Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Garrett, Holets, Petkovsek
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 1/27/2016
Clark Cultural Art Center (CART) (New Business - 2016)
The CART is now Before the Horse in Neillsville
By Todd Schmidt
“The arts, it has been said, cannot change human beings who might change the world.” - Maxine Green
This mantra has spurred on Linda Garrett-Holets and Dr. Sarah Holets, now co-owners of the former United Methodist Church and parsonage in Neillsville, as they develop the Clark Cultural Art Center (CART).
Their mission and vision was shared with approximately 60 people who attended open meetings Jan. 19 and 20 at the facility. Linda said some snowbirds and folks on vacation have also sent messages of congratulations and support.
“So far, the community has been highly supportive of this concept,” Linda said.
In a nutshell, their intentions are “to develop and operate an innovative art center that educates, inspires and cultivates artists and the community.”
In addition, CART hopes to inspire the imagination, cohesively mend boundaries and provide the passion to learn in Clark County. Programming will be offered to focus on exhibits and education for people of all ages.
Linda said the research and concept development behind CART has been ongoing with Art Wisconsin since early in 2012. A feasibility study through the Arts Board indicated that demographics were very favorable for an art center in Central Wisconsin. The Neillsville Improvement Corporation (NIC) provided additional information and background.
The needs assessment report is ongoing. CART is in the process of being established as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, with the guidance of operational assistant Barb Petkovsek.
Linda recently took an executive director course, with the curriculum including brain-storming, financial management and in general determining what it takes to make a non-profit operation successful.
CART is seeking interest from the public, whether it is serving on a board of directors or a sub-group, volunteering or providing interest in venues and programming. Six committees are being considered, including visual arts, culinary, theatre, journalism, music and dance.
“Imperative to the success of CART will be volunteers who can help the cultural art center build its internal capacity to support growth and stability,” Linda said.
Those who are interested in being involved but were unable to attend the open meetings are urged to contact Linda Garrett-Holets via email at lin-dahgrants@gmail.com.
Phases of development include structural preservation of the buildings, establishing external signage and interior preservation and enhancement. Once the board of directors and the committee structure is in place, planning will commence in earnest to determine shows and events for 2016 and beyond.
Linda said a kitchen upgrade is intended to allow for culinary art instruction. Four pianos are coming in soon. Wi-Fi and Internet service will be established. Art walks will be held down the alley to Hewett Street and readings for children and other activities are in the works in conjunction with the Neillsville Public Library.
CART will be a prominent stop in the Arts in Clark Tour at the end of April 2016. A grand opening is planned for mother’s Day weekend, May 7-8.
The former United Methodist Church and parsonage in downtown Neillsville are being transformed into the Clark Cultural Art Center (CART). Plans are being developed for the non-profit facility, which is set for a grand opening the weekend of May 7-8. (Photo by Todd Schmidt/Clark County Press)
