 2012, via EntryThingy.com (entries must be submitted through EntryThingy.com)

Notification of Jury Results: March 9, 2012

Contact info: Melissa Dorn Richards, Director of Cultural & Alumni Relations melissarichards@miad.edu

APRIL 2012

ARTS MILL SPRING FLING
April 16-20th
“A portion of studio artists will host a sale on selected items”

ARTS MILL FIRST ANNIVERSARY SHOW
April 27 – 5-9 pm      
“Celebrating art work from the Arts Mill studio artists”

MAY 2012

KENNEDY SCHOOL ART SHOW
Dates: May 2 – May 14
Opening May 6, 1-3pm

INNER – ACTION
Dates: May 19, 6-11pm
“An Interactive Pulled Painting Event with Matthew Reilly and Friends”

JUNE/JULY 2012

WRAP – “Wisconsin Regional Art Program
Dates: June 10 – July 28
Opening June 15 
WRAP workshop July 28

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2012

SATURATION 4 - “A Photography Event”
Dates: August 3 – September 18
Opening August 3, 5-10pm

LADIES NIGHT OUT
Dates: August 7, 5-9pm

OUR AMERICA – “A juried exhibit exploring the State of our America as you see it. Life, politics, current state of affairs.”
Dates: September 28 – November 27
Opening September 28, 6-9pm

OCTOBER 2012

PUMPKIN FESTIVAL/ARTS WEEKEND
Dates: October 11-13
Friday from 5-9pm, Saturday & Sunday 11am-5pm

NOVEMBER 2012

FROM HAND TO HeART
November 7th from 6-9pm
“A celebration of giving through Handmade Art”

DECEMBER 2012-JANUARY 2013

FURNITURE AND GIFT EXHIBIT
Dates: December 7 – January 2013
Opening December 7th, 6-9pm

The Arts Mill – 1300 14th Ave, Grafton WI 53024
For more information regarding any of these events please contact us at:
262-377-3516 or visit  www.theartsmill.org
The Arts Mill is open Tuesday – Saturday 11-5pm

The ARTS MILL is home to artist’s studios which are open to the public.  In one space, an artist creates displays, discusses, and sells his or her artwork.  Not only can one shop for original artwork in the studios, one can also get a first-hand look at the artistic process. People can find out the story behind a work that catches their eye or talk with the artist about how it was created. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Paula Christensen at: paulac@northshoreacademyofthearts.org.

Contact:  Sheri Bestor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Email:sherib@northshoreacademyofthearts.org
 

The NSAA Arts Mill announces “AT THE H-ART OF GIVING”.

Celebrate wellness and the arts by 2 local organizations, North Shore Academy of the Arts and Unified Body Wellness Institute, for an evening of fine dining, sample wellness experiences and wonderful holiday shopping!

This event will take place on Wednesday, November 9th, 2011 from 5:30-9pm.

(Grafton, WI)  The NSAA Arts Mill in Grafton (1300 14th Avenue, Grafton, WI 53024) is pleased to announce a special event featuring fine dining & holiday shopping.  “At the H-ART of Giving” is an event featuring an organic vegetarian meal. Dinner is $25/per person.

Schedule of Events:
•5:30-6pm: Relax with complimentary sample experiences of massage and reiki.
•6-7:30pm: Sit and enjoy a vegetarian meal and cash, organic wine & refreshment bar with peaceful, live music.
•7:30-9pm: Complete your holiday shopping with locally-made and fair-trade gift items, wellness gift certificates and raffles.
•Browse and shop for art work created by professional, local artists in the Arts Mill Boutique and Gallery.
 

To reserve your space, call:
NSAA @ 262.377.3514 or register online www.northshoreacademyoftgearts.org
(please specify any dietary needs when you purchase your ticket)

Don’t miss this special evening to prepare for the holidays while supporting organizations whose missions are to educate and serve the community in wellness and the arts. If you can’t attend the dinner but would like to shop, it will be opening to the public at 8pm.

The North Shore Academy of the Arts is a Wisconsin not-for-profit organization dedicated to offering high caliber opportunities in the performing, visual and
literary arts to all ages. To learn more about this organization, visit them on-line at: http://northshoreacademyofthearts.com/
 

Unified Body Wellness Institute, Inc. is dedicated to inspiring individuals and communities through educational and wellness programming.  For more information on this organization, visit them on-line at: http://www.ubwellinstitute.org/

For more information on NSAA’s Arts Mill , check out our website at:
http://www.theartsmill.org

If you would like more information on this event, or to schedule an interview with Sheri Bestor, please email her at sherib@northshoreacademyofthearts.org.

Located in the beautiful historic Arts Mill Gallery on the river

Relieve stress and relax, gain strength and flexibility on a new level, and achieve overall balance for well-being. This practice is designed to balance the body, focus the mind and recharge the spirit, unifying body, mind and breath. Each class consists of gentle movements, classical asanas and breathing exercises to foster the creative energy within.

Instructor: Sheri Bestor. Balancing Arts, working in cooperation with NSAA.

Time/Days: Wednesdays 6:00-7:15pm. March 30, April  6, 13th

Cost: $13 drop in, Series Pass- $30 if you pre-register  for the series of three classes

Located at 1300, 14th Ave. Grafton Wisconsin in the Arts Mill. The North Building on the Third Floor.

To Register call: North Shore Academy of the Arts, Inc. 262.377.3514

Or register online at www.northshoreacademyofthearts.org

For more information visit: www.balancingarts.net

Also available: Private and small group classes. Yoga therapy for those on the autism spectrum. Reiki.  Contact Sheri-262.719.4633 with any questions or to schedule a session.

Coming Soon: Unified Body Method™ Classes taught by Erik Knuth

Unified Body Method™, both a preventative practice and healing technique, is based on specific sequences of movement that assist in developing subtle awareness of the balance between body, breath and mind. With this complete awareness we focus on awakening the solar plexus, releasing contractions and regulating muscle tone. The gentle sequences are designed to introduce a broader range of neuro-pathways, increasing the intelligence of the body-mind connection. The Unified Body Method™ enables us to remain in sync with the laws of nature, eliminating duality so that we may live synergistically within our universe.

 
Disney’s 101 Dalmatians will begin 4/25.  If you sign up early online, you receive a discount.  Here is the link to register.   

http://northshoreacademyofthearts.com/online-registration/jr-stagekids-101-dalmations/

Jr. Stagekids “101 Dalmations!” SPRING

Jr. Stagekids Production DISNEY’s “101 Dalmations!”

Target age: 6 to 11 years old
For those children who love to act, sing, and dance…this class is for you! Make friends and build self-confidence while learning to deliver lines, act in character, sing and perform choreographed moves!  PLEASE REGISTER EARLY!  Our Jr. Shows fill quickly!  No refunds after registered. Contact angelam@northshoreacademyofthearts.org with questions.  Limited Class Size.

Instructor: Angela Mack and Jr. Stagekids Crew

Time/Days:  4:30 to 7:00 pm  Mondays  4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, mandatory dress rehearsal 5/23, 5pm show at NSAA on 5/31

Early Registration Fee: $100                                Fee: $110
Program: 220

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.

Come and hear these talented local GLEEKS sing their hearts out on Monday November 15 at 7pm!  This event is free and open to the public.   WATCH NEW “Take a Bow” VIDEO!

The teen GLEEKS are students ranging from Mequon to Fredonia.