Every year, the United Arts Alliance honors community members for their contributions to the arts in Rock County.
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Do you know someone who you believe should be recognized? Nominate them for induction into the UAA Hall of Fame!
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2011 UAA HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Kathleen Jelinek
Kay Jelinek says that her art “is a way of life reflecting the joy of living.” During her years as a teacher, mentor and artist in Rock County, she has certainly shared this joy with all who have had the privilege of knowing or working with her. When Kay was a child, there were no art classes offered at her school. She and her sisters used boxes and roll paper from her father’s grocery store to create works of art. During a visit to Viterbo College in LaCrosse as a college student, she toured an art area – and she was hooked. She decided then and there that she would be an art teacher. Her career began in Milton, WI – and before retiring from the Janesville School District many years later, she found a way to bring her talent as an artist into every classroom she visited.
Kay’s dedication to the arts didn’t end after leaving the classroom. After retiring, she became (and remains) very active in the Janesville Art League. She is the curator for the League’s permanent art collection, which dates back to the late 1800’s. She has worked hard to make the collection more easily available to the public.
Though Kay now resides in Sheboygen, WI, her commitment to Rock County remains strong. She has left a legacy here that will tie her to the area forever. Kay helped form the Children’s Art Council in Janesville and initiated the See the Art program at Janesville elementary schools. She organized the Janesville Art Teacher Exhibit at Hedberg Public Library and helped start the Budding Artist Show at the Rock County Historical Society. She received the YWCA Women of Distinction in the Arts Award and continues to support the United Arts Alliance activities as often as she can.
Friends and colleagues praise Kay for fostering the love and understanding of art in thousands of students, saying “her career is best measured by the love of art she has created in so many others.” Her generosity of spirit and her true artistic talent has been stamped throughout Janesville and surrounding communities.
Janet Kassel
It seems safe to say that there would be no HeatWave without Janet Kassel. As director of the 4-H Show Choir, Janet has helped the organization grow and evolve for 18 years. Beginning her journey with HeatWave as a parent, she took on the role of coordinator in 1993 and has since been considered “the glue that holds the group together.”
HeatWave offers Rock County youth the opportunity to both learn and teach others skills that are useful in the arts, including stage presence and performance, cooperation, creativity, leadership and communication. Janet has been involved with the youth in HeatWave at all levels, from one-on-one instruction to group leadership. She oversees costumes, scheduling, fundraising and all other aspects of the groups’ success.
With Janet at the helm, HeatWave has become a vital part of Rock County 4-H. They have been asked to perform all over Rock Couny and are a huge draw at the annual 4-H Fair. They represent Rock County at the Wisconsin State Fair every year- and have earned merit ribbons for the past several years. They participate in many United Arts Alliance events and were charter members of UAA. Janetreceived the 2009 4-H Volunteer of the Year award for directing HeatWave, among other leadership roles she assumes for 4-H.
Those who have worked with her would say that, more than anything, Janet has influenced the youth of Rock County to become contributing, productive and creative members of the community. Her strong vision and dedication to the organization has created a safe place for youth to learn and grow. She takes a glum and timid kid and turns them into a smiling, confident performer, bringing out talents they didn’t know they had. One HeatWave member summed it up perfectly. “Somewhere underneath the shell of a shy thirteen-year-old, Janet saw the potential of the young man I am now.” Janet is a true mentor and a champion of creative youth.
Dennis Vechinsky
An accomplished musician, Dennis plays the piano and the banjo. After teaching for many years in the Janesville School District, he served on the School Board for almost 10 years. As a teacher, Dennis would routinely use music in his lesson plans to stimulate the students’ imaginations and to enhance their learning in all areas – as well as to promote a relaxed and accepting environment in the classroom.
In the mid 1990s, Dennis co-founded Theatre Unlimited Incorporated (TUI), a community theatre group dedicated to producing quality live musical theatre using local talent of all ages. Over the years, he has been an actor, singer, director, producer, vocal coach, character coach and overall mentor.
Dennis has always been willing to share his gifts, talents and expertise with others. TUI members say “his contributions have given life, breadth and depth to the message and vision of Theatre Unlimited.”
When he wasn’t playing football for Janesville High School, Dennis was singing and acting in the school’s choir and theatre productions. After serving two years in the Army and working for GM, Dennis enrolled at UW Whitwater and graduated with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education. It was during his time at UW Whitewater that he and a few friends formed the band, “Southwind.” Later, his sons would join folk music group as well, and the band would perform for PTA groups and Senior living residences as a way of sharing the love of music.
