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'Barrel of Fun' is Whitewater Arts Alliance’s public arts project

Water barrels like this one are the canvas for the Whitewater Arts Alliance's 9th annual Public Arts Project. Professional and amateur artists, individuals or groups can decorate the barrels, which will be on display in Whitewater throughout the spring and summer, then auctioned off in September as a fundraiser for the WAA. Photo submitted.

WHITEWATER – Have a barrel of fun, help beautify Whitewater this summer and assist the Whitewater Arts Alliance – all at the same time. This year’s public arts project is Water Barrels and the theme is “A Barrel of Fun in Whitewater.” Join amateur and professional artists as well as students, families and businesses for the 9th annual Public Arts Project as either a sponsor or an artist.

The barrel forms are available for $25 at GMA Printing, 136 West Main Street, Whitewater (GMA’s phone number is (262) 473-2711). A form and a set of basic instructions are included along with a number to call in case of questions.

Get a group together to turn your blank barrel into art. Or use this as a solitary winter project. Please put your creative juices to work this winter and share your projects with all of Whitewater in the spring and summer.

If you would like to sponsor an artist, contact Roni Telfer at (920) 728-1777, and she will link you with an artist.

The event is a major fundraiser for the Whitewater Arts Alliance. All the barrels will be auctioned off on Saturday, September 28, at 5 p.m. at the Whitewater Arts Alliance’s Cultural Arts Center, 402 W. Main Street. Proceeds go to help the Whitewater Arts Alliance continue to provide programs and opportunities to celebrate the arts in Whitewater. Please join us and support the Whitewater Arts Alliance!

“We hope to engage a variety of artists for this year’s public arts project and tap into our community’s creativity. Certainly Whitewater is a better place because of this project, and the Whitewater Arts Alliance is delighted to spearhead it,” said Mark McPhail, president of the Whitewater Arts Alliance.

The first public art project, sponsored by the Whitewater Arts Alliance, took place in 2005 when 48 fish were created by artists, displayed along Main Street, and sold to benefit the Alliance. In 2006, artists painted 56 chairs for display. In 2007 birdhouses were created, displayed and auctioned. In 2008 butterflies perched on the light poles in downtown Whitewater. Bicycles were featured in 2009 to bring attention to the many bike trails and fitness options available in our community. “Thinking Outside of the Box” was the 2010 theme, Lanterns were featured in 2011, and 2012 was a Banner Year in Whitewater. Artists young and older continue to WOW our community with their creative, unique perspectives.

The mission of the Whitewater Arts Alliance is to promote the visual and performing arts through an alliance of artists, individuals, educational resources, and organizations to promote creativity and diversity that will serve to educate and enrich the lives of the residents of the Whitewater community and surrounding areas.