By Chris Spangler
The Black Hawk Artists celebrated a milestone Sunday when members kicked off their 50th annual art show and sale in Fort Atkinson.
The golden-anniversary exhibit is taking place at the Hoard Historical Museum, 401 Whitewater Ave., through Thursday, Nov. 16. Hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Black Hawk Artists is a group of 13 women who specialize or focus in a variety of artistic media and techniques. They include Jan Gilkey, Priscilla Heussner, Judith Henning, Jan Holewinski, Julia Ince, Sally Koehler, Mary Pratt, and Angela Hamele Szabo, all of Fort Atkinson; Janet Nelson and Mary Wallace, both of Cambridge; Karen Gomez, Jefferson; Karen Crosby, Lake Mills, and Linda Tump, Whitewater.
Henning is the sole charter member in the group, although she did take some time off to raise her family. Heussner is the longest-serving participant, at 45 years.
Each year, members create a special piece to be exhibited on their theme wall. This year’s theme is “Golden” in honor of the 50th anniversary.
This year’s show features more than 100 new artworks created by members.
At the show’s opening reception Sunday, cake and punch were served.
Photos from the opening reception, which drew a large crowd. follow.
Shawn Geinopolos, New Berlin, from right, and Julie Hansen, Brookfield, peruse cards and stickers made by Black Hawk Artists group members. Geinopolos said she and Black Hawk Artists group member Sally Koehler are childhood friends.
Michael Clish, at left, and Kathy Irvine, both of Fort Atkinson, visit during Sunday’s reception.
Linda McHenry, Whitewater, at left, and Sheree Cornford, Fort Atkinson, admire a painting of a cow created by Black Hawk Artist Jan Gilkey.
Gene Bier, Milton, views Janet Nelson’s artwork titled: “Enchanted Potpourri.”
Three photos above: Reception attendees view the various pieces of art produced by Black Hawk Artists. Reception attendees also found time to visit with artists and other guests.
Visitors take an up-close look at a 3-dimensional piece.
Area artist Carolyn Nord, from right, and her husband, Russ, visit with reception guests.
Finding a spot near the celebratory cake, Black Hawk Artists group member Jan Holewinski, at center, visits with reception attendees.
Black Hawk Artists group member Sally Koehler, at right, converses with a guest.
Whitewater area artist and retired Fort Atkinson teacher Dawn Hunter, second from right, engages with friends.
Priscilla Heussner, from left, and Judy Henning visit. Heussner has been a member of the Black Hawk Artists group for 45 of its 50 years of existence. Henning is a charter member, although she took some time away from the group, she said, to raise her family.
Chris Spangler photos.
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