Spectrum School of the Arts and Community Gallery is a 501(c)(3) registered non-profit. All donations to the school/gallery are tax-deductible.

EIN: 39-1405052

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In June 1980:

Spectrum School of the Arts was founded by Denise Zingg in the East building of the DeKoven Center (2000 Wisconsin Ave. - Racine, WI). The art classes and dark rooms began in the lower-level (basement) and are still in-use today.

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In June 1995: 

Denise expanded the school and created the gallery on the first floor. Gradually, more rooms were added as the gallery continued to grow.

 

Our space today: 

On the first floor we have three primary exhibit rooms (which are also used for classes during the week), multiple hallways filled with art, resource library, framing room, and music room. The resource library and framing room (with equipment) are available for gallery members to use. Those visiting the gallery (non-members) may view these spaces, but they are not available for public-use. We have two lower levels (different access points). From our main entrance, the lower level includes our primary multipurpose room, two dark rooms, and storage. From the library hallway, the lower level includes a bathroom and our ceramic studio (two kilns, throwing wheels, work tables, damp room, extra sink for cleanup, etc.

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CELEBRATE!

We're so excited to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Spectrum School of the Arts in June 2025 - along with the 30th anniversary of our gallery! We'll be hosting fun art projects each weekend in June, plus LIVE demonstrations! Check out our EVENTS page for more details.

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Our Educational Philosophy: 

We provide effective individualized instruction to students of all ages by understanding each person’s learning style, abilities, and goals. We focus on fundamentals as a basis for each student’s unique expression. Class sizes are small (4-10 people) - allowing each student to receive direct feedback and guidance from Denise during each lesson.  Many students take classes year after year, trying new ideas and techniques – continuing their art journey. Our students learn for life!

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Our Gallery Philosophy: 

In the tradition of Mary Cassatt and Robert Henri, Spectrum School of the Arts & Community Gallery does not rely on juries or contests to decide which art pieces are displayed. We do not host juried showcases and we do not judge whether a creation is good or bad. We empower our gallery members and local artists (for Invitational showcases) to choose their own artwork for exhibition without judgement.

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Membership Perks: 

Our gallery members are automatically invited to join all specialty showcases with no additional hanging fee (non-members pay a hanging fee to join our Invitational showcases - which supports our nonprofit). Additionally, gallery members receive 30% off art classes, workshops, and studio fees (such as reserving time in the ceramic studio, dark rooms, etc.). All gallery members can display their art throughout the gallery. We ask our artists to contribute 30% of their sale price to the gallery in support of our nonprofit (this is a tax-deductible donation from the artist’s proceeds).

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Join us! 

Those wishing to join the gallery may do so at any time throughout the year. Please reach out to Denise Zingg at the gallery in-person or feel free to call with questions: (262) 634-4345

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