EASTBANK ARTISTS, INC. RECORDS, 1976-2001. 1.8 cubic feet (2 archives boxes and one large flat box)

Abstract

Eastbank Artists, Inc., was formed in 1976 by three La Crosse, Wisconsin, area artists who wanted more visibility and marketing of their artistic wares than they could accomplish independently. Until 1999, the organization hosted exhibits at the Pump House, the home of the Western Wisconsin Regional Arts agency.

Records include by-laws, 1987 and 1997; a directory of member artists with some biographical content, 1976-1985; a guest book of visitors to the exhibits, 1977-ca. 1981; historical scrapbooks of the organization, 1976-2001; a collection of posters and newspaper clippings, 1976-1988; and finally meeting minutes, 1978-1999 (which also include some financial records).

The collection does include some 35mm slides of artists’ work and exhibits.

Acc. No. 1999-13
Donated by Arlene Zei, on behalf of the Eastbank Artists, Inc., May 1999
Processed by Anita Taylor Doering, June 1999

Acc. No. 1999-35, 2002-5
Donated by Arlene Zei, on behalf of the Eastbank Artists, Inc., Dec. 1999 and Feb. 2002
Processed by Margaret Donndelinger, April-May 2002

History

Eastbank Artists, Inc., was formed in 1976 by three La Crosse, Wisconsin, area artists, Pat Swartz, Janet Larson and Sonja Adams, who wanted more visibility and marketing of their artistic products. The threesome were non-traditional students in the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse art program. The idea was to form an organization similar to an art co-op, and over 40 serious area artists attended the informational meeting.

In 1977, the Eastbank Artists was incorporated and stated their purpose "to promote, encourage, increase the public's knowledge and appreciation for the arts; to coordinate and provide services to the arts to foster their growth and practice; and to carry out all other purposes necessary or incident to the above..." The group worked closely with Audrey Kader and the Western Wisconsin Regional Arts program and were the first to exhibit in WWRA's new home, the Pump House in Dec. 1978. Until that time, the Pump House was used by the city of La Crosse to house its city vehicles. Eastbank Artists helped the fledgling WWRA operation by manning the Pump House on weekends from 1981 to March 1984.

Christmas Shows are popular and were held initially in members' and patrons' homes. The peak gross sales was $7073 in 1981. Shows were also held at the UW-L gallery and are juried events. The organization hosted exhibits at the Pump House until 1999 when WWRA executives decided to pursue different goals and wanted to take over more of the exhibit space a the Pump House. Eastbank Artists, Inc., is still active today and continues to promote and show the work of La Crosse area artists.

Scope and Content

Records of the Eastbank Artists, Inc., include by-laws 1987 and 1997; a directory of member artists, 1976-1985, which contains biographical materials about some of the artists and photographs and/or 35 mm slides of their work; one guest book of visitors to the exhibits, 1977-ca. 1981. Historical scrapbooks of the organization, 1976-2001 highlight the public shows the group promoted and organized, and includes a written history of the organization as well as photocopied articles of incorporation. A collection of posters and newspaper clippings, 1976-1988 and meeting minutes 1978-1999 are included and some contain financial records as well.

The collection does include some 35mm slides of artists' work and exhibits.