Join Painter and Muralist Jay Jocham and Visitor Program Manager Cully Shelton for our webinar on Thursday, Dec. 3, at 11 a.m. Central Time! Click here to register.

This fall, the International Crane Foundation is hosting a series of five webinars showcasing artists with strong ties to Sauk County, Wisconsin. The Cranes and Community Virtual Art Series highlights the work of five gifted artists, including Elliott Funmaker, Sr. (Head Singer and Leader of the Wisconsin Dells Singers and Dance Troupe), Janet Flynn (Painter), Kim Russell (Graphic Artist and Sculptor), Jay Jocham (Painter and Muralist), and Masako Pellerin (Origami Artist). From the traditional art of storytelling in Ho-Chunk culture to the ancient practice of folding paper cranes in Japan, viewers will learn about different art forms, processes and techniques.

The International Crane Foundation is proud to offer a platform to these artists, and we are excited to have the opportunity to share their work with you. Artists will discuss what inspires them, talk about their artistic process, and inspire viewers to share stories and make their own art. Viewers will be encouraged to explore their talents, feelings and beliefs to push their creative boundaries and use art as a vehicle for crane conservation, self-expression and community building.  

Jay will share his mural-painting journey at the International Crane Foundation’s headquarters from April 2019 to September 2020. The 1,100 linear feet of murals were brought to life with vision and planning and much physical and mental gymnastics.

After 190 days of painting over two springs and summers, Jay completed nearly 9,000 square feet of painted backdrops in six new crane exhibits. This artistic expedition truly was a trip of a lifetime.