Silversmithing photo by Tara Burns

WBCA In the News

Art event puts creative process on full display

July 3, 2007

by David Gustafson, Star Tribune

What: The White Bear Center for the Arts presents "Art Watch," a unique community event and fundraiser in which 54 local and professional artists will set up shop in the center and create original works. The public is invited to observe, watch demonstrations and meet the painters, sculptors, potters, jewelry makers and others as their work unfolds.

" Most artists work alone. To have people right there talking to you is really inspirational and it's completely different," said White Bear Lake painter and musician Mike Judy.

The WBCA has hosted similar events, though none this ambitious. The center's last "Open Canvas" event featured more than 40 artists working with a live audience throughout one day and evening with a silent auction afterward. It drew hundreds of people, Judy said.

" Art Watch" will culminate with live and silent auctions of the new work during a Saturday evening "Gala" with music, beverages, hors d'ouevres and dessert.

" We don't really know of any other art centers who do something like this involving so many artists at one time and with so many different media," said Tara Burns, the center's communications coordinator.

When: The studios will be open to the public 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday. The auction and gala will be 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday.

Where: The White Bear Center for the Arts is located at 2228 4th St. in White Bear Lake. For more information, contact the WBCA at 651-407-0597 or online at www.whitebeararts.org.

Cost: You may visit the studios on Thursday and Friday for free. Tickets are required for the gala and cost $35 for WBCA members, $40 for nonmembers or $45 at the door ($30 of the ticket price is tax deductible as a charitable donation to the arts center). Proceeds from the event will go toward the Arts Center and a scholarship for the College of Visual Arts in St. Paul.

Copyright © 2007 Star Tribune. All rights reserved.

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