La Crosse
Wisconsin
Pump House Newsletter - October 2022
Arts and Entertainment
September 29, 2022
From: Pump House Regional Arts CenterThank you Toni!
After 20 years leading the Pump House Regional Arts Center Toni Asher has decided to retire and step down as Executive Director at the end of September. During her time leading the organization she was responsible for greatly expanding the center’s activities including adding a pottery studio, showcasing local students’ art, collaborations with other community organizations, gallery and theatre renovations, and a full annual calendar of events including Artspire, a celebration of community through the arts. Speaking of her coming retirement Asher said, “I am so grateful for the opportunity to have worked with the many generous, talented people in our community and thankful for those who have supported the Pump House over the years. I carry with me into retirement friendships and life experiences I will always treasure. I look forward now to time with family, travel, and enjoying the arts.”
Regarding her departure, Pump House Board President Robin Cosby said, “The Board, employees and donors are so thankful for Toni’s leadership over the years. She will be greatly missed as a friend and leader of the arts community.” In anticipation of Asher’s departure, the board worked with her on a new long-term strategic plan. Cosby added, “Our goal is to ensure the Pump House continues her legacy of connecting and inspiring our region through the arts.”
Current Assistant Director Allison Krzych will take over as Interim Executive Director until a replacement is named for Asher.
In Our Theater
Pieta Brown & David Huckfelt
Thursday, October 6, 2022, 7:30 pm
Hailed as a “self-styled poetess, folk goddess and country waif” by the BBC, Pieta Brown has gone on tour in the US, Australia, and Europe extensively, prompting NPR to applaud her “moody, ethereal” songwriting, and the New York Times to praise her “sweet, smoky voice.”
David Huckfelt is a singer/ lyricist /activist and founding frontman of Minneapolis indie-folk cult favorite The Pines. David’s new solo work preserves a rugged optimism that blasts through layers of dark in real time with songs that speak volumes, soft & clear.
Mitzi’s Abortion: A Saint’s Guide To Late-Term Politics And Medicine In America
Oct. 27*, 28 & 29 – 7:30 PM
Nov. 3, 4 & 5 – 7:30 PM
Oct. 30 & Nov. 6 – 2:00 PM
Original story by Elizabeth Heffron
A Grey Area Production
With humor, intelligence and honesty, Mitzi’s Abortion explores the questions that have shaped the national debate over abortion, and reminds us that whatever we may think we believe, some decisions are neither easy nor simple when they become ours to make. A generous and compassionate comedy with serious themes about a young woman trying to make an intensely personal decision in a system determined to make it a political one.
Scary Stories
Saturday, October 8th
7:30 PM
Start your October just right with a good fright! The Bluff Country Tale Spinners, a local storytelling guild, will once again be putting on their best scares. Join them for an evening of stories, some new and some old favorites. The tellers will get you in the mood for Halloween all month.
ReproActive
Friday, November 18, 2022
7:30 PM
Produced by Susan Fox and Diane Breeser
Free admission; donations accepted
In the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade earlier this year, a cacophony of dissenting voices has grown across the country. Join Susan Fox and Diane Breeser as they present Repro-Active: An Evening of Voices-in monologues, poetry, essays, short plays, and articles. There will also be a discussion with local leaders in politics and women’s healthcare.
In the haunting words of Susan B. Anthony “The true republic: men, their rights and nothing more; women, their rights and nothing less.
Updates and more information on Facebook!
Tickets are available for purchase at the Pump House, over the phone or on our website.
General Public: $30
Members: $25*
Student/Military: $15**
log in to your online member account for discount, **tickets available at front desk of Pump House with ID
View our full Performing Arts line-up
Call to Artists!
This juried call to artists is an opportunity to exhibit and sell your work in one of the area’s finest arts spaces, complete with three art galleries.
Artspire is the largest, free, community arts celebration in downtown La Crosse and features a juried art fair and sale, live music, dancing, interactive arts for kids, chalk art competition and more! This years' annual Artspire celebration will be held on June 9 & 10, 2023.
The call to Artists for our 2023-22 Gallery Season and Artspire fine art vendors is open from September 1, 2022 to January 31, 2023.
Apply by online application available on our website.
Current Gallery Exhibitions
September 14 – November 5
Jane Michalski
Enduring Earth
Front Gallery
Enduring Earth explores the structures of the earth through the three themes of; Bedrock Subtraction, Tectonic Shift and Rejuvenation in order to elicit a sense of wonder and appreciation for the planet. Michalski uses encaustic mixed-media paintings to express her connection to the earth and the unseen energies that connect us.
Drawn Together
Kader Gallery
One Morning each week throughout the year the Drawn Together artists meet in varied locations to draw from observation. Many local businesses, parks, and private homes have hosted the groups. The artists share their drawings informally with one another then take their sketchbooks back to further develop their ideas and images into more finished works. Drawings, paintings, sculpture, printmaking and collaged works will be shown in "Drawn Together" exhibit.
Youth Exhibitions
La Crosse County 4-H Students
September 14 – October 15
Balcony Gallery
Holmen High School
October 19 - November 12
Balcony Gallery
Artist Reception and First Friday Art Walk!
Friday, October 7
5-7 PM
Come experience and enjoy the newly installed exhibitions in our three galleries, and discuss the work with the artists themselves. Enjoy complementary snacks, and our open cash bar as well!
More about First Friday Art Walk
Our Art Studio
Paint & Pour is Back!
Pump House Paint & Pour workshops are La Crosse’s original social painting experience. Attendees enjoy wine, conversation, and music while a artist guides them step-by-step through a painting. We provide everything, including paint brushes, paint, stretched and primed canvas, and your first glass of wine. At the end of the workshop, you will go home with your completed work. Additional beverages will be available at the cash bar
Intro to Drawing
We know you like to draw, so we’re providing a creative environment to build your skills and improve your technique. Basic supplies are provided, but feel free to bring any of your own supplies if you wish.
Bring the family in for an evening of clay projects! There are many different projects to choose from.
Limit 1 family, no more than 6 individuals.
Call to schedule a date
$10/family member
Try your hand at pottery making! No experience needed.
$20/session - $30/session if you bring a friend.
Call to schedule a date
Limit 2 wheels
Take home clay kits are a great way to do something crafty from home! There are several clay kits to choose from; rhino, nesting owl or shark on a plaque. Each kit comes with everything you need including clay, tools and written and video instructions.
$20/kit for non-members
$15/kit for Members
Open Clay Studio is available to Pump House members only.
Mon-Fri 1-4 PM
Tuesdays, 5:30-7 PM
Saturdays, 12 PM-4 PM
or by appointment
To sign up or get more information about the Open Clay Studio visit on our website.
2022-23 Film Society Season
The 14th Season of the Pump House Film Society started in September, 2022. The next screening will be October 9, 2022.
We will screen monthly movies in our theater! Each Film is followed by a light meal connected to the location or theme of the monthly film. Limited seats available for this monthly Film Club.
Please note you must have a current Pump House Membership to join the Film Society.
Join us in our mission to enrich lives in the La Crosse Region and beyond through visual, performing and literary arts. Funds generated through memberships, classes, ticket sales and events help us support this mission, provide free admission to all galleries, tuition sponsorships, and diverse arts programming for all ages. Membership is the foundation upon which the Pump House rests!