For Immediate Release:

June 19, 2008

Contact: Patti Fox 520-0232 email pmfox@centurytel.net

Or Mary Hemshrot 468-2271 maplesyrup@centurytel.net or
info@shelllakeartscenter.org

Area Arts Organizations Receive State Grants

Two area arts organizations with headquarters in Shell Lake have
successfully applied for and received state funding through the
Wisconsin Arts Board. The Arts Board supports local initiatives
throughout the state. The application process is highly competitive and
successful applicants have demonstrated that their programming and
administration are of the highest quality.

The Shell Lake Arts Center and Theatre in the Woods are pleased to
announce that they are successful recipients of state funding. Each
organization serves many citizens in northwest Wisconsin and beyond
through their programs, productions and performances. These grants
are matching grants that have been matched though individual
donations to the organizations.

Shell Lake Arts Center

This is the third Wisconsin Arts Board grant received by the Shell Lake
Arts Center in recent years. The Arts board review panel noted its
“diversity of programming, attention to its economic impact in the
community and strong artistic reputation.” The Center ranked 67 out of
163 requests and will receive $4756 for each of the next two fiscal
years. The Center was cited for several “best practices” activities
including working with the Senior Corps of Retired Executives, using
web based programs to reach a wider audience, and telling its story to
the governing committees of its community. The grant will serve to
support on-going programming.

Since 1968, the Arts Center has provided music and visual arts camps,
workshops, festivals and continuing education for youth and adults
throughout the year. The summer jazz camps are the longest running
in the nation and have provided the model for camps now offered
throughout the U.S.
Public performances always accompany a music camp, workshop or
festival and there are thirty scheduled from now through mid-August.
Concerts by the Center’s nationally recognized jazz faculty are
scheduled on June 29, July 1,2,6,7,8, and 9. From mid-July to mid-
August performances include concert band faculty, show choirs, and
world renowned saxophonist, Eugene Rousseau. Visit the Art Center
website for a complete list of performances and details about its
camps, workshops and festivals: www.shelllakeartscenter.org or call
the Center at 715-468-2271.

Theatre in the Woods

In response to an "exemplary application" submitted by Theatre in the

Woods, the Wisconsin Arts Board has awarded this Washburn County
organization a rank of 19 (out of 163 requests) and $2500 to be used
to support future programming.

Theatre in the Woods calls home the Erika Quam Memorial Theater in
Shell Lake. Founded in 1990, they provide 4-6 community theatre
productions a year, with a concert series of regional artists between
stage productions. Arts board panel comments gave a lot of credit to
TitW for "notable leadership". Complimenting TitW for submitting "an
exemplary application", one panel member noted that "a lot of
community theatres make a claim for varied programming; these
guys are actually doing it". Other strengths itemized on the applicant
summary are: - responsible organization, - earned income is good,
- Pizza and a play program, - community collage project, -
endowment, - well-written application. For "best practice" they are
commended for their method of tracking volunteer time.

The $2500 grant will fund approximately 9% of TitW's annual budget.

Support from the community by way of donations accounts for 30-
40%, and income from productions provides the balance of money
needed to maintain the organization as well as pay the bills for their
home, "The Quam", which before 2000 was the Shell Lake United
Methodist church. Money to purchase the building was donated to
TitW by Peter and Karen Quam, as a memorial to their daughter Erika.

The annual summer youth program provided by TitW received positive

comment by the Arts Board panel. This year co-directors Emily Vanda
and Emily Hagen will be producing the original play "Excalibur".
Performance dates are June 27 and 28 at 7:00 and June 29 at 2:00
pm.

Upcoming concert performances include "Small Potatoes" on Sept. 6

and "Roxy Cruz" on Oct. 4. "The Crucible" will be performed Oct 24,
25, 26, 31, and Nov 1-2. Details regarding the above can be found at
www.titw.org, and reservations can be made by calling 715-468-4387.