GAS CAN FILLS THE BILL

Artist Joanna Pauc of Mukwonago was congratulated by Dan Vrakas, Waukesha County Executive, for winning the $350 first prize in the 43rd Waukesha County Courthouse Art Purchase Contest.

The contest is jointly sponsored annually by the Waukesha County Courthouse and the Waukesha Creative Arts League. It is open to open to non-professional Waukesha County artists 18 years and older. Joanna is currently a student at UWM and is slated to obtain a degree in Fine Arts in spring of 2010. Her imaginatively created, wood fired, 3D ceramic prize winner is a realistic depiction of a small gas can and is entitled, “Gas Can.”

Judge Barbara Rinehart of the Composite Clay Studio in Dousman chose winning artwork and other prize winners. The first place winner will take its place of honor along with previous first place winners in the permanent courthouse art collection. A brass plate with the title of the piece, medium, the artist’s name, home city and year of the award will accompany the work. Second prize (watercolor) went to Julie Nusbaum of Menomonee Falls. Joe Veltman of New Berlin won third prize (watercolor). Winners of six Honorable Mentions were Mark Haagensen of Oconomowoc (acrylic), Shirley Seltzer of Delafield (watercolor), Margaret Schumann of North Prairie (watercolor), Janet McIver of Waukesha (oil), Janet Knapp of Pewaukee (pastel) and Janet Schoenwetter (acrylic) of Hartland. Margaret Schumann of North Prairie and Eunice Reep of Menomonee Falls co-chaired the event.

The approximately forty entries in the contest were displayed on the walls of the interconnecting hallway on the courthouse lower level during the month of October.