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.
MAGICAL COUNTRY COLORS!
The Rural Landscapes of Susan Hale
February 21 – March 17, 2024
Curated by James Toth
The Midwest is too often dismissed to as “fly-over country.” Even on the ground, our rural landscapes for many are just boring stretches of the interstate to endure going from city to city. How sad. I have always found our rural, pastoral landscapes to be rich environments, full of interesting contours, textures, and subtle colorations. Taking the time to get off the fast track onto our county roads is the way to go. Slowing down, we can appreciate the unique beauty of Wisconsin celebrated by Heidi Armbruster in her play SCARECROW and by our featured artist Susan Hale.
However, “subtle” isn’t a word for Susan’s paintings. Rather, “bold, vibrant, and electric” are much more apropos! She best provides a description of her work and her artistic sensibilities as follows:
I have always loved to draw and paint. Living in the Wisconsin countryside is a constant inspiration to me. It seems everywhere I look I see a painting – sunrises on Lake Michigan, golden hay bales scattered in a farm field, popcorn clouds dancing in a cerulean blue sky. Color and pattern are an important aspect of my work. I try to create on the canvas the energy and connection to nature I feel as I paint. Working in oil, I apply the paint thick and luscious, like frosting on a cake. I often say “Let the paint talk.”
Color is magic to me. My paintings include the vibrant use of color along with a sense of optimism. I love to paint outdoors, “plein-air.” It is invigorating to experience painting not only through my eyes but also through the feel of the breeze, the smell of the damp earth, and the chirping of the crickets. As van Gogh said, “…real artists paint things not as they are, in a dry analytical way, but as they feel them.” I paint as I feel.
People ask me: “Do you really see all those colors in the landscape?” “Yes” is my reply. “I just squint and use my imagination….isn’t that what being an artist is all about?”
Susan Hale, 2023
I am thrilled to showcase Susan’s exciting paintings and hope they inspire you to take a closer look at our wonderful Wisconsin countryside. You can learn more about Susan and view her portfolio of paintings by visiting her website: https://www.susanhaleart.com/.
Exhibit Hours
The art exhibit opens Wednesday, February 21, and is open to the public Monday through Friday, noon to 5 pm, and prior to the start of any performance.
Additional Information
About Scarecrow
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.