Possibilities come to life when you attend the La Pointe Center for the Arts Fundraising Event – Wine, Beer, & Bourbon Tasting and Silent Auction on May 25, 2025, from 3:30 – 6:30 PM at the Bell Street Tavern.
Written by Rae Lesmeister ~
Imagine sampling a buttery chardonnay or full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, enjoying a local brew or sipping an oaky bourbon. Picture yourself having won the bid for a guided fishing trip on the Kenai River in Alaska, a lakeside farm-to-table dinner for six, or a day cruise for eight with wine and food on a luxury boat on Lake Superior.
Now imagine the added pleasure you would feel, knowing your attendance at the La Pointe Center for the Arts fundraiser would foster support for programs and more experiences like these:
Grants for Artists
When the larger-than-life puppets, created by Live Art, walked the parade route last July 4th, I was sitting amongst a whole lot of children of various ages. I couldn’t help but notice the joy and wonder in the little one’s faces as the magical beings approached us. We all gasped with glee at the lifelike figures, and I thought to myself; how wonderful to have the puppets back. Hundreds of people were at the parade to witness exactly what the La Pointe Center for the Arts does so well: Bring art to the community! (Cynthia Mueller)
La Pointe Center for the Arts Gallery
Because the La Pointe Center Art Gallery is a non-profit, we are not driven by financial success. This allows the guild members to follow their mission of supporting, encouraging and mentoring artists; young and old, emerging and experienced as well as struggling artists.
We are especially proud of showing off the La Pointe School student’s artwork at our opening exhibit Memorial Day weekend. The school benefits from a grant from the La Pointe Center to offer art classes that the district no longer offers.
The Gallery guild members are also quite proud that we have created real jobs in the arts with our Gallery manager and Gallery salespeople. Over the decades the Gallery has shown hundreds of local artist’s works, both professional and amateur and offering all who come to Madeline Island an exciting, always changing art venue. (Michelle Auger)
Positivity Theatre
Positivity Children’s Theatre has been a summer theater program since 1994. Over 450 children from our tiny community have been through the Positivity program from the past 30 years. Not to mention all the talented behind the scenes crew, that continue to grace us with their talent: From writing scripts to music to dance, to set and acting, plus numerous volunteers. It takes an island to produce a play.
One story stands out and speaks to who we are as a theater program. We only produce original theater, written by local playwrights or residents and some years, alumni and even the children. A part of our mission is to foster the self-esteem of the children.
There was a child that had a slight speech impediment, and she was a bit shy speaking, let alone speaking on stage. Her dialog in the show, was minimal. However, she was a very talented violinist. So, I made sure that we incorporated her music into the production, so she could have her moment to shine. Two days before the show, the girl came to me and asked if
she could have more lines. Of course, I said yes, and we added a few more lines for her.
After the 1st performance, her mother came to me in tears. She said I have never seen her so confident in her speech and thanked us profusely. This young woman is now a well known musician and travels the world sharing her gift. Positivity Children’s Theatre is a staple in our summertime programs on Madeline Island, we hope to be around for another 30 years.
(Julie Stryker)
Performing Arts Concerts
The Performing Arts affiliate brings people together through live music performances. The Stagemobile, which becomes a prominent fixture at the Harry Nelson Rec Center all summer, has featured everything from Nashville’s finest singer/songwriters to some of the region’s most popular performers.
This year there will be twice as many shows highlighting both island and mainland musicians. The performances are always a great way to bring family and friends together to enjoy music, food and beverages, see the neighbors you haven’t seen in a while or make new friends – and it’s free and open to everyone. Nothing says community more than getting everybody together through music. (Steve Law)
All these programs and concerts are made possible by funding from the LaPointe Center for the Arts. We are grateful for your memberships, sponsorships and attendance at our fundraisers.
Additionally, we are grateful for matching grants from the Wisconsin Arts Board and grants through the Apostle Islands Area Community Foundation and the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation and Pace Woods, as well as funding from the Grutzner Madeline Island Fund and The Michael Madeline Island Fund.
