Arts Quarterly - Winter 2023
Feature
Prairie Arts Council 30th Anniversary Year in Review Bonnie Zimmer
Throughout 2023 Prairie Arts Council has celebrated its 30th anniversary with a number of special programs and activities. Many of the exhibits hosted this year in the Lilian Fendig Gallery added a special element celebrating the life and work of the gallery’s namesake.
Born in 1913 in England, Lilian Fendig was a prolific, award-winning artist who exhibited her paintings, prints, and drawings widely across Indiana and beyond in over 60 solo and group exhibitions. She died in 1985. In her honor, her husband Ralph Fendig helped fund the establishment of the Lilian Fendig Gallery at the inception of the Prairie Arts Council in 1993.
Below are some of our programs and exhibits celebrating our 30th year.
Commemorative Public Sculpture: PAC purchased a major outdoor sculpture as a lasting commemoration to its 30th Anniversary. It will be located in the new Filson Park located in downtown Rensselaer after its completion in 2024.
30th Anniversary Lilian Fendig Calendar: PAC produced a 2023 Calendar containing 13 Lilian Fendig paintings. Several months were spent in the selection process and pieces came from private collectors, community organizations, and the PAC permanent collection. One hundred calendars were produced and sold at the 2022 Holiday Show & Sale and throughout 2023. A handful of calendars remains and can be purchased for $5.
Drawing Lessons from Lilian: A short booklet on the elements of art was written by local historian, Judy Kanne and published by the Prairie Arts Council. The booklet contains many sketches and drawings by Lilian and can be purchased for $10 at the PAC office.
30th Annual Regional School Art Shows, January 12 - April 2: At each of the four school shows, special ribbons were awarded to selected student works that were inspired by the work of Lilian. A learning packet about the life and work of Lilian was made available to local art teachers on which to base a special art lesson. Landscapes, still life, portraits, and fashion design were among her subjects and themes students explored.
Annual PAC Member Show, Jasper County Art League Annual Show, & Annual Open Photography Show: Lilian Fendig Inspired awards were presented to artists whose pieces captured the spirit of Lilian’s work at several of our annual exhibits, continuing the themes of artistic inspiration.
“Celebrating 30 Years: 1993 – 2023. Lilian Fendig Collected,” August 1 – September 29: Our major summer exhibition featured a retrospective of Lilian’s work by showcasing works in PAC’s permanent collection and pieces generously loaned from individuals, family, and friends. The exhibit included over 100 works created across Lilian’s lifetime.
ROCK THE ARTS, September 16: Rock the Arts is a wine and music festival and fundraiser held at Carpenter Creek Cellars in Remington. Thank you again to the organizations and individuals who support us through this event. We hope to be here for another 30 years, and community support will make that possible.
For a complete list of 2023 programs please see our 2023 Annual Report available in late spring of 2024.
Celebrating Artists
Barb Michal Awarded the John Corey Memorial Award Congratulations to PAC President, Barb Michal, who received an award honoring her decades of service to the arts. The award was presented this October at The Art Federation’s annual banquet, Bravo for the Arts.
Local School Awarded SIA Grant to Purchase a new Kiln The art department at West Central High School & Middle School were recently awarded an SIA Foundation capital grant to purchase a new Kiln and supplies. Congratulations to PAC member and Art Teacher Stephanie Tilges and to her students.
Jasper County Art League Show Winners, “Love Where You Live: Fendig Inspired” JCAL’s Annual Art Show Closed November 2nd. People’s Choice Award: Leigh Litiken Merit Award: Lori Murphy, Meralyn Diller, Leigh Littiken, & Barb Michal 30th Anniversary, Lilian Inspired Achievement Award: Bonnie Zimmer & Lynn Buckmaster
Photo Show Winners, “Celebrating Photography and Artist Lilian Fendig” This year’s annual photo show included over 20 artists and over 60 photographs. Thank you to everyone who participated and special thank you to all our winners! Best in Show: Carol Estes, Aspins in Abstract in Infrared Juror's Choice Award: Angelina Chilcott & Lori Murphy Award of Merit: Dina Heijselaar, Michelle Bartel, Carol Estes, Judy Kanne, & Claudia Pletting Honorable Mention: Chris Pizano, Sue Waibel, Macyn Dyer, David Hamilton, & Brennan Battleday 30th Anniversary, Lilian Fendig Award of Excellence: Carol Estes, & Lori Murphy 30th Anniversary, Lilian Fendig Merit Award: Ashley Whelchel, Dina Heijselaar, Lori Murphy, & Barb Lucas
Upcoming Events
Current Show Celebrating Photography 2023 November 30, 2023 – January 4, 2024 “Celebrating Photography” is an annual juried show for local photographers. An open reception and award ceremony was held Friday Dec. 1, 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Gallery Hours: Tuesday 12pm – 4pm, Thursday 2pm – 6pm
Winter Schedule:
Nov 30th – Jan 4th Celebrating Photography, Fendig gallery
Jan 11th – 28th Elementary (K-2) Regional School Show, Fendig gallery
Jan 25th Digital Discover, Get Together Thursdays, 6pm, Fendig gallery
Feb 1st – 18th Upper Elementary Regional School Show, Fendig gallery
Feb 22nd – Mar 10th High School Regional School Show, Fendig gallery
Mar 14th – 31st Middle School Regional School Show, Fendig gallery
Spring Schedule:
Apr 16th – Jun 2nd Annual PAC Member Show, Fendig gallery
Reception: June 2nd
May 2nd – 30th Mental Health Awareness VOH Show, Fendig gallery
Jun 9th – July 9th “Honoring Hispanic Heritage” Exhibition, Fendig gallery
Reception: June 9th
Artist Opportunities
Artcamp Teachers Needed
The Carnegie Center, Due February 1
We will be sending out letters to potential Artcamp teachers in February. If you are an experienced artist or art educator interested in participating as an instructor for Artcamp this July, please reach out to us by email or phone by the end of January so we can get you on our mailing list. We welcome teachers in all mediums including music, painting, dance, and crafts.
Carpenter Creek Cellars - Wine Label Contest
The Carnegie Center, Due April 4
The annual Carpenter Creek Cellars Strawberry Wine label contest will be accepting entries starting in January. Entry is free for members and $5 (per entry) for non-members. The Winner will have their design appear on the 2024 Carpenter Creek Cellars Strawberry Wine and they will receive a framed copy of their winning wine label.
Member Show Registration
The Carnegie Center, Due April 11
Member show entry applications will be available in February and entries must be dropped off at the office by April 11th, 2024. This is an open show covering multiple art mediums with up to three entries from any Prairie Arts Council Member. New members are always welcome. Prizes and ribbons will be awarded at a closing reception for the best works.
More information for the above programs can be found on our Artist Opportunities page on our website at: www.prairieartscouncil.net/sign-up-calendar or by stopping by our office during normal business hours.
Volunteer Opportunities
If you wish to volunteer, please contact us at Volunteers@PrairieArtsCouncil.org Currently we are looking for volunteers to help with our volunteer outreach committee and to help with weekend exhibit and reception staffing during our Regional School Shows!
Alternative School Committee - Our Alternative School Art Program is looking for volunteers and teachers to help our art programs at our local schools. This program has a positive effect on these students and volunteers are needed for this program to continue.
Requesting Member Highlights
If you are a Prairie Arts Council member and have any upcoming shows or artistic endeavors you wish to share, please email us at newsletter@PrairieArtsCouncil.org
Gallery Hours: Tues. 12-4PM & Thur. 2-6PM