Agnes Payne, President

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I moved to Oshkosh in 2014 from Chicago. Immediately upon arriving here, I met Martha Reischl and Kit Pollaski from Jambalaya Arts who were very interested in creating a cultural fine arts center.  I figured, and knew, that their experience will be instrumental in  creating this project as a volunteer. Because of my extensive experience in the Cultural Fine Arts, this project intrigued me.  Residing in a metropolitan area gave me the opportunity to become professionally, socially and personally involved with people of different nationalities and cultures. As an African-American these experiences were a learning experience. My educational career in the Fine Arts opened the door for me to experience dance, film, multi-arts, music (different genres) theater, architecture, photography and most all the educational programs at all the cultural and educational museums in Chicago. I was definitely on board.

I worked with several Fine Arts organizations which brought many  programs to the community. Also, working with The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, Chicago Architecture Foundation, Illinois Arts Council and the Illinois Alliance for Arts truly opened many doors for me to attend workshops and learn how to apply the arts to all situations, nationalities and cultures.  All of these organizations helped my artistic and cultural development. While teaching the Fine Arts, emphasis was placed on my students who were from many different backgrounds to learn and appreciate the Fine Arts as well as other cultures by understanding the role of the arts in the past and present civilizations, Not just for them to learn art skills, but to have them analyze how the arts reflect and function in history, society and everyday life. Also, my background as a librarian assisted me in more ways than one.

I have had the privilege of working at a school being the first African-American with students from many different cultural or ethnic groups. From this each student had the opportunity to learn the history and tradition of their own culture as well as others, too. The most rewarding experience was when families from different cultures welcomed me into their homes and enjoyed their celebrations and holidays. Because of the support of students, parents, faculty and the Arts community in Chicago, I won in 2002 the NCEA, Heart of the School award in The Arts.  And was recognized Who's Who Among America's Teachers 2005.

We are looking forward to presenting the Cultural Fine Arts Center/Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. We feel that this would be an addition to the Art culture that already exist in this city. And we are looking forward to working with public and private schools in Oshkosh, as well as groups and people in this city to enhance our artistic community while embracing families of different cultural backgrounds and from many nationalities.    

My experience taught me that the Arts teaches people how art and culture can have a positive impact on the human environment and they begin to value Art and nationalities.  People truly getting to know each other cultures  and nationalities brings unity, togetherness and understanding. This is a plus for a city which is now dealing  directly with diversity. This is great and the rewards will be amazing and incredible.  Surrounding ourselves with the right individuals and organizations will make this a success.  When we come together, that is when it works. We do have a unique plan in place that incorporates the Cultural Fine Arts in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The idea was a center but after much input from people outside and within the arts community the plan became a center/museum.  

Part of our plan is to have a space within the center for the Mike Melvoin Jazz Society.  We will showcase past and present jazz performers  from Oshkosh and surrounding areas who has had national and international acclaim and who currently are performing and introducing jazz in the Fox Valley and surrounding areas. Besides that our organization  will focus on on all cultures presenting educational and cultural events focusing on  multiculturalism.   Please contact us, if  you would like to be involved in our endeavors. We are looking forward to your participation and support!!! 

 Ms. Payne holds a Bachelors degree from DePaul  University, (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences) and a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and a member of Phi Theta Kappa Society, Diploma In Hotel and Motel Management from County Schools, a diploma in Classical Piano and Drama from Paul La Pierre School of Music.  Was photographed  for the Oshkosh and Winnebago County 2017 & 2018 Visitors Guide.  As a jazz stylish she received reviews from Jazz Times, Jazz South, MIami Times, Players Magazine and USA Today.  Agnes is a community coordinator, an organizer of festivals and events, educator ( Fine Arts & Computer teacher, Librarian) and a housing consultant dealing with tenant organizations as well as tenant homeownership. For more information please visit my Linkedin page. Agnes Louise Footman-Payne