Artist Exhibit at Thrasher Opera House Features Chris Hess & Persaus Fryer
Green Lake, Wis. (July 09, 2024) – Green Lake’s historic Thrasher Opera House will host an exhibit through August 31, 2024. This exhibit can be viewed M-F 10-4; for after-hour visits, call 920.294.4279 to schedule a time.
Chris Hess – Glass Fusion
Chris Hess hails from the Berlin Area, with deep roots in Big Green Lake where childhood memories were forged. Married with two adult children and the proud grandparent of three grandchildren. Art has always occupied a cherished corner of Chris’s heart, despite not identifying as a traditional artist. Preferring the label of a creative spirit, Chris enjoys repurposing materials in unconventional ways, currently focusing artistic efforts on clay and glass. The clay totem stacks Chris creates seamlessly blend these mediums, predominantly fashioned from clay—whether hand-built or thrown—and adorned with natural elements like birch, driftwood, and cholla skeletons. These totems serve as outdoor garden installations or striking focal points on patios and courtyards, their aesthetic heightened by the play of sunlight on fused glass components. Chris’s journey into glass work commenced during winters spent in Arizona, where the art of fused glass first captivated them. From intricate glass weaves integrating copper wire to practical items such as garden art and cocktail stirrers, Chris revels in the transformative properties of high-heat kiln work. Beyond pottery and glass, Chris’s artistic pursuits span a diverse spectrum, encompassing basket weaving, painting, and experimentation with various media. Outside of creative endeavors, Chris finds joy in hobbies like boating, bowhunting, fishing, and nurturing their garden. Yet, the greatest happiness stems from precious moments spent with family, friends, and beloved grandchildren. Firm in the belief in the therapeutic benefits of hobbies, Chris encourages individuals of all ages to explore their creative inclinations. Embracing the journey of discovery ensures that life remains vibrant and fulfilling, with endless opportunities for growth and expression.
Persaus Flyer – Acrylic/Pencil
Persaus Fryer is an aspiring 16-year-old artist from Montello WI with dreams of a career doing what she loves. Persaus uses mixed mediums to include mainly acrylic, pencil, marker, digital art, clay, and bone. She has a talent for turning her visualized artwork into physical form with profound creativity and gets inspired from a variety of places to create. As a toddler and young child, Persaus spent most of her days creating art in one form or another and her parents have encouraged her to continue pursuing her dreams and expanding on her many artistic talents. When she is not creating, you are likely to find her playing the electric guitar which she has taught herself to do, writing one of her many novels which are a work in progress, or simply walking through the woods collecting bones and other such items that are sure to become works of art one day.
Thrasher Opera House’s mission is to promote the arts and the power of live performance, provide a community gathering place, and preserve the historic Thrasher Opera House—a charming, intimate, friendly venue with excellent acoustics. Built-in 1910, restored in 1997, and on the National Register of Historic Places. Seats 200. For more information, please visit www.thrasheroperahouse.com
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Jason Mansmith he/him/his Thrasher Opera House P.O. Box 4 • 506 Mill St. Green Lake, WI • 54941-0004 P: 920.294.4279 |
Starling Shakespeare Co. to Present Henry IV in Green Lake, July 12
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Jason Mansmith |
Starling Shakespeare Co. to Present Henry IV in Green Lake, July 12
Green Lake, Wis. (June 20, 2024) – The Starling Shakespeare Company will return to Green Lake’s Deacon Mills Park on Friday, July 12 at 6:00 p.m. for a FREE performance of *Henry IV*. The event is sponsored by Thrasher Opera House and is also supported by Steve’s Quality Painting and Washing, and Bloch’s Farm.
Shakespeare’s “Henry IV” is a historical play that follows the tumultuous reign of King Henry IV of England and the coming-of-age of his son, Prince Hal. The play is divided into two parts and juxtaposes the political machinations of the king, who struggles to maintain his throne amid rebellion and civil war, with the youthful exploits of Prince Hal. Hal, initially perceived as a wayward prince due to his association with the roguish Sir John Falstaff, ultimately matures and steps into his role as heir apparent. The narrative explores themes of honor, power, and redemption as Hal evolves from a prodigal son to a responsible leader, ready to inherit his father’s crown.
With only five actors, Starling’s shows are fast-paced, playful, and nimble interpretations of The Bard’s classic plays. At only 90 minutes, they’re perfect for a date night or an evening out with the family! Please bring your own chairs or blankets to sit on.
The Starling Shakespeare Company is dedicated to producing innovative, accessible, and high-quality productions of William Shakespeare’s plays. Through a combination of traditional and contemporary approaches, they strive to create theatre that speaks to today’s audiences while honoring the legacy of the greatest playwright in the English language.
Thrasher Opera House’s mission is to promote the arts and the power of live performance, provide a community gathering place, and preserve the historic Thrasher Opera House—a charming, intimate, friendly venue with excellent acoustics. Built in 1910, restored in 1997, and on the National Register of Historic Places, it seats 200. For more information, please visit www.thrasheroperahouse.com or @thrasheroperahouse on Facebook and Instagram.
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Jason Mansmith he/him/his Thrasher Opera House P.O. Box 4 • 506 Mill St. Green Lake, WI • 54941-0004 P: 920.294.4279 |

Outdoor Theater - Henry IV
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