Alicia Rheal

Biography: Alicia has over 18 years experience painting for theatre, opera, ballet, television, business and residential. She has worked on various productions for national theatre including the Chicago Lyric Opera, Houston Opera , Houston Ballet, New York City Opera, Broadway and the Pittsburgh Ballet. She earned her degree from the State University of New York, Oneonta. She has also created and painted murals for many Wisconsin businesses including the Prairie Bookshop in Mount Horeb, the Dodgeville Chamber of Commerce, Folklore Villiage, and Epic in Verona.

Alicia and Shannon Becker joined talents and backgrounds, as the 'Painted Ladies', from March of 2006 thru August of 2007 to venture from theatre and into the business/commercial world. We have had an enormous amount of support and luck and can't believe most days that we live as full time artists painting murals that add beauty, color and joy into peoples' lives. Together we have designed and painted numerous murals and faux finishes for Epic in Verona, designed and painted a large mural for the newly "green" built Cross Plains Library, designed and painted Circus themed furniture for Epic and are in the midst of painting our design for a Subway Car/Platform Station themed hallway for Epic. Our next project after the Wittenberg grocery store mural "The Big Picture", is to replicate Grand Central Station at Epic through our design including painting a lot of faux marble and of course, more murals.

We are incredibly pleased to be a part of the Walls of Wittenberg and appreciate the sincere hospitality, generosity and kindness of the people of this aspiring town. Many thanks to the WOW Committee, Lois Smith, Andrea and Jerry Nelson, Susan Hanson, Bonnie Bell and the talented students who helped us create such a fun and lively mural.

Artist Statement: I always knew I wanted to be an artist, well an artist or a veterinarian. In college I started my own business, Rheal Imagination, painting t-shirts and hats. From there I discovered the world of theatre and the art of scenic painting (backdrops and sets). It was wonderful and freeing to work BIG, really BIG! I was fortunate to work with an array of talented painters and designers. It was a way to learn and try out many different styles of painting on a regular basis. In 1993 I discovered and fell in love with Wisconsin. That move from New York changed my life. I stepped away from theatre and into farming and community art projects. I enjoy being able to work with many different people and sharing ideas, teaching skills and the sense of pride and ownership when projects are completed. It is an awesome process to be a part of. I consider myself one very "Lucky" Painted Lady.

For further information and photos of her past and recent creative expressions visit: www.Rhealimagination.com.