Pictured is part of the “Bridges of Madison County” art exhibit in the Wagon Wheel Theatre lobby.

By Darla McCammon

There are a number of art organizations in the area. The longest lived group would most likely be the Lakeland Art Association.

I am a member of this group and it is going strong. I also am responsible for the Warsaw City Hall Art Gallery displays for people to enjoy, so I guess one could call me a group, but not a groupie. The Fred Olds exhibit is a good example of the quality we are bringing to the community. Please feel free to contact me at the number or e-mail below if you would like to recommend someone with artistic merit to exhibit here. Some art groups come and go. Several have disbanded. We artists can be cantankerous personalities at times and cause our own downfall.

The City of Warsaw now has an Arts Commission on which I served for a while and they are doing some nice things on that alleyway behind City Hall. I didn’t become cantankerous when I resigned and found my replacement in Melodie Koher of Lakeland Art Association. I was just wearing too many hats and had to pare down. Another group that does not get recognized enough is the Wagon Wheel Arts Commission. Did you even know they exist? Some great and creative people are on that commission and we take turns putting up exhibits appropriate for the various plays and performances that are held at the Wagon Wheel.

You still have time to go enjoy a lovely exhibit along with the musical “The Bridges of Madison County.” The bridge theme was fun for us to erect in the lobby and we had a wonderful response from the following local artists who provided the beautiful work behind the bridge for you to enjoy as you enter the theater. Ann Peperak has a striking and large covered bridge scene you will love; Mike Kimble, an extraordinary photographer, will thrill you with his depictions for our theme; and Roxanne Coffelt not only provided information about the real Madison County, Wis. covered bridges but gave us photos as well.

You can read about the history and age of each bridge in this display. Jennifer Lefforge generously let us borrow one of her exquisite works; Darla McCammon provided “Codger’s Cabin” from that era; and Don Sheline gave us one of his amazing paintings. His wife Carolyn Sheline, who is dealing with cancer, was also very kind in letting us borrow her beautiful depiction of a covered bridge. You can contact the artists if you are interested in purchasing any of the work. We do not charge a commission.

The Honeywell Theater in Wabash has long set the standard for displaying art and holding art competitions. The Wagon Wheel is working on plans that will incorporate art displays as well as possible competitions in the future when the re-building and remodeling is completed. In the meantime, they are offering a sample of that future date by utilizing the nice space in the lobby for you to enjoy.

Upcoming And Current Events

Please contact Darla McCammon at [email protected] or (574) 527-4044 if you have an event to mention.

• The Fred Olds Nostalgic collection is currently on display at Warsaw City Hall Art Gallery through the end of September. It is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays.
• The Wagon Wheel Theatre Gallery “Bridges of Madison County” art exhibit is currently on display in the theatre’s lobby, featuring well-known local artists and a theme of bridges. Free admission is for the lobby only.
• John Streeter pastels are on display at Lakeland Art Association Gallery.
• There is an upcoming photography competition at the art gallery at the Honeywell Theater, Wabash.