Molly Tumanic

Local art store benny HaHa, 204 S. Barstow St., hosted an open reception last Thursday showcasing local talent.

The show consisted of works in all different kinds of media, all by 25 local women.

More than 200 people attended the reception to peruse the art gallery and enjoy refreshments.

This was higher than benny HaHa co-owner Anna Wojtanowicz expected, but said she was glad to see people in the community come out.

“Anytime you get that many people in one place really helps out art,” she said. “It increases awareness and shows that there are talented artists out there.”

The idea for the show came from another local artist, junior Nicki Abrashinsky, an art major at UW-Eau Claire.

The idea came to her while in class. The topic of woman artists came up and she could only name a few, which she says couldn’t believe.

“I have been here for four years and I don’t know many female artists,” Abrashinsky said. “That’s ridiculous.”

That led her to get together with other artists and put together a show that showcased women artists in the area.

As you walked into the opening reception, you were welcomed by the sound of local musician Maggie Morrison, a glass of wine and a note card with two words on it that they had to wear.

The note cards were part of a senior’s capstone project, a performance art piece to record how they came together, senior Leslie Vaglica said.

Vaglica said the show is not just to showcase art, but also to get more art into the Eau Claire area.

“There is a very small art scene (in Eau Claire) and they don’t cater to students,” she said. “Artists don’t feel validated.”

Haas Fine Arts Center has three student shows a year and the Eau Claire Regional Arts Center only has a few shows, she said. Getting more shows into the area can only be good.

“Most artists at one time or another doubt what they are doing,” she said. “This show gives them a reason to get motivated and take some pride in their art.”

Vaglica also came up with the name for the show, “Another Act of Daily Rebellion.”

She got the idea from Gloria Steinem, author of “Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions,” who was part of the new wave feminist movement.

During Thursday’s show, it got so crowded in benny HaHas that some spectators accidentally knocked paintings off the wall while they tried to see them. The paintings survived, but the artists received a scare as they watched in fear.

Not just one group of people came, Abrashinsky said. Children, teenagers, college kids, middle-aged and elderly people all attended the opening.

Some local businesses also donated to the reception.

The Joynt, 322 Water St., donated wine, The Bistro, 205 S. Barstow St., gave the cheese platter and The Acoustic Cafe, 505 S. Barstow St., donated coffee.

Wojtanowicz said the show was a success. It got people engaged in art and out in the community, and that is really the point of the store, she said.

The store plans to have another show sometime next month. It will feature three local artist using all different forms of media.

The store is planning to have another reception with live music and refreshments to open the show.

Abrashinsky said he hopes it goes as well as the current show and wants people to come down and see it.

“It’s just about support and recognition. That’s the biggest thing artists are looking for,” she said. “So come and give us your support.”