Community Feature: Jambalaya Arts Inc, Oshkosh Wisconsin
If the name "Jambalaya" conjures mental images of spicy rice combined with a smorgasbord of vegetables and meats, then the name has already taken your mind in the right direction. "Jambalaya Arts Inc" in Oshkosh Wisconsin fully intends on being a mixing pot of styles, designs, personalities and creativity.
Jambalaya hosted its first show in 2001, with no real plans of creating anything organized or permanent. However, the community really embraced the space and concept, and Jambalaya became a location for community, artistic expression, and both an art gallery as well as music venue.
Over 20 years after its initial conception, Jambalaya Art Inc. has grown and morphed with its members. Having attained a non-profit status in 2024, doors open up for the organization to apply for grants to extend their reach and provide more community events. Partnerships with local businesses help bring art to more audiences, and classes, workshops and concerts bring the public into the gallery on a monthly or even weekly basis.
Ultimately though, the heart of the gallery is still its artist members. Members pay a small fee for participation, and volunteer their time at the gallery to run events, plan classes, and keep the gallery full and prepped for customers. These individuals attend weekly meetings, and collaborate on projects with one another. Select members utilize studio space above the gallery, and some serve on the newly formed board. I'm told that at any given time, 20-30 artists are showing and serving at Jambalaya.
Representing SteadGoods, I got the chance to sit in on a Monday night meeting. Surrounded by art and color, we conversed at a paint stained table about upcoming activities, how to distribute that week's tasks and open hours, and the constant dreams of future expansion.
The artisans I spoke to appreciate the opportunity for sharing their art with their local community, but the benefits of membership go deeper than that. They appreciate the inspiration that comes from interaction and conversation with other artists and makers. There is a camaraderie that comes with sharing the load and sharing a passion for community art and outreach. The group spoke of the variety of personalities and individuality that is involved with the gallery, as well as the vast diversity of people and art that are represented. Jambalaya is truly open to skills of all levels...making it incredibly available and inclusive to anyone interested in art.
When asked what they felt the benefit of the gallery was within the community, one member referred me directly to the Jambalaya mission statement, and after reading it, I can understand why! The mission statement reads:
"Our mission is to cultivate, nourish, and sustain a vibrant community of diverse artists, fostering creativity, collaboration and mutual support. We are committed to providing an inclusive space for artists to share resources, exchange ideas, and exhibit and sell their work."
"Through collective efforts, we seek to empower our members, promote artistic innovation, self-expression, and enrich the cultural landscape of our community. We believe in the transformative power of art and strive to create opportunities that inspire, connect and uplift both artists, and our surrounding communities."
I am so grateful for the glimpse into the workings of Jambalaya Arts Inc, and I am so glad for their many efforts to promote the arts, creativity, and connection in Oshkosh and surrounding communities! We hope they serve as an inspiration for artists and localities elsewhere....to inspire them to bring art and expression to the towns in which they live.
If you are interested in getting involved or checking out Jambalaya, you can find them on Facebook and Instagram, as well as on their website. Upcoming events include participation in monthly gallery walks, summertime Night Gallery events in Oshkosh's Algoma Art Alley, and a variety of classes, concerts and craft days. Perhaps we will see you there!
