February 8, 2018 at 11:24 a.m.
'Independent Spirits' supports Lyme Disease
Proceeds from Howard Young Art Gallery exhibition on Jan. 9 go to Waite-Kane Foundation
'Independent Spirits' supports Lyme Disease
By Abbey McEnroe-
The artists, Jillayne Waite, Christine Alfery and Nancy TeWinkel, will be auctioning off three original pieces of artwork each with proceeds to go towards the Waite-Kane Foundation.
Jillayne Waite
Waite has called Arbor Vitae home for the past 18 years. She says the quiet Northwoods consistently inspires her work.
Waite said her life has always involved art but got into ceramics in her adult life. When she retired she approached the activity with passion.
"I discovered that I love to make big things - I love to create sculptures that tell a story," Waite expressed.
Waite's medium of choice is stoneware clay, although she has tried raku clay and will step into earthenware this spring.
Waite creates to reflect things and events she sees in life, nature or media she consumes, whether that be a book, movie or play.
"Some of my work is functional," Waite said. "Sometimes making a bowl and glazing it is boring so I've started decorating the objects with a style that is fashioned after a particular artist."
The Howard Young Art show will feature art modeled after Jean Miro's work.
"Miro was an interesting abstract painter who found whimsy in the characters he painted," Wait explained. "The bold use of primary colors on a white background is striking."
Wait said the show is named "Independent Spirits" due to each of the artists priding themselves on their independence and artwork that reflects their very essence.
The idea to give proceeds to the Waite-Kane Foundation to support Lyme Disease awareness and education comes from Waite losing her daughter, Jenn, three years ago to Lyme Disease.
"Three years ago our daughter Jenn lost her life to Lyme disease," Waite expressed. "As a family and through the foundation we are committed to changing the way our community addresses tick borne illnesses (Lyme Disease). The donations from the raffle and sales will continue to bring Lyme disease awareness to our community."
Christine Alfery
Alfery is the curator of the "Independent Spirits" exhibition and of Howard Young Art Gallery.
Alfery has owned a place in Lac du Flambeau for 40 years and officially calls the Northwoods home.
Alfery has always been a painter and has pursued art her entire life.
"It's in my blood - I have never thought of doing anything else," Alfery expressed. "Well perhaps when I am frustrated and think, 'It would be easier to be a lawyer or a doctor than this.' Being creative, truly creative, and authentic, which is a word I use for defining what 'art is,' is brave and hard."
Alfery's work is conceptual, based on philosophical theory and play, and is inspired by 'freedom.'
For Alfery, "Independent Spirits" reflects the "I" in work.
"We tossed titles around," Alfery said. "I am the curator of the exhibition and of Howard Young Art Gallery and I finally settled on "Independent Spirits." For me it has to do with the 'I' in the work. We all, and for that matter all artists, work from the heart, from the soul, from our spirits within. The 'I' shoots out in each of our works."
Being a personal friend of the Waites', choosing to give back to the Waite-Kane Foundation was an obvious choice for Alfery.
"We wanted to give back, and because Lyme Disease is such a terrible problem in the Northwoods, and rarely acknowledged for funds, we thought it would be good to honor the work the Waite-Kane Foundation has done to further educate the Northwoods' public about the disease," Alfery explained. "The Waite-Kane Foundation honors their daughter Jenn, who died of Lyme Disease. All funds go towards the Foundation and community efforts to fight this disease."
Nancy TeWinkel
TeWinkel has called the Northwoods home since 2006, giving her an abundance of opportunities to capture the serene nature surrounding her.
TeWinkel has dedicated the past 10 years to further exploring her art, creating mostly in mixed media.
"I love texture and trying different mediums to create unexpected effects and results," TeWinkel expressed. "I am happiest when I have paint on my hand, face and clothing."
TeWinkel's art is a direct reflection of her core.
"My artwork represents some of my deepest emotions and sacred held beliefs," TeWinkel revealed. "When I begin a piece, it is more important to me to express my intention than to create a pretty painting. Many of my works begin with my writing my intention, wish, hope or dream on the canvas. The words become an integral part of the finished work."
While the Northwoods inspires TeWinkel, the courage and fight of women is also a significant inspiration.
TeWinkel said, to her, "Independent Spirits" represents the three independent woman creating and living their own life and art.
"We are three very independent women who have run businesses, had careers, raised families and lived and loved," TeWinkel expressed. "We like to try new things, but are mostly committed to our art reflecting our heart and expressing our uniqueness."
TeWinkel said donating to the Waite-Kane Foundation is important because of the prevalence of Lyme Disease in the Northwoods.
"Lyme Disease in the Northwoods has affected so many and it has been a part of everyone's health conversation," TeWinkel explained. "We all have a chance of being bitten by a tick. It crosses all boundaries of race, color and creed. It can be devastating and lead to a difficult life and even death. We all need to be better informed and aware."
"I have never been diagnosed with Lyme disease," TeWinkel continued. "When my husband was a nurse he saw the ravages of the disease. You wouldn't think a small, little tick could cause such heartache."
Exhibition information
The "Independent Spirits" exhibition art reception is happening from 5 to 7 p.m. today, Jan. 9.
Attendees can view the art, listen to the artists speak, and enter a raffle. Refreshments and hors d'oeuvres will be provided.
Nine original artworks, three from each artist, will be raffled off during the reception. All proceeds from the raffle will be donated to the Waite-Kane Foundation, as well as 10 percent of all sales from the exhibition.
The exhibition will run until March 13 and is located within Howard Young Medical Facility at 240 Maple St., Woodruff.
For more information, contact Christine Alfery at [email protected].
Abbey McEnroe may be reached via email at [email protected].
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