Visual Arts

The season opening of the Wisconsin Artists Showcase at the Jura Silverman Gallery will occur on the first weekend in May featuring "Very Personal: An Exhibition of Original Quilts and Watercolors by Rumi O'Brien." Rumi O'Brien has been creating quilts for over 30 years, exhibiting her work in two solo exhibitions at the Wisconsin Artists Showcase and in group shows – at The National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky and at local venues such as Olbrich Garden. She has been giving informal presentations to groups in Madison over the last 20 years. This exhibition displays much of her most recent work. Her quilts range in size from small personal quilts to large 80" x 80" wall quilts. O'Brien also has been expressing herself in watercolors for many years, portraying her experiences and encounters as images in this fluid medium. In fact, some of her quilts first start out as watercolors, then get translated into full blown quilts. Her imagery contains expressions of her own emotions, her interactions with friends, a documentation of memorable and very personal experiences. In both her watercolors and quilts, she portrays herself and her characters in a unique personal style using a figurative form which has evolved from origami. The angular stylized figures express her intended actions and emotions in a spare but expressive manner. O'Brien's sense of humor is clearly displayed in her whimsical subjects and characters. This exhibition is free to the public. Gallery Hours: Wednesday through Sunday 11am-5pm and by chance or advance appointment. Image, above: Hiding under Bush, I'm Too Famous by Rumi O'Brien.
Wisconsin Artists Showcase at the Jura Silverman Gallery, 143 S. Washington Street, Spring Green
FMI: 608-588-7049 or jurasilvermangallery@gmail.com; www.springgreen.com/jsgallery

During the past several years, photographer James Caulfield, in collaboration with architectural writer Patrick F. Cannon, has produced books with contemporary images of the exteriors and interiors of the buildings of Frank Lloyd Wright and other Chicago-area architects. From these books, Caulfield has selected some of his favorite images for this exhibit. The opening reception will include a talk by Patrick Cannon, light fare and a cash bar. Cost: Free admission.
Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center, 5607 County Highway C, Spring Green
FMI: www.taliesinpreservation.org or info@taliesinpreservation.org

Both 2 and 3D student art work created throughout the 2011-2012 school year will be on display along with performances by RVHS music department. The work of professional potter and retiring RVHS Art teacher, Dick Woppert will be featured. RVHS Open House will also be part of events running from 2:30 pm-6:30 pm Sunday May 20th at River Valley High School. This event is free and open to the public.
River Valley High School, Spring Green
FMI: Jan von Stein at jvonstein@rvschools.org

First Fridays After Five – Experience art, events, special features in shops, galleries, & restaurants open until 8 pm. This month at Convivio features the pottery of Aaron Weaver, a local artist who produces his beautiful functional ceramics with local clay.
Convivio, 122 N. Lexington Street, Spring Green
FMI: 608-588-2351 or mary@whiteschoolstudio.com

Fun-filled day of activities for children ages five to twelve, related to the life and architectural work of Frank Lloyd Wright. Includes art activities, mini-workshops and a tour of the Hillside Home School at Taliesin in Wisconsin. Sign up for either the morning or afternoon session. Advance registration required. Children must be accompanied by an adult (maximum 1 adult per registration). To register please call (877) 588-7900, ext. 226. Cost: $10 per child.
Hillside School, 6604 Hwy 23, Spring Green
FMI: info@taliesinpreservation.org or www.taliesinpreservation.org/education-1/family-and-youth-programs

Fun-filled day of activities for children ages five to twelve, related to the life and architectural work of Frank Lloyd Wright. Includes art activities, mini-workshops and a tour of the Hillside Home School at Taliesin in Wisconsin. Sign up for either the morning or afternoon session. Advance registration required. Children must be accompanied by an adult (maximum 1 adult per registration). To register please call (877) 588-7900, ext. 226. Cost: $10 per child.
Hillside School, 6604 Hwy 23, Spring Green
FMI: info@taliesinpreservation.org or www.taliesinpreservation.org/education-1/family-and-youth-programs

This architecture camp for students in 5th through 10th grades will introduce participants to the principles of organic architecture, and the work and life of Frank Lloyd Wright. Students will research, design and construct their own models for a specific environmental site. This hands-on program will enhance students’ critical thinking and problem solving skills, and foster their creative expression through a multifaceted program. Fee: $200 (includes lunch). Registration required.
Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center, 5607 County Highway C, Spring Green
FMI: chamblen@taliesinpreservation.org or 608-588-7090, ext. 230; www.taliesinpreservation.org/education-1/family-and-youth-programs

Spring Green Arts and Crafts Fair brings together approximately 200 nationwide artists and craftspeople. Exhibits include graphics, painting, jewelry, crafts, sculpture, textile, pottery, woodworking, photography and more. Local vendors and civic groups provide refreshments and foods such as brats, tacos, sandwiches, root beer, lemonade, and cream puffs. Entertainment includes local bands playing a variety of music in the Post House Garden.
Jefferson Street, Spring Green
FMI: www.springgreenartfair.com

Spring Green Arts and Crafts Fair brings together approximately 200 nationwide artists and craftspeople. Exhibits include graphics, painting, jewelry, crafts, sculpture, textile, pottery, woodworking, photography and more. Local vendors and civic groups provide refreshments and foods such as brats, tacos, sandwiches, root beer, lemonade, and cream puffs. Entertainment includes local bands playing a variety of music in the Post House Garden.
Jefferson Street, Spring Green
FMI: www.springgreenartfair.com

First Fridays After Five – Experience art, events, special features in shops, galleries, & restaurants open until 8 pm. This month at Convivio features a new collection of work by photographer Rebecca Sadler.
Convivio, 122 N. Lexington Street, Spring Green
FMI: 608-588-2351 or mary@whiteschoolstudio.com

Internationally celebrated Taiwanese artist Yueh-mei Cheng, professor of Finlandia University, MI, will introduce the spontaneous style of Chinese painting on silk, using simple strokes of ink and subtle color washes. Participants have the option to tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and Asian art collection, and learn the Chinese masters’ secrets of composition and spontaneous painting. Maximum of 18 participants. Cost: $200 (includes lunch).
Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center, 5607 County Highway C, Spring Green
FMI: chamblen@taliesinpreservation.org or www.taliesinpreservation.org

This architecture camp for students in 5th through 10th grades will introduce participants to the principles of organic architecture, and the work and life of Frank Lloyd Wright. Students will research, design and construct their own models for a specific environmental site. This hands-on program will enhance students’ critical thinking and problem solving skills, and foster their creative expression through a multifaceted program. Fee: $200 (includes lunch). Registration required.
Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center, 5607 County Highway C, Spring Green
FMI: chamblen@taliesinpreservation.org or 608-588-7090, ext. 230; www.taliesinpreservation.org/education-1/family-and-youth-programs

First Fridays After Five – Experience art, events, special features in shops, galleries, & restaurants open until 8 pm. This month at Convivio features paintings by regional artist Nina Bednarski.
Convivio, 122 N. Lexington Street, Spring Green
FMI: 608-588-2351 or mary@whiteschoolstudio.com

This oil painting workshop is primarily a plein air course; participants will paint the unique outdoor landscape at Taliesin in this four-session workshop, one each morning and afternoon of the weekend. Maximum of 18 participants. Cost: $200 (includes lunch).
Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center, 5607 County Highway C, Spring Green
FMI: chamblen@taliesinpreservation.org or www.taliesinpreservation.org