FAQ

What is the "America250 – Local History is National History" project

This is a community art project for Chetek residents, tourists or anyone connected to the Chetek community. All are invited to share their artistic reactions to and interpretations of the theme, Local History is National History.

Who can participate?

Everyone. People of all ages and artistic abilities are encouraged to participate. The artwork will be displayed in a public exhibition in downtown Chetek, and all submissions will be included.

Who is organizing this project?

The Chetek Public Arts League, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to enhancing Chetek's public spaces with diverse arts, and encouraging art-making for all.

Objective of the Project:

To celebrate our country's 250th birthday with creative artistic expression, and to encourage community engagement with art, as artists and/or observers.

How to participate?

Pick up a free 6" x 8" canvas at Chetek City Hall, or the Calhoun Memorial Library,

Create a picture that depicts your reaction to the theme, Local History is National History. Any media - paint, pen & ink, photography, fiber arts, text -  is acceptable as long as it is on a 6x8 canvas

Return canvas by Friday, May 1st. For assistance, contact the Chetek Public Arts League at chetekarts@gmail.com.

Chetek Public Arts League, Inc. reserves the right to reject any artwork it deems inappropriate for display.

Community Paint Sessions to encourage participation

For anyone who would like to take part but is having trouble "getting going," the CPAL has scheduled 4 different times at the Calhoun Memorial Library when you can meet with others to get a jump start.

      Thursday, 6:00, April 9th –During the regularly scheduled Try It Club 

     Tuesday, 1:30, April 14—During regular library hours-general public invitation

     Friday, 3:45, April 17 – During the regularly scheduled Teen Time

     Tuesday, 1:30, April 21—During regular library hours-general public invitation

All materials needed for the project-canvases, pencils, acrylic paints, acrylic markers, brushes, etc.,---will be available for attendees to use. Come and bring a friend.

Canvas Pickup and Drop-off Locations: 

Chetek City Hall (220 Stout Street, Chetek, WI: M-F 8 am – 4 pm),

Calhoun Memorial Library (321 Moore St., Chetek, WI: M, W, F 9 am – 6 pm, T,TH 1 pm – 6 pm, S 9 am - Noon

If you live out of town, you may purchase your own 6" x 8" canvas panel and mail your submission to Chetek Public Arts League, Inc., PO Box 433, Chetek, WI 54728. You must include the registration form and your canvas.

Drop off completed canvas and form at the same location you pick up your canvas.

Exhibition Details:

Display Location: Banners on a chain link fence near the city-owned parking lot in downtown Chetek (behind Chetek Hometown Pharmacy and Main Street Park)

Exhibition Period: June through October 2026.

Reception Event: This will be on the first day that the banners are hung. It will be the public's first opportunity to see the community artwork, for the CPAL to  publicly recognize and thank all those who dared to participate, and to celebrate the 250th birthday of our country, where free expression through art is taken for granted.

Project Promotion: 

Events and News related to the project will be posted on www.chetekarts.org, the Chetek Public Arts League's Facebook page, posters, newspaper ads and other media outlets.

Funding Information:

Total budget for this project was $5000. $2500 of funding came from the Wisconsin Arts Board as an America250 grant, with funds from The National Endowment for the Arts, and the state of Wisconsin.  The remaining $2500 was raised through fund-raising events by the CPAL and by donations from its members and a supportive community.

Canvas Ownership:

Each canvas will be donated to the Chetek Public Arts League, Inc. and becomes property of the nonprofit organization. However, each artist retains the copyright to their artwork if properly marked with the copyright © next to the artist's signature.  If desired, the artist may buy back their submitted canvas by including $25 when they return their canvas to the CPAL, and the CPAL will mail it back to the artist after it has been reproduced for the banners.

Multiple Canvases:

You can paint more than one, but only one registered canvas at a time. Submit a completed one to register for another.

What happens to the original canvases? 

An online auction will be held in which the artworks will be sold.

Learn More:

Visit www.chetekarts.org for more information and updates on future projects.

All profits from sales will benefit the Chetek Public Arts League, Inc,

Chetek Public Arts League, Inc., is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation EIN#32-0733893?