Washington Island Art and Nature Center

    August 4 — 15, 2008

WASHINGTON ISLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL

The Art and Nature Center was built in 1904 and was originally the Washington Harbor School, one of four schools on the Island.  When the school system consolidated into two schools, this two-room school became the high school for the entire Island.  Further consolidation in 1965 eliminated the need for this building altogether, and it reverted to the Town of Washington.  The Town Board then created the Center for Creative Arts and Nature Study, as a showcase for our local talented artists and as an education center featuring the wonders of our varied natural history and landscape.  In 1987, the center was renamed The Art and Nature center and was spun off as a separate, non-profit corporation.  The Town retains ownership of the building and leases it to the Art and Nature Center.

In the late 1980’s, music was added to the program, and several chamber music concerts were held at the Center.  In 1992 the collaboration between Stephen Colburn of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Art and Nature Center began, and the ‘modern’ Music Festival was born.  The concerts were initially held—quite uncomfortably—here.  As the Festival content and popularity grew, it became obvious that other venues would have to be found.  After a few years of  performing in church fellowship halls and local barns, the Festival found a permanent home in the recently built Trueblood Performing Arts Center.

 

The Festival has continued to grow, to the point that it is no longer practicable to run it as one of the many programs put on each year by the Art and Nature Center.  Consequently, a separate administrative manager has been brought on board and a separate committee set up to concentrate solely on the Music Festival.  However, the Art and Nature Center remains the proud parent of the Music Festival.

 

For more information about the Art and Nature Center, please visit us at www.wianc.org.