Water’s Edge Artists

The Plymouth Arts Center is pleased to announce the opening of a new exhibition by the Water’s Edge Artists, a Tribute in Honor of Kitty Lynne Klich. The show will be on display in Gallery 110 North April 2nd though April 30th. The public is invited to meet the artists during the opening reception on Friday, April 9th from 5-7pm. Live musical entertainment will be presented courtesy of Izabella Sand, harp from 5:00-6:00 PM and Beth Munns, piano and Kate Pearce, bass of the “Gypsy Swing Chicks” from 6:00-7:00 PM There will be complimentary cheese by the Sartori Company and a cash bar. The show is generously sponsored by Franz Backus and Paul and Kathy Sartori.

Water’s Edge Artists – Painters for Preservation – is an alliance of plein air artists dedicated to artistically recording historic, endangered or threatened places. As artist activists for 15 years and continuing, WEA’s mission is accomplished by contributing portions of the sales of our artwork to organizations that support watersheds and historical sites.

The members engage with nature largely by painting “en plein air”, which means direct from nature. They may gather together, go far afield, or simply spend time quietly creating in their own backyards and communities. Artistically capturing and celebrating these wild, watery places and storied sites means being out in all kinds of weather. During seasons of sun and snow, solstice and slumber, you can find them with painting partners at each elbow, or just around the bend.

Sharing the unique sense of place and connecting with you, the viewer, is at the core of what plein air artists do. WEA is an organization that focuses on this process going full circle, from painting and framing selected pieces, to then exhibiting and promoting these artworks for the benefit of all involved.

As an innovative and creative presence, our efforts involve layers of teamwork and camaraderie. We have relied on effective and caring leadership to help guide our preservation path. Each leader weaves their own knowledge and experiences into the fabric of the group, building upon and then expanding possibilities for partnering and community collaboration. As an exemplary leader, Kitty Lynne Klich has shared her vision with passion and clarity. With this Memorial Tribute and Exhibition of on-site (plein air), and studio artworks, WEA is privileged to partner with the Plymouth Art Center to honor Kitty’s Legacy of Leadership.

Dan Rizzi, WEA’s current President, states that “Kitty was a generous teacher, who was instrumental in my development as an artist. She led WEA on a progressive and focused path by reaching out to other organizations for paint-outs and events, working tirelessly and unselfishly to organize and promote additional opportunities that benefited artists and her community.”

During previous President Chuck Eaton’s tenure, he said, “Kitty was always ready to step up and do what needed to be done. Whether it was taking on the duties of the treasurer, running the meetings when I was out of town, or sitting in a tent selling other people’s paintings, she did it all, even when I’m sure she would have rather been painting herself. Her joy and enthusiasm will be greatly missed.” Chuck passed the baton of Presidential Leadership of WEA to Kitty, where she held the helm from 2017 until 2019. She remained dedicated to WEA, even during challenging times for her ‘in sickness and in health’, including attending the October 2019 WEA reception at their annual signature show at the Rahr-West Art Museum, just weeks before she died.

As Founder and Artistic Director Emerita of WEA, Bonnita Budysz shares that “Kitty’s unbridled infusion of interest and enthusiasm, of seeking and showcasing events and promotion opportunities, was her special brand of caring considerations in support of art and artists. Her organizing, facilitating, and networking skills, her pursuit of adventure, and her genuine warmth was so welcoming to participants for ‘A Painting Holiday in Ireland’, that we offered together in 2006. Even before her official commitment to WEA as President, she invited WEA artists many times as guest speakers and demonstrators on her Gallery Works and City of Sheboygan WSCS Productions shows. We are eternally grateful that she shared her all with WEA, and we Salute and Honor her Generosity of Spirit.”

The Plymouth Arts Center is a non-profit community arts organization founded in 1993 to promote and nurture the visual and performing arts in all of Western Sheboygan County and beyond. PAC’s mission is to: Enliven the Spirit of our Community and To Enrich the Lives of All, by Providing Diverse Experiences in the Arts. Wisconsin artists are showcased in Gallery 110 North in six uniquely different exhibits per year. Additionally, the Arts Center offers an ongoing and vibrant schedule of live musical and theatrical performances, art classes for toddlers through adults, and a gift shop featuring member artwork. Tour/School groups may schedule complimentary docent led visits. Open Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm; Sat-Sun. Noon to 3pm; or by special appointment. Closed on Mondays and Holidays. For more information, visit the PAC website: www.plymoutharts.org and follow on Facebook and Twitter or call 920.892.8409.

A message from Donna Hahn, Executive Director of the Plymouth Arts Center… The late, Kitty Lynne Klich, was the president of Water’s Edge Artists up until the time of her passing in December 2019. An award-winning artist, Kitty was a member of the National Association of Professional Women, Oil Painters of America, Wisconsin Visual Artists – Southeast Chapter; Museum of Wisconsin Art – West Bend; Waters Edge Artists; and the Plymouth Arts Center. Her work was commissioned by corporations and individuals nationally, and throughout the State of WI. Kitty began her tenure with the Plymouth Arts Center in 1997 as PAC’s resident oil painting instructor, presenting three to four classes weekly, annual special workshops, and an annual Student Art Exhibition and Gala. She retired from teaching at the PAC in May of 2014. During her teaching years, she also was the producer and emcee of PAC’s “Gallery Works” TV show, which was directed by Gary Kaiser and Plymouth Community TV-14. The shows consisted of intimate artist interviews and demos. After Gallery Works, Kitty went on to produce “Painting Journeys,” a Sheboygan Community cable program directed by Keary Kautzer. She won several prestigious awards for these productions. For “Painting Journeys,” Kitty demonstrated her step-by-step painting techniques, creating beautiful oil paintings. With every brush stroke, her viewers not only gained artistic knowledge, they also went on a meditative journey with Kitty as she told stories about her vision for the painting, her travels, family, nature and animals, the universe, and her dreams. Beyond her work as an artist/instructor for the Plymouth Arts Center, Kitty and her husband Jim, were dedicated volunteers and generous members, caring deeply about the future of our organization. As a volunteer, Kitty coordinated and ran the annual PAC Paint the Towns En Plein Air event from 2010 to 2015, hosted more than 25 regional and local bus trips and three international trips, assisted with fundraising events, served as an usher, bartender, ticket person, and so much more. Never afraid of taking the stage or using a microphone, Kitty was an amazing actress and hostess. She appeared in numerous theatre shows at the Plymouth Arts Center and Sheboygan Theatre Company. Finally, we are forever grateful for Kitty’s devotion to the Plymouth Arts Center, her commitment to creating excitement and awareness for the arts in general, and especially for the many years of friendship and kindness. We all miss you greatly, and love you, Kitty!