Spring Break
Butterflies of Whitewater
Andrea Budde
Issue date: 9/24/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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For the past four years the Whitewater Arts Alliance has held its public Arts Alliance project, bringing the butterflies to the city this year. Each year is guided by a theme. Past projects have included fish, chairs, and birdhouses. Ideas for possible projects are submitted by the public and are considered and chosen by the Alliance.
"Our goal is to make this a public art project," board member of the Whitewater Arts Alliance Dawn Hunter said.
After butterflies were determined to be this year's project, the blank butterfly design was created by former Whitewater industrial arts teacher Jerry Stauffauer. Stauffauer designed, cut out, and assembled the blank butterflies, which were then sold to local people and businesses for $25. Purchasers were able to decorate the butterflies however they chose, as long as they stayed within the 20-pound weight limit.
Participants were asked to make sure their butterflies were properly primed and sealed to protect them while outside for the three and a half months of summer. Schopen Automotive in Whitewater offered to provide clear coating to butterfly designers for $10. The Whitewater Arts Alliance tries to keep costs as low as possible to make sure the project provides an opportunity for everyone to participate.
The project design for next year will be revealed at this year's auction.
The 48 butterflies will be auctioned off at the Whitewater Arts Alliance Center (the old library) located at 402 W. Main Street, next to the fountain, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. Guests will first be able to bid on the butterflies via silent auction, allowing people to get a close look at all the butterflies before bidding. After an hour of silent bidding, the auction will be held in a regular format, allowing guests to raise their former bids, to ensure they have the chance to buy their favorite piece.
Ticket costs for Alliance members are $8, and $10 for non-members. Tickets will be sold at the door for $15. Advance sale tickets can be purchased at Commercial Bank, First Citizens Bank, GMA Printing and the Sweet Spot Coffee Shoppe. The cost of the tickets is only to cover the cost of the catered refreshments, which will be provided by Randy's Restaurant and Brewery. A cash bar will also be available.
All proceeds will go towards the Whitewater Arts Alliance's general fund, which helps fund programming for the Cultural Arts Center. The Alliance hopes to use the funds to expand its benefit to the community and to maintain the programs they currently run.
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