WBAA to feature 90th anniversary painting at annual member gala
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - WBAA has commissioned a painting to celebrate WBAA AM 920's 90th anniversary. Created by local artist Lorie Amick, the work will be unveiled at the station's annual member appreciation gala from 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesday (March 27) in the Purdue Memorial Union's East and West Faculty Lounges.
Amick, a full-time painter and art instructor, selected a nostalgic watercolor look for the painting. It features a vintage 1930s microphone owned by WBAA set in front of the art deco "on-air" sign, and a classic café-style coffee mug.
"I spent several weeks looking through station archives, including old photos and historic equipment the station has in display cases. The 90th anniversary sets the tone for a historical perspective, and that aesthetic appeals to me as an artist," Amick said.
Sally Lutes, WBAA development director, said the station will use an image of the painting on the first in an upcoming collection of art mugs.
"There's probably not a radio station out there that hasn't given a coffee mug as a thank-you gift. Listeners love them and have collected them through the years. We decided to start a special collection by featuring a different local artist's work each year. The 90th anniversary is the perfect opportunity to begin."
The art mug, as well as a 90th anniversary tote bag and T-shirt, are available as thank-you gifts to members who donate $90 or more during this spring's fundraising campaign. In addition to the art mugs, the station will offer a limited edition, signed print of the painting to donors who give at least $920.
Source: Sally Lutes, 765-496-7794, lutess@purdue.edu