About WITA (aka “Circe”)

The Women in the Arts Festival (WITA) is a celebration of regional women artists that takes place during the second weekend of November each year at Edgewood United Church, 469 N Hagadorn Rd, in East Lansing, Michigan. It is organized by Women in the Arts, Inc, a 501(c)(3).

The festival begins on Friday evening with dinner at the Sistrum Café, shopping in the Artist Market and a concert event. We gather again on Saturday morning for more music, workshops, poetry, shopping, dining and socializing into the evening. Some years, including this year, we have a Saturday evening performance as well.

This festival is an important commitment women make each year to renew our support for women artists and musicians.

WITA is a volunteer-run organization with a commitment to supporting women in their creative pursuits and the goal of creating space for women to showcase their talents.

Behind the Scenes – The WITA Board

A small team of volunteer community-lovin’ go-getters gather around a table throughout the year to make this magic happen.

Alicia Bleil — Technical set up aficionado
Liz Coburn — Utility infielder
Susan Frazier – Purveyor of performances and PR maven
Julie Haan (Treasurer) – Chief cat herder and connector of dots
Tari Griffin-Muñiz (Vice President) – Emcee celesbian
Val Osowski (Secretary) – Ad sales wrangler and WITA scribe
Kate Peterson – WITA website diva and print design goddess
Abby Wattenberg (President) – Artist Market Maestro and ring leader

Silent & Online Auction

This year we will be offering a limited auction online as well as a Saturday silent auction at the festival.

Online Auction hours:
Opens: Nov.3 at Noon
Closes: Nov 10, 1:00 PM

Bid on fantastic merchandise generously donated by festival artists and area businesses.
All proceeds support Women in the Arts.

Visit the WITA Auction!

American Sign Language Interpretation

There is a deep-rooted connection between Women’s Music and ASL interpretation. WITA is committed to accessibility for our Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. All stage events will be ASL interpreted.

2023 Interpreters

Mieken VanderWaerden

Mieken VanderWaerden freelance interprets ASL throughout Michigan. She was trained as a Music Therapist and loves to interpret music performances. This summer she enjoyed interpreting at Big Mouth Girl. She worked at Community Mental Health for many years and then the Lansing School District. She is also an adjunct faculty in Lansing Community College’s sign language program. She is happy to be part of WITA for her second year. Contact her at mieken@juno.com.

Annescia Dillard

Annescia is a freelance ASL interpreter based in the greater Lansing area. She has experience interpreting in the community and as a former Video Relay interpreter. Annescia is always willing to interpret social justice and grassroots organizing events which she is passionate about. She is excited to join WITA this year for the first time.

Covid Policy

The Women in the Arts committee is tracking up-to-date COVID-19 Community Levels as calculated by CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/…/your-health/covid-by-county.html). Based on our current Community Level, we are not requiring masks or proof of vaccination/booster. CDC recommends: “People may choose to mask at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.” Our preference would be that anyone with known recent exposure and/or symptoms take a rapid test before coming to WITA and consider staying home.

In short, we are not requiring masking, but support anyone who chooses to wear one. We will have masks and hand sanitizer available on-site. We have hired a janitorial crew to regularly clean high contact areas throughout the event.