Range Art Association celebrates 60 years of creativity

HURLEY - The Range Art Association is celebrating 60 years of existence with local artists gearing up for the annual art show in July.

The association started with a group of local artists wanting to collaborate. Artist Helmi Anderson has been an association member for the past 50 years, and said she was "talked into it" by other artists.

"I can't remember if it was Dorothy Silkworth or Melba Rigoni who talked me into it," Anderson said. "They asked me to join, so I did. I would leave for awhile because of my husband's job, but every time I came back, I would rejoin the group."

According to Anderson, the members "talked shop," sharing ideas and tips. The group met twice a week to paint and catch up.

For artist Suzanne Vittone, the meetings allowed her to see new ideas.

"I used to come and paint, and I would look and see what others were doing," Vittone said. "I would say, 'Oh, I want to do that.' By watching others, your art expands. It's amazing."

New members are welcome, according to Gerry Traczyk.

"I've been in the club for about a year, and I've been taking water color classes for a long time, and I didn't know any other artists," Traczyk said. "This allowed me to meet others who also like to paint."

In addition to painting for hobby, the group also performs service projects for local groups and businesses.

Some past projects include painting murals for the Iron County Fairgrounds in Saxon, collecting more than 100 pieces of art for Westgate Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Ironwood and submitting pieces for area fundraisers for Downtown Art Place or Aspirus Grand View Hospital.

According to Traczyk, association member Gail Kniska "took it over when it was really slowing down, and nobody was taking charge. She really does a lot of work and is the driving force."

Art show

One year after the group formed in 1955, it was decided to host an art show. This year marks the 59th annual Range Art Association Art Show, scheduled July 25-27 at the Iron County Memorial Building.

This year's show is in honor of Melba Rigoni, one of the original members of the group who died in November.

"She was a mentor all her life," Vittone said. "She taught art when she was a young person at the schools. Right up until the end, she was submitting information and new ideas to the association."

The show is part of the annual Iron County Heritage Festival, and Traczyk said the group plans on entering a float in the heritage parade on July 26.

To celebrate the anniversary, Traczyk said some new activities are being planned to draw new people.

"We're looking into having a craft show in the vicinity and we're inquiring with local artists to come and paint during the show," Traczyk said. "We would also like to have a children's demonstration as well, and face-painting for the kids."

Some other demonstrations may include wildlife and portrait artists, woodcarving or photography workshops.

Some pieces are for sale, if the artist chooses. Also, pieces from local students are put on display.

"Art teachers bring in pieces for the students from throughout the year, so we have a really nice display," Traczyk said.

The event ends with a reception on Sunday, allowing for visitors to meet with artists.

According to Vittone, there is something for everyone at the show.

"There are so many different kinds of art, you'll find something there that you will like," Vittone said.

"There are different kinds of paintings, photography, woodcarving, fabric, metal and children's art."

For more information, contact Kniska at 715-561-2072.