JANET WRIGHT RETIRES . . . . . . PAGE 2 AUTUMN & ART . . . PAGE 3 VOLUNTEERS . . . . . . . . . . . PAGES 4 2012 PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS. . . . . . . . . . PAGE 5 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 6
SUMMER 2012
FESTIVITES 40th
Wichita Festivals, Inc. Board of Directors 2011-2012 Richard Honeyman, Chair Hite, Fanning & Honeyman, L.L.P. Bill Gardner, Chair-Elect Gardner Design Kaye Monk-Morgan, SecretaryTreasurer Wichita State University Prisca Barnes The Kansas African American Museum Clay Bastian Fidelity Financial Corporation Gary Gibbs Retired Chris Goebel Star Lumber & Supply Co. Esther Headley The Research Partnership, Inc. Alan Howarter Vess Oil Corp Todd Johnson Protection One Ann Keefer Wichita Downtown Development Corp. Lori Linenberger Wichita State University Foundation John Philbrick City of Wichita
Dear Friends, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank retiring staff member Linda Davidson for her 11 years as Vice President of Program Development here at WFI and her 15+ years before that working as a volunteer. She is going to be missed as she moves on to enjoy being a grandmother and helping with her family business, Jimmie’s Diner. Taking Linda’s role in the organization is Dana Plummer. Dana has held a wide variety of leadership roles in non-profit event organizations as she and her husband Gary, president of the Wichita Area Chamber of Commerce, moved from place to place. We are thrilled to have her join our staff. With September fast upon us, watch for details and plan to attend the third annual Autumn and Art at Bradley Fair presented by Fidelity Bank. Artists from across the US and Kansas, selected through a jury process, will display their art for three days, September 14-16, along Bradley Fair Parkway. Not only will you enjoy 13 different categories of art, you can enjoy great food from Bradley Fair restaurants in the food pavilion, hands-on art activities at the Wichita Center for the Arts Family Art Pavilion and music from local and regional professionals. Make plans to attend the Patron Party at Opening Night on Friday. There will be delicious treats from YaYa’s Eurobistro and Newport Grill to delight your taste buds, fine wines and beers, as well as a Vodka bar and Prairie Fire Gourmet Liquor Coffee bar, music and some unexpected fun, all for just $75 a ticket. Bring your friends, stroll the parkway and enjoy an exclusive experience at Wichita’s newest premiere event. I’ll look forward to seeing you! Sincerely
Wichita Festivals, Inc. Staff Janet Wright President/CEO Lisa Hansen Vice President Finance Dana Plummer Vice President Program Development Brett Foltz Director of Marketing Celia Cayless Director of Sales JaLayne Wray Accounting Manager Corey Wynn Graphic Designer Jill Massey Volunteer Coordinator
1820 East Douglas, Wichita, KS 67214 Tel 316.267.2817 Fax 316.267.5901 Toll-free 877.WFI.FEST www.wichitafestivals.com www.wichitariverfest.com
WFI EARNS $$
through Women’s Focus
Wichita Festivals Inc was selected by Women’s Focus Magazine’s Focus Cares non-profit organization for the month of June. WFI earned $1,000 by receiving over1,000 clicks on womensfocus.com throughout the month. “We appreciate the overwhelming support from not only Women’s Focus readers, but also our volunteers, friends and sponsors that helped us by voting! We also appreciate Carol Lujano of Women’s Focus for giving us the honor!” said Janet Wright, CEO of WFI.
JANET WRIGHT
announces retirement
WFI Announces
new V.P.
Long time Wichita Festival CEO Janet Wright announced plans to retire at the end of 2012. Wright is the longest serving CEO in the organizations history, having served in this position since 1999. “Janet will be sorely missed but has certainly earned the right to a respite from the frantic activity her job entails,” noted Richard Honeyman, chair of the Board of Directors. “She has been a terrific steward of the Riverfest and is making sure Autumn and Art, held in September, continues to grow. “I have loved being involved with this organization, having had the chance to work with and meet great people, especially our volunteers; but I think it’s time for some new blood and for someone younger to assume this role,” noted Wright. “My goal has always been to make sure WFI brings quality entertainment to our community and I think that’s been accomplished over the last 13 years. And, selfishly, I’d like to have more time to spend with my grandchildren!” Wright will work through this years’ Autumn & Art, September 14-16, 2012. A search committee led by Bill Gardner, chair-elect of the board of directors, has been formed and will begin seeking candidates to fill Wright’s position.
