In Fall of 2013, an artistic challenge was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Members of the Sheboygan Visual Artists and members of the Mead Library Poetry Circle decided to take on the task of creating new pieces in response to poems and artwork assigned randomly to their members. The results would become the source of the March 2014 Final Friday exhibit at EBCO Artworks in Sheboygan. That December, coordinators of each group received envelopes to distribute to those who wanted to participate. The poets submitted three poems each which would be handed to the artists in a sealed, unmarked envelope. And each of the artists submitted three photos of artwork to inspire the writing of new poetry, also placed in sealed, unmarked envelopes. Next, each participant was randomly assigned an envelope from the other group from which to select one piece to inspire a new work of art or a new poem. Several months later, an opening reception was held on March 28, 2014, the Final Friday event of the Sheboygan Visual Artists. The resulting side-by-side exhibit of old and new poetry and art was the perfect backdrop for a different sort of reception. The poets were asked to recite their poetry aloud to a captive audience of family and friends while the artists stood next to the inspiring or resulting art pieces. With appetizers and beverages to share along with the art and poetry, it was quite the evening to remember. The exhibit and opening reception were equally exciting for all who participated. This book commemorates that collaboration.
About the Author: Erico Ortiz has been a member of the Sheboygan Visual Artists since January 2013. He joined the organization as an emerging artist and found a welcoming community of artists who helped him to hone skills and offered a venue for displaying his art, a newfound interest after his retirement from the Milwaukee Public Schools. From 2013 to 2014, he coordinated the Final Friday events of the Sheboygan Visual Artists, an opportunity for the members to exhibit their newest art during theme-based exhibits that open on the final Friday of the month--eight months of the year. From school teacher to school administrator to artist, Ortiz now spends most of his time coordinating the events of his latest endeavor, an art gallery and theatre that he opened in West Allis, Wisconsin during the spring of 2014 with the amazing work of over 100 volunteers. Inspiration Studios houses an art gallery whose main focus is to offer opportunities for emerging artists to add gallery experience to their resumes. Along with the art gallery, Inspiration Studios also houses a great black box performance space for theatre productions, concerts and recitals. Just one block away from West Allis' downtown business district, Inspiration Studios is already making its mark on the community whose main focus for many years has been manufacturing and industrial commerce. For more information about the many art and theatre events offered at Inspiration Studios, please visit the website: www.inspirationstudiosgallery.com. As a musician, singer, actor, and artist, Ortiz maintains his enthusiasm for all aspects of the arts.