Posts Tagged ‘Paula Christensen’
2011 “The Year in Review and Looking Ahead” Presented to the Board of Directors by NSAA Founder Sheri Bestor
Monday, January 2nd, 2012Recap from the nsaa founder 2011 powerpoint
View more presentations from marketingang.
Arts project with Homestead students spotlights foster care, youth who must leave system at age 18
Monday, April 25th, 2011
By Linda J. Steiner
If you ask Grace Meehan, student leader of Mequon High School’s Kids4Kids, why her group is doing a collaborative arts project with children who are in foster care or youth aging out of the system, she’ll tell you it’s because there are a lot more similarities than differences among young people.
“People might have a bad connotation about kids in foster care,” she said, “but they’re still young like us, and they have bright futures.”
Kids4Kids, which raises money for and tries to increase awareness about foster care, has been involved since early this year in an undertaking called Project 3mpower. The project aims to build awareness in the public and camaraderie and self-confidence in the young people involved by artistically telling the story of foster life.
Under the guidance of instructors at the North Shore Academy of the Arts in Grafton, the Homestead students have been working along with children and young adults served by St. Aemilian-Lakeside, a 161-year-old social services organization in Milwaukee.
They have been creating a variety of artworks from painting and pottery to song, dance, drama and poetry. The works will be showcased at a culminating public event May 15 from 3:30 -5 p.m., at the Arts Mill Gallery & Boutique, 1300 14th Ave., Grafton.
The project hopes to change the way the public understands and responds to the needs of foster youth. The name 3mpower comes from the goal of empowering three populations: foster and non-foster kids and the public.
“This helps them to see it’s not a bad thing to be in foster care,” said Jeanetta Watson, who is part of a St. Aemilian-Lakeside Independent Living Services (ILS) program that helps youth leaving foster care successfully transition to adulthood. Jeanetta worked at the last session, April 10, on a painting that will illustrate many of the emotions she experienced while in foster care.
“They seem like a nice bunch of kids,” she said about the Homestead students. “They want to participate and they wanted to learn about my experiences in foster care and how I felt about it,” she said.
Some of her experiences were met with surprise, said Jeanetta, who was in nine foster homes from the time she was 3 until she was 16. “But we talked about how you’ve got to not worry about the bad, think of the good, and go from there.”
Another young woman in an ILS program, Kaitlin Harris, said the questions posed to her were good because, “a lot of people don’t know what it’s like to be in foster care, so I pretty much told them everything: going house to house, being in shelters. And everybody’s experience in foster care is different.”
“It’s a great opportunity, because some of the kids (in foster care) still don’t have resources, places to go,” said Jeanetta. “There’s a need to speak out.”
Grant Brogan, a Homestead freshman, said he got involved in the project because it’s fun. “And it’s a way to reach out to a different community and to help others. And you’re making new friends.”
A 9–year-old boy named Julio who is being assisted by St. Aemilian-Lakeside’s Family Preservation Services, said it was pretty cool working with Grant. “He looks like Justin Bieber!” he said with a laugh.
“No matter where you grow up, we all have common interests, and it’s good to find those common interests,” said Patrick Tucker, also a freshman at Homestead.
As Unique Wilson from the ILS program worked on writing a song, she said, “It’s about hope and faith, not giving up, always having hope for tomorrow being a better day.”
Unique and Joann Hogan, another former foster young person served by St. Aemilian-Lakeside, worked with Angela Mack, a performing arts instructor, on creating the song. The two young women do lyrics and melody and Angela is putting it to music.
“It takes a lot of vulnerability to write a song like this and it takes a lot of trust,” Angela said. “This is a song of encouragement to all people who feel like giving up.”
All the young people involved in Project 3mpower are looking forward to sharing their creativity with the public on May 15. The event is free and will also feature shopping at the gallery. For more information, contact Karen Johnson, division director of Community Services at St. Aemilian-Lakeside, at 414-465-5734. For more information on foster care and a variety of services to youth who must leave the system when they turn 18, go to www.st-al.org.
For Immediate Release ARTS MILL GRAND OPENING March 11
Sunday, March 6th, 2011
View the Official Press Release
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 14th 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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Hometown Support the Arts Day January 15th From 10-4
Monday, January 10th, 2011
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: Arts Mill in Downtown Grafton Secures Initial Funding; Construction Underway Soon
Monday, December 27th, 2010
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.
