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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 and silent auction wrangler 
    • 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 silent auction at the festival.

      Online Auction hours:
      Opens: Nov. 1 at Noon
      Closes: Nov. 8, 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.

        2024 Interpreters

        Mieken VanderWaerden

        Mieken VanderWaerden

        Mieken VanderWaerden freelance interprets ASL throughout Michigan. She was trained as a Music Therapist and loves to interpret music performances. She worked at