The mission of the Center is to promote and sustain the creation and the appreciation of the visual arts in the greater Wausau area.

Exhibits

The CVA’s mission to promote the appreciation for the visual arts has never been more focused.  With the expansion of the new gallery space on ArtsBlock, the CVA has seen a record number of people attending “Gallery Gala” receptions as well as touring the gallery during the week.  The CVA continues to see an increase of visitors in the Gallery. 

Exhibitour opened the doors to many new faces by inviting downtown businesses to convert their shops into galleries for one evening, and adopt an artist.  The CVA sits on this committee and plays an active roll in encouraging attendance and promoting artists.  Between 700-1,000 people attend this event twice a year.  The interest and excitement created by this new event encourages people to attend our regular exhibits and receptions as well.

In general, the CVA has between 7-9 exhibits each year.  To cover the costs of marketing and hosting a reception, the CVA solicits sponsors.  The $1500 sponsorship does not entirely cover the costs of an exhibit, but it goes a long way in subsidizing the expenses. Thank you to all of our past, present and future sponsors!

EDUCATION

We believe that artistic talents are nurtured and encouraged through exposure and instruction.  We tailor our classes to age-appropriate groups and always offer the basics in drawing, painting and ceramics.  We complement these with an ever-changing selection of special instructions. 

This year it was our goal to expand our class list with new teachers, new topics and new procedures.  The Education Committee and the Education Coordinator have begun searching for a guest artists to conduct a workshop for our advanced adult artists in the region.  We’ve also added new classes to our repertoire, that have proven to be popular with the public, such as storybook illustration, lost wax jewelry casting, digital photography and for children we added a cartooning class and a haunted Halloween party. 

CVA GENERAL OPERATIONS

The CVA currently has a staff of five paid employees, two of which are full time.  We rely heavily upon volunteers to teach classes, assist in the Gift Shop, sit on our Board of Directors serve on committees, as well as greet visitors in the Gallery.  Our programs are mission based and offer this community rewarding art experiences and opportunities.  It is the continuous objective of the CVA to propel and promote the Center to the community and broaden our existing programs.  We’ve begun this by serving on Exhibitour and ChalkFest committees. 

As always, the CVA will remain dedicated to it’s mission to promote the arts to the community, while offering opportunities for local artists to teach, sell their work and exhibit their art.  We are a strong contributor to the vitality of the community and an important member on ArtsBlock.   As we look forward to the future, we ask for continued support and encouragement from our supports and friends.

Staff of the CVA 

Katie Crotteau Executive Director

Jessica Brys Executive Assistant & Gift Shop Coordinator

Mary Riedel Education Coordinator

Michelle Rosentreter   Finance Coordinator

Gallery Galas are the perfect place to meet artists, friends, art enthusiasts, CVA staff and volunteers!  We invite you to come and enjoy the art and the atmosphere.  Check out the In the Gallery page for dates!

Increased marketing outside the area has provided the CVA with many new visitors to the gallery & shop from Madison, Chicago and Minnesota.

As always, the CVA will remain dedicated to it's mission to promote the arts to the community, while offering opportunities for local artists to teach, sell their work and exhibit their art.