DAVIDSON
to retire
Also retiring is Vice President for Program Development, Linda Davidson. After being associated with Wichita Festivals since the early 1980 and on staff for 11 years, Davidson will now devote her time to her family’s’ restaurant ventures, Jimmie’s Diner and Kings X Restaurant. Davidson has served many roles throughout her time as a volunteer and staff member including being named Admiral Windwagon Smith in 1999, the only female ever to be honored with the distinction.
WFi has announced Dana Plummer as Vice President for Program Development. Plummer comes to Wichita with over 20 years of experience in festivals and concerts. Plummer previously worked as the Executive Director of the Sangamon County Habitat for Humanity in Springfield, IL. The nonprofit organization built over 25 houses in a 5 year span under Plummer’s leadership. In her role she was responsible for all facets of the organization including sponsorship and grant writing, while watching the Sangamon County ReStore (a home repair and building supply store) sales grow from $250,000 in 2005 to $1,385,000in 2010. Prior to her time in Springfield, Plummer served as Executive Director of the State Theater in Modesto, CA, overseeing an operating budget exceeding $1,000,000 and a $750,000 renovation program of the California landmark. Plummer was also responsible for establishing wellrounded community programming series featuring live theatre, comedy, country, rock, blues, jazz and classical music. While in Modesto, Plummer also created two outdoor community events: “Downtown Rocks”, a four-concert series and “Rock & Rods”, an annual classic cars and music festival. Plummer’s experience in festivals and community events began as the Special Events Manager for Downtown Waterloo in Waterloo, IA where she was responsible for all events promoting the city of Waterloo throughout the year. “We are excited to welcome Dana to our organization. Her years of experience in all aspects of community events and non-profit entities will be great assets to WFI” stated Janet Wright, WFI President/CEO.
2012
featured artist This years’ event will be held September 14-16, 2012 along Bradley Fair Parkway adjacent to the intersection of 21st and Rock Road. More than 75 artists from across the United States, representing 20 states outside Kansas, will be featured, along with well-known Kansas and Wichita artists. After winning ‘Best in Category’ at last year’s Autumn & Art, Jeffrey Cannon returns as the show’s 2012 Featured Artist. Cannon’s vivid pastel paintings of beautiful scenic landscapes capture the essence of the the Midwest and the 3rd Annual Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair. The Texas native has been exhibiting his art at shows throughout the nation for 40 years, garnering awards at notable shows such as the St. Louis Art Fair, Austin Fine Arts Festival & Naples National Arts Festival. In his career, Cannon has also commissioned pieces for books, universities and private residences
"Higher Calling II”
“Autumn & Art continues to grow and be a unique art experience for the Wichita community, explained Janet Wright, President/CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “We are excited for this year’s event and for the changes I am sure the public and the artists will both enjoy” Jurists for the show included Howard W. Ellington, Executive Director, The Wichita Center For The Arts; Charles Steiner, Artist and former Director, Wichita Art Museum; Rollin Karg, Artist, Owner, Karg Art Glass, Wichita, KS; Wayne Conyers, Artist, Instructor, McPherson College, McPherson, KS; Patricia McDonnell, Ph.D., Director, Wichita Art Museum. “Fidelity Bank is once again presenting sponsor of the event. Fidelity is a great partner in the development of this event along with Bradley Fair. We are fortunate to have both involved in what we hope will become a long-standing community tradition,” noted Wright. In addition to announcing the dates for Autumn & Art, Jeffrey Cannon of Austin Texas, was introduced as featured artist for the show and his original work, “Higher Calling II”, was unveiled at a press conference August 10. His colorful landscape pastel drawing will be used
in promotional components for the show and signed commemorative posters will be for sale at the show. Cannon won the “Best in Category” at Autumn & Art in 2011 and has exhibited and won awards at many of the premier shows around the country. The event will kickoff on Friday, September 14, from 6:00 – 9:00 pm. Unlike in past years, the opening night will be open to public at no charge. Replacing the former “Preview Party” will be the brand new “Patron Party on Opening Night.” Patron Party guests will have the opportunity to be the among first to view and purchase work by the artists represented, enjoy food from Newport Grill and YaYa’s EuroBistro, as well as have access to a private bar, vodka station and gourmet coffee bar all inside an exclusive VIP area. The cost to attend the Patron Party is $75 and can be purchased through Wichita Festivals at 316-267-2817 or online. Watch for more details at www.autumnandart.com. Autumn & Art will be open free to the public on Saturday, September 17, from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. There will be plenty to do for the entire family from shopping for art, to grabbing a bite to eat from any of the participating Bradley Fair restaurants and enjoying music and art demonstrations from local artists. Kids will also be entertained at the Family Art Pavilion, supported by the Wichita Center for the Arts (WCFTA). The pavilion will have hands-on activities for all ages and will be a great place for families to enjoy free art projects with the experienced WCFTA staff.
ENERGETIC, FRIENDLY
Volunteers Needed! Autumn & Art would not be possible without the help of our amazing volunteers. Volunteering is a fun way to see Autumn & Art from a different perspective, meet new people, and promote art in the community. Energetic, friendly volunteers are needed for the following areas: Artist Booth Sitters, Artist Hospitality, Festival Greeters, Welcome Centers, Patron Party and Beverage Booths (pop & alcohol sales) Below is a list of Volunteer positions needed this year. Please take a moment to look through them and familiarize yourself with the duties each entails. Then email Jill at: jill@ wichitafestivals.com or call her at 267-2817 Ext. 11 with your request. We make every effort to accommodate everyone, but in some cases we may need to reassign your role and position at Autumn & Art, so please be flexible.
Patron Party Help Responsibility: Assist during party, includes help w/restaurants & bars, and assists with wristbands at Entrance to Patron Party.
Welcome Centers - Festival Greeters Responsibility: Have you been to Autumn & Art before? Then share some of your knowledge with fellow patrons as a Festival Greeter. Greeters are needed inside the North & South entrance gates of our Information booths to welcome patrons, distribute festival maps and provide general directions to activities, artists and music and performance schedules. You must be 16 or older to help us as a Festival Greeter.
Artist Relief/Booth Sitter Responsibility: Enjoy meeting people? Give Artists a much needed 5-15 minute break! Volunteers will be teamed in pairs and assigned to specific areas of the Festival to assist artists, watching their booths during breaks and providing assistance and refreshments as needed during the day. This is a great opportunity to get to know some of the artists and get a more personal view of Autumn & Art.
Patron Party Decorating Responsibility: Assist with party dĂŠcor, includes decorating food tent and two bars.
Beverage Booths Responsibility: Three Beverage Booths will be set up along the parkway for patrons to purchase drinks. Two people needed at each location. Ice down product, sell Soda/Water/Beer, Wine and reconcile cash.
Artist Hospitality & Relief Responsibility: Welcome Artists in Hospitality tent, set up food, drinks and needs for Artists. Volunteers will also serve as hosts at the Hospitality Tent to welcome artists, answer questions, provide information and assistance as needed.
2012 RIVERFEST PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST
ivities er Act v i R : ory Categ
DISIS G M TO
WINNERS! Category: Mus ical Entert
Debbie Greene
un : River R Category
Category: Riverfest Branding
Category: New Events
ELSON STEVE AD
Category: Muscia l Entertainment
ainment
DEBBIE GREEN E
JENNIFER SPAENY
RAVEN HUNT
t of Show reworks/Bes Fi : ry o eg at C ON
LS STEVE ADE
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
By Jill Massey, Volunteer Coordinator 9 days of Riverfest ------ 16-hour days, 80 Volunteer Committees, 1,600 Volunteer Shifts, 4,000 Volunteers, 15,000 Hours of time given – VALUE: PRICELESS These numbers give you an insight into the commitment of those people who volunteered during Riverfest this year. Without their continuous enthusiasm and hard work, Riverfest wouldn’t have been possible. Through this Volunteer Spotlight we want to thank everyone who helped make the 41st Riverfest a success: WFI Board of Directors, Riverfest Operations, Volunteer, Finance and Button Committee Members, Admiral Windwagon Smith, Prairie Schooner Mates, parents, teachers, students, civic organizations, businesses, churches and sponsors.
Special thanks to those who helped: • stuff Kansas Health Foundation River Run packets and worked as race day volunteers; • stuff button packages • Welcome Center greeters • at the office answering phones and preparing bulk mailings; • folded T-shirts • priced merchandise • sold food court tickets • worked the Sundown Parade • button marshals and sellers • set-up and man barricades • Food Court Clean Team • sell souvenirs • and at specific events like the Paddle Boats, Cruise In and more Thank YOU for sharing your time and enthusiasm with us! We also want to express our appreciation to the Wichita Downtown Development Corporation (WDDC), official volunteer program sponsor, for their help in encouraging and recruiting downtown businesses to get their employees involved with this year’s Festival. WDDC was the perfect partner to help in this endeavor!