Your overall theatre experience is expanded with art exhibits in our lobby gallery. Be sure to check out the beautiful work of these visual artists on your next trip to Next Act.
Curator James Toth creates a unique collection of works to complement each Next Act production.
ARTISTIC AMBROSIA
Art and Longevity
April 24 – May 19, 2024
Curated by James Toth
What determines the quality of our lives as we become elderly? What factors play significant roles in keeping our wits and combatting the feelings of isolation and loneliness? Much has been written about how to stave off the inevitable(?) physical and mental decline we face in old age. How might art play a role? Having an active, creative mindset makes the world forever interesting. It engages all of one’s senses as the ordinary is experienced with a refreshed perspective which can serve as inspiration for artistic expression. Could all that have a positive effect? Well, It couldn’t hurt!
While the play THE TREASURER is about a son’s experience in dealing with the needs of his aging mother, it is the word “aging” that caught my imagination as a hook for the lobby gallery exhibit. It made me think about the “aging” artists I know and admire; how they have continued to stay engaged with the world and to create wonderful art well past the time many have retired to rocking chairs in Arizona or Florida.
So, I invited five of my “old” friends to share their art with us as well as an insight or two about the importance of art and art making in their lives. They are Virgi Driscoll (91), Ann Baer (82), Jean D. Sobon (82), Charles F. Wickler (76), Kathy Walter (73). I hope you find them and their art as inspiring as I do.
James Toth (71)
Volunteer Gallery Curator
Exhibit Hours
The art exhibit opens Wednesday, April 24, and is open to the public Monday through Friday, noon to 5 pm, and prior to the start of any performance.
Additional Information
About The Treasurer
James Toth is a retired art educator, now in his tenth season as Next Act’s volunteer gallery curator. Since the 2014-15 season, Jim has been curating and installing art exhibits for Next Act’s lobby gallery. Drawing on his connections as an artist and retired art educator, he has brought in a wide variety of artists whose work complements our productions and enriches our patrons’ theatre experiences. Jim is especially pleased when the art and the play seem to have been meant for each other, as with ARTERYink’s organ-oriented designs and the heart transplant theme of Sean Grennan’s THE TIN WOMAN. Before retiring, Jim had a two-career history, first as an Art Teacher and K-12 Art Coordinator for the South Milwaukee School District and then as the Director of Exhibits for the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum. In addition to his volunteer work for Next Act, he serves on the board for the Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art and as President of the south side community choir Cantare Chorale. He is also an artist whose sculpture was featured this past summer at Gallery 224 in Port Washington. Jim and his wife Karen are long-time residents of Bay View.