CEDARBURG CULTURAL CENTER
APRIL ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
MARCIA GORRA-PATEK
Marcia Gorra-Patek is an award winning artist and retired art teacher. Her work has shown and been recognized in Germany, Japan, Italy and throughout the United States. She studied art in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Minnesota, Georgia and Texas and abroad in France and Italy. She holds a master’s degree in fine arts from Cranbrook Academy of Art.
Marcia has taught art on every level, preschool through college. She has been a guest teacher and lecturer at the University of Iowa, UW Milwaukee, Michigan State, Concordia University and John Michael Kohler Art Center. She is a certified Suzuki Music Teacher. She has maintained her art, music, jewelry/metals studio for 40 years while teaching art for 17 years in the Grafton School District. During this time, Marcia was awarded and continuously nominated by her colleagues for art teacher of the year. She continues to teach art and music to community groups, art centers and museums. She is the current president of Wisconsin Pastel Artists.
The artist’s recent collection of works, Great Pears of Herstory, is a compilation of portraits and self-portraits inspired by amazing women rendered allegorically as pears.
Throughout the years, Marcia has developed the idea of one special fruit, the Pear, as an allegory for women. And as Marcia explored, observed and simply lived life, she became aware of many amazing women that have since become respected examples of heretofore unknown heroines. Great Pears of Herstory is a recent collection of works resulting from the beginning of this journey. Some of the featured pear portraits include Susan B Anthony, Joan of Arc, Cleopatra, Josephine Baker, Marie Curie, and Billie Holiday. Marcia Also began creating a few self “peartraits,” using pears to represent her own life. “There’s a Crack in Everything, That’s How the Light Gets In” and “The Red Pair” are two examples.
Stop in to see the artist; she will be at CCC on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays,
April 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 22, 29: 1-4 pm.
“I have always looked very carefully at the small details of my visual environment. I have been fascinated by lines, shapes, colors and textures of things in front of me since earliest memories of childhood. Somewhere along the way, music, literature and art took up residence in my head, heart and hands. ”~Gorra-Patek.
Pear Portraits in Pastel
with Marcia Gorra-Patek
Thursday, April 24: 1-4 pm
In this pastel class, participants will take inspiration from within to paint a pastel portrait of themselves or someone they admire… as if they were a pear, aka a self-peartrait or peartrait! Using mouth-watering colors of pastels, students will learn techniques to quickly create an “off-the-self” version of someone’s life! All supplies are included in the class fee
$58 CCC Members / $70 Non-Members
MAY ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
JOAN KENNEDY
Joan is a sculptor working in fibers. Each piece of her dimensional fiber art begins as one or more cast-off wool sweaters. She disassembles, dyes and cuts the sweaters before sewing them into something new. The results are then transformed through felting from soft, flat fabric into sturdy three-dimensional shapes. After felting, Joan enhances her art with hand stitching using hand dyed wool yarn or other threads. While developing her techniques through experimentation, Joan learned what the fabric wants to do, and then uses those tendencies to express her intentions. Her art aims to illuminate connections within the natural world and between it and the man-made world. Joan’s hope is that people connect with her art through their own experiences, gaining insights that enhance their future experiences in the natural world.
A lifelong maker and art student, Joan has been growing her current techniques since 2008. She supports the Wisconsin art community through volunteer work at the Museum of Wisconsin Art and the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts, in addition to her membership and service in Wisconsin Craft.
The artist will be demonstrating at CCC on
Thursday, May 1: 12-3 pm
Saturdays, May 3, 17 , 24: 10 am-3 pm
Wednesdays, May 7, 14, 28: 12-3 pm
Joan Kennedy
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Beginning ‘Stitching Off the Surface’ Workshop
Thursday, May 22: 12:30-3:30 pm
“Contemplating beauty gives pleasure to our senses, which can bring peace and calm in stressful or difficult times. My art lets people bring the beauty of the natural world into their homes, giving them a space to contemplate and wonder about the world while revisiting their own experiences in nature.”—Joan Kennedy
Enjoy learning to create this floral embroidery sampler with unusual, three-dimensional stitches (which will become the lid for a “collections jar”). The relatively simple, but mysterious and complicated looking stitches are relaxing to do and easy on the hands. Using Joan’s hand dyed wool yarn and felted fabrics, students will learn several stitches that are worked above the surface of the fabric. They will learn about the types of embroidery needles and how to work with wool yarns while experiencing stitching on a wool surface. Students will be encouraged to brainstorm applications for the stitches while they work to master them. Participants will leave the class with a finished piece, instructions for the stitches they’ve learned and skills and resources for pursuing more stitching on their own. Familiarity with hand sewing is helpful, but not necessary for this class. Students should bring a small, sharp, pointed scissors to the class. An additional fee of $10 for needles, yarn, wool fabric, mason jar and other supplies is due to the instructor at the time of the class.
$50 CCC Members / $60 Non-Members
JUNE ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
MIKE KASUN
Michael Kasun
Michael graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in drawing and painting from the Milwaukee School of Art and Design. He considers himself a lifetime practicing fine artist. He works in water media on paper and wood block and panel. Watercolor, gouache, acrylic and aerosol paint are his mediums of choice. “Found object sculptures are also an interest and they are constructed using weathered beach wood and rusted metal objects sourced from abandoned parking lots, train tracks and wherever I may find something interesting to pick up,” says Kasun.
Michael has a work history of horticulture, floral design and greenhouse work so there is a strong connection with the natural world. As a birdwatcher and natural world enthusiast, birds are very common as a subject matter for Michael. He finds inspiration in the wilder, less inhabited spaces and lakes, rivers, skies and landscapes and these are prominent subjects in his work. As a founding member of the Flesh Experts drawing group, Michael has practiced drawing from the live nude model for 20 plus years. This background has provided him with inspiration to continue to include the human form in his work. “ I am always working on what I refer to as manscapes, which are landscapes and settings where I can use the male figure,” says Kasun. He enjoys having a deadline, especially the task of a limited series where he can ‘see what happens’ within a designated time span. It’s how he prefers to work, the deadline becomes the inspiration. Michael has kept a large supply of his existing paintings on paper- abstracts, skies, water and waves, color washed pages; these form the backgrounds and collage elements for many of his works. He loves the feeling of something implied, either image or idea, and he is not afraid to destroy something he has just painted to remake it into something new.
Stop in! The artist will be demonstrating at CCC Thursdays, June 5, 12, 19, 26 and
Saturday, June 14: 11 am-4 pm
Birds Brushes and Boards with Michael Kasun
Thursday, June 12: 9:30-12:30 pm
In this workshop designed for all skill levels, participants will focus on painting the details of birds using acrylic paints on heavyweight paper. Referencing source materials in the form of photographic images, students will learn how to layer the paint and brushstrokes to achieve a feathery appearance. A scientific illustration showing the parts of a bird will also be supplied so there will be a better understanding of a bird’s anatomy.
All supplies are provided; an additional $5 supply fee is due to the instructor at the beginning of class (for prepared museum mounting board). If participants wish to use their own brushes the following styles and sizes are recommended: Sizes 8, 9 and 10 round brushes, any medium sized long round brush, a couple flats less than 1” in width, any small sized script brush.
$60 CCC Members / $72 Non-Members
JULY ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
MARTA GWIZDALA
Marta Gwizdala
Marta's paintings serve as nostalgic love letters to homes left behind, blending idealistic elements with childhood memories. They capture the enchanting essence of recalling distant homes, evoking a sense of wonder and longing. The playful titles of her artworks enhance their childlike nature, inviting viewers to rediscover innocence. Through her art, she aims to reintroduce beauty and happiness, offering comfort and healing to those who miss home and their dreams. Marta's work serves as an escape from the brutal world, illuminating the glitter in life and sparking joy in our souls and hearts. Her art reminds us to follow the sparkle, keeping our spirits warm, passionate, and filled with happiness.
More info coming soon on when the artist will be demonstrating at CCC.
AUGUST ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
GEORNICA DANIELS
Geornica Daniels is an interdisciplinary artist working in sculpture and site-specific installation. Originally from Richmond, Virginia, she currently lives in Cedarburg. Her recent work explores the embedded histories of found objects and the portrayal of memory in three dimensions: what memory looks like and how we reshape those thoughts in attempts to suppress or control our memories. She received her BFA from MIAD in 2023 and is currently a graduate student pursuing her MFA in sculpture at UW-Milwaukee. She has exhibited regionally in Milwaukee at Brook Stevens Gallery, Between Two Galleries, Grey Area, Kenilworth Square East Gallery, Var Gallery and in Sheboygan at The John Michael Kohler Arts Center. Geornica is an Advanced Opportunity Program Fellow at the UW-Milwaukee and plans to expand her studio practice while continuing her studies.
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Geornica Daniels
Further details coming soon.
“My wish is for perfect memories and the vessels to hold them. But this is impossible. I want to encapsulate and arrest the essence of my memories, but the fragile materials, such as paper, beeswax, floral foam, acrylic, and found objects, reveal the fragility and malleability of our memory and its often-fleeting nature. My sculptures often undergo a metamorphosis from pliable and moist states to structured and rigid forms, embodying the tension between the instinct to safeguard and the admittance of limitations within all relationships.” -Daniels
SEPTEMBER ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
RENEE SCHREINER
Renee Schreiner is an artist who makes her home and studio in Port Washington, Wisconsin. Her art education started in high school and continued while serving her country in the Women’s Army Corp. Renee took advantage of being stationed in Germany to visit many European art museums. Upon her honorable discharge, Renee studied art education at San Antiono College, UW Milwaukee and Cardinal Stritch. Over the years, Renee has taught students of all ages and abilities in addition to creating art and selling at various venues. She currently teaches art at Portal Inc. to disabled adults. Renee’s preferred medium is acrylic paint. She paints scenes that she sees and photographs on her daily nature hikes. She has been a member of the Cedarburg Artists’ Guild for over 30 years and participates regularly in their exhibits and their annual studio tour. She has won numerous awards for her art, including several “Best 2D Painting” awards.
Renee Schreiner
More info coming soon on when the artist will be demonstrating at CCC.
Our Iconic Lighthouse with Renee Schreiner
Date TBD: 3 hours
Come paint the iconic Port Washington Lighthouse nestled on our prized Lake Michigan with Renee. In this workshop, students will render a painting on 11”x14” canvas using thin layers of acrylic paint. We will be guided in a simple sketch, working from the artist’s photo reference. Renee will teach us the technique of using several thin layers to achieve this signature style. Finally, we will add details to achieve a finished rendition. All supplies are included in the class fee. Students may bring an apron or smock.
$58 CCC Members / $70 Non-Members
Registration will be available upon scheduling.
OCTOBER ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
MELISSA LOMBARDO
Through ceramics, polymer clay, metal, and diverse mixed media, Melissa’s work seeks to channel the spirits and elements of the natural world. She is driven to bring forth forgotten deities, symbols, and ancient practices from the unseen realms into tangible forms. Her art invites viewers to engage with the power of remembrance, encouraging them to explore what it truly means to be a creator.
Melissa Lombardo
More info coming soon on when the artist will be demonstrating at CCC.
Clay Hand Building with Melissa Lombardo
Thursdays, October 2 & 16: 6-8 pm
This all-ages class offers an engaging introduction into the art of ceramics. Participants will create a handbuilt miniature mug, ideal for honoring Día de los Muertos (November 1st-3rd), while gaining insight into the cultural significance of this meaningful holiday. Día de los Muertos is a time to honor ancestors by presenting foods and drinks they cherished. This class provides a unique opportunity to celebrate by crafting and glazing a personalized piece for your own offerings. An additional supply and firing fee of $10 is due to the instructor on the first night of class. This class will be available for registration soon!
$55 CCC Members / $66 Non-Members
NOVEMBER ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
GREG YOUNG
DECEMBER ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
MICKI HIGH
JANUARY ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
DENI STORM
FEBRUARY ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
TAYLOR MCDARISON
MARCH ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
CINDY SARKADY
APRIL ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
MARY PESCH