“Circle of Friends” a Holiday Message from NSAA Founder Sheri Bestor
Tuesday, December 21st, 2010A Note from NSAA Founder and President
Paula sent out an invitation for volunteers to come to NSAA last Saturday and help with the Circle of Friends event. Circle of friends is a group of special needs individuals and we were providing them with opportunities in the arts.
I stood listening and watching for a while. Parents bringing their children, young and not so young, into our academy. Teenagers, giving up their weekend afternoon to help. Our devoted staff, giving up holiday time with their families to give to other families. I watched the singing, dancing and laughter down in the theatre room, the creating, and gluing and smiles in the art room. I saw the learning from one person to another. The honest giving and receiving from each individual involved.
The afternoon was filled with unwrapping of all sorts.
Here are some of that gifts that I received:
that listening to someone shake the maraca while they laugh, is beautiful music.
that watching a teacher dance with enthusiasm and joy can get you up out of your wheel chair to join along, even if the only way your feet can move to the rhythm is through your heart.
that while the list of “to dos” don’t get done when you come to an event such as this, their priority shifts. Dramatically.
that if you can’t express your joy through words, you can through music
that it pays to nurture your talents-because even at a young age you can mentor others
that even if it seems you aren’t painting or dancing or singing, in your own way, you’re experiencing art just as deeply
that teachers -especially those at NSAA, have a rare and unique gift of patience and giving and bringing out the best in someone else by nurturing what’s within
that our old building, despite its shortcomings, is home for good things
and mostly, here is what I was given… the realization that we all have special needs, in one way or another. A need to express ourselves in unique ways; to discover our talents. To feel accepted for who we are and for being allowed to be true to what’s within. And to have the opportunity to give, and to be given to.
Paula and I stood together on the balcony as people were beginning to filter out. The last event of the year, of the decade at NSAA, was coming to a close. We stood in silence– after all these years of working together, little needed to be said. I know we were both thinking through the ups and the downs of the past ten years–together with our team, all the trials of working on fixing up the facility, the financial challenges, the journey of finding instructors, the endless editing of brochures, the shows produced, the classes taught, the late nights til three in the morning, the early mornings til late nights. At times, we’ve both had our doubts.
That afternoon shifted those doubts. We shared the same thought,
“This is why..”
To all of you–Scott and Paula, our amazing volunteers, staff, board members, artistic and advisory boards, parent committee members, parents, and families, kids and babies, the elderly, visitors, CPAC, Hartford, Bayshore, our consultants, the Village of Grafton, Mequon Jewish Preschool, organizations we’ve teamed up with, our donors, even those who have told us time and time again our bathroom is less than desirable and that they aren’t happy with auditions….thank you. We wouldn’t be here without you.
You are our circle of friends.
We look forward to the next ten years as our circle continues to grow. We hope that together, we can honor the special needs of each other–
To imagine, discover, create, dream.
North Shore Academy of the Arts.
May your celebrations this season be warm and joyful, may you have opportunities to give and be given to, and may all you unwrap in the upcoming year, be bright and true.
Sheri
NSAA Founder Announces a New “Sister Site” THE ARTS MILL
Sunday, November 7th, 2010
A Note from the Founder/President, Sheri Bestor
Our Performing Arts Department along with our StageKids shows have reached thousands of children and hundreds of families over the years. We are continuing to work on improving our performing arts offerings through developing our dance department, refining our StageKids curriculum and setting a goal of upgrading our theatre, music room and recording studio.
We are focussing our energies equally towards the Visual and Literary Arts Departments and are excited to move forward toward one of our goals of having studio and gallery space to showcase art work and host special events.
I am proud to announce the expansion to a brand new NSAA “sister site”, The Arts Mill, a division of NSAA. This will be located in the Historic Grafton Mill on the second and third floors. Not only is the river setting beautiful but the historic character gives it an “East Side” or “Third Ward” feeling. The new location is conveniently just a few blocks from NSAA and will help bring a focus of the arts to the Grafton area.
I am equally as proud to announce that NSAA Programming Director, Paula Christensen is taking on the position and title of Director of this site. Her background, talents and experience in the visual arts will be an integral part of the success of this development along with the fantastic team of staff, board members and volunteers at NSAA.
Ten years ago, we began NSAA at the Historic Grafton Mill. We have come full circle to reside there once again, as we move into our second decade of service to our community. We are especially grateful to the Village of Grafton, Kapco, Neil Willenson and others who have and are supporting us in this journey.
The current Broad Street facility will remain the home site of NSAA. The new facility will contain an emphasis on the visual arts, special events and will be available to cooperating organizations such as Balancing Arts and other community groups.
While we are excited for this venture, we realize that this growth is not only a wish but a necessity. Due to the current economic climate, NSAA is struggling in ways it hasn’t before. We believe this expansion of The Arts Mill will not only help offer much needed opportunities to the community but will aid in helping NSAA move to the next level. Please stay tuned for updates on this project.
We are looking forward to working together to make NSAA a strength to the community for years to come. If you’d like to get involved or are interested in studio space please contact Paula paulac@northshoreacademyofthearts.org
Thank you for your continued support.
Sheri Bestor
We Want to Hear You!
Tuesday, October 26th, 2010
Happy Autumn, Everyone!
Moving into our next decade of programming, we are excited to not only work to expand our offerings but to look closely at what we are currently doing and refine to make improvements.
Being a part time operating organization, we are constantly seeking the most timely, efficient means of communication in all areas to serve you best. We are making some changes within the office. One procedure you can expect is that if NSAA receives a call or voice mail during the weekdays, Monday through Thursday, it will be responded to by the end of the next business day by an office staff person.
Additionally, Debbie Knuth has taken on the role of Stagekids Community Coordinator to answer all quesitons about any of our Stagekids shows. To reach someone most expediently, please use the following contacts. In addition, the office hours are posted below, so feel free to stop up in the office during those hours.
We look forward to continuing to grow in all ways. Your suggestions, support and continued interest in the arts is always appreciated.
Thank you.
Sheri Bestor, Founder, President, North Shore Academy of the Arts, Inc.
WHO TO CONTACT with QUESTIONS/COMMENTS:
Office Staff (usually Christena), general questions, private music lessons, registration for classes, Stagekids shows and Imagine Me Pre-K Arts Enrichment info@northshoreacademyofthearts.org
Debbie Knuth, Stagekids Community Coordinator - all volunteer interests, questions and suggestions debbiek@northshoreacademyofthearts.org
Paula Christensen, Program Director -questions about the facility, NSAA teaching positions, celebrations, volunteer interest other than board work, upcoming North Shore Center of the Arts and birthday parties paulac@northshoreacademyofthearts.org
Sheri Bestor, Founder & President - new initiatives, concerns, ideas and suggestions for the organization as a whole and board member interest sherib@northshoreacademyofthearts.org
Angela Mack, Marketing Director -website updates, marketing, Catering the Arts Programs, Sirius Talent Programs and Jr. Stagekids Productions angelam@northshoreacademyofthearts.org
Kathleen Fictum, Dance Department Director – dance program inquiries kathleenf@northshoreacademyofthearts.org
Cedarburg Performing Arts Center- Ticket Sales for Beauty and the Beast, Hairspray and Camp Rock 262.376.6161
OFFICE HOURS
Email is BEST info@northshoreacademyofthearts.org but call and leave a message at (262) 377-3514 if you have any questions. If you wish to stop in sometime, office staff are intermittently in the administrative office on the 3rd floor. Office hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00 to 5:00pm.
Visual Artists Sought For GRAFTON PUMPKIN FESTIVAL Juried Art Fair
Tuesday, September 28th, 2010
NSAA will be hosting a JURIED ART FAIR on October 9 from 10-4. DOWNLOAD MORE INFORMATION
Applicants from the following media encouraged to apply:
*Painting
*Ceramic
*Jewelry
*Fiber
*Metal
*Mixed Media
*Glass
*Photography
*Wood
*Paper
*Other
Please note that the application deadline has been extended. DOWLOAD APPLICATION. Questions? Contact NSAA Program Director Paula Christensen paulac@northshoreacademyofthearts.org
