Sharon Lynne Wilson Center For The Arts

Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts History

Conceived in late 1993 out of two meetings in Mayor Kathryn Bloomberg¹s home office, the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center became a reality in early 1994. It was obvious to those involved that the community needed such a facility--not only for the enhancement of its schools, but for the overall quality of life in Brookfield. However, before any planning could be done, several issues had to be addressed: Would the community be interested in such an undertaking? How feasible was the concept? What type of issues would the project involve? However, it wasn¹t long until the outpouring of positive reaction led to the formation of a five-person steering committee. Comprised of Phil Crump, Gretchen Henry, Gary Jorgensen, Susan Kurtz, and Nick Owen, the group started the project on its eight-year long journey to completion.

In order to evaluate the interest and needs of other arts organizations in the greater Milwaukee area, a survey was conducted among approximately 50 performing arts groups. However, when the positive findings were released to the press, they were met with little public excitement. Nevertheless, the committee pressed on and continued to hold meetings throughout the spring of 1994, working on issues needing early consideration, including the financial relationship with, and involvement of, the school administration and other visual and performing arts groups.

Filings were made to incorporate as the Elmbrook Center for the Arts and to obtain non-profit tax-exempt status from the IRS. Though the by-laws provided for a maximum of nine board members, the committee continued as the original five-person Board, with Phil Crump as president. A stated purpose was penned -"to plan, design, build, and operate a visual and performing arts center in the Brookfield-Elm Grove area that will serve area schools, both public and private, the community, and performing arts groups in the greater Milwaukee area"- which assisted the Board in maintaining its initiative. A number of knowledgeable individuals also helped by sharing their experiences on similar projects, giving the Board insight into appropriate steps and potential pitfalls.