I'm really grateful and (more than) kind of in awe that in the midst of dealing with real estate contracts, amendments, figuring out how to go paperless, figuring out what to do about improperly vented water heaters and all the other tasks Realtors do to help our clients meet their needs, I get to put on this other hat as well, and create experiences for people.

In this little corner of the earth, for this particular time, I get the privilege of creating a space where magic happens - that magical connection that can happen when artists and their audiences truly connect. The more I listen to Peter Mulvey's songs, the more I'm in awe that I get to present him to a room of people tomorrow night. (And have The Belle Weather in our Pub before him to boot!)

I've had the privilege over these past few months to deal with so many wonderful people sharing their talent, heart and soul with our audiences at the Forst Inn. I might not have created the magic, but creating a space where it can happen feels pretty darn good.

Peter said in an email to me last fall, "So glad you're running a room. Rooms where art happens are the pinnacle of civilization."

Wow. And I get to be part of that?!

It's (really) weird and it's wonderful all at the same time to feel you're doing what you are suppose to be doing at this moment in time. It's so fulfilling to me to be doing something for others with both of the hats I wear. Guess that makes me a good Girl Scout.  (Hope you're proud, Mom. lol)

That's what's on my mind tonight - thought I'd toss it out in the cyber-wind. I'm just really perplexed, and yet really grateful for the mysteries of this universe.
​- Catherine

(Click the pic to hear Peter perform.)

Next week it will be six months since our Gala Opening on September 23rd.  Just six short months – or 180 days.  This time a year ago we were planning in what was for me often vague, theoretical terms.  (That was even before our visioning meeting we held last May!) 

​But now here we are, and some of the numbers from the past six months sort of blow me away.
 
To date we have had:
13 unique ticketed events
60 ticketed performances
18 Sunday Music in the Pub performances
3 gallery exhibits
2200 tickets sold
6500+ drinks served (500+ were Old Fashioneds!)
11 board members guiding us
30+ patron members offering financial support
60+ volunteers offering their time
4 major sponsors for events
1000+ likes on our Facebook page
14,200 page views on our website
And 1 new sink!
 
In the bar we work with five suppliers, offering 20 craft beers and 13 wines, and have just begun serving unique signature cocktails for each show.

These numbers might say something on their own, but there are so many great stories and people behind each of the numbers - the actors, the musicians, the artists, the tech staff, the volunteers, the patrons, the board members, the sponsors, all of the guests who have enjoyed a performance here, and all of the new friends we have made in the community.
 
When I look at this list, I want to add behind each one, ‘so far!’ – as we truly have just begun.  (Remember - we have just 180 days in - so far!) We have been buoyed to be able to add another quality entertainment option to this arts-rich Northeastern Wisconsin area, and to have so much support and enthusiasm for what we are creating.
 
Thank you all, and here’s to the next 180 days!    - Catherine