[Crw-talk] Of interest to LCSAC members who relate to Sparta

[wisawdust at charter.net]

Got this from Rich Egan.

Calling All Artists! 
Sparta, Wisconsin, 
  Artists from Monroe County and the surrounding area who would like to learn about a Sparta-based art and fine crafts center are encouraged to attend a meeting at 5 p.m. on Monday, August 16 at the Sparta Chamber Depot. 
The vision is to establish a gallery space owned and controlled by artists so that they have a storefront, control over how art is presented, and creative support. To enable this, a group is working to establish an art & fine craft co-op gallery in downtown Sparta. Space permitting, the group may also offer classes for the community and studio space for artists. 
“This next meeting is quite important,” says Holly Grady, Director of the Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce.  “We’ve got workable spaces identified and a small group committed to making the gallery happen but, in order for the art center to become reality, we need others to commit to the cooperative dream.” The co-op is currently looking for artists interested in become founding members. 
The fledgling Sparta Art and Fine Craft Co-op is one of many initiatives inspired by Create It!, an effort launched this spring by Monroe County Economic Development & Tourism Committee to spotlight local artists, musicians and other creative entrepreneurs. The initiative is a counterpart to the iBuyMoCo Campaign, which encourages county residents to support Monroe County businesses. 
Interested artists who cannot attend the Sparta co-op meeting or would like further information on becoming involved can contact the volunteer coordinators: Deb Severson [deb at whispirit.com 608-269-6218] or Debbie Kemper [debjkemper at yahoo.com  608-366-1959 or 608-633-1464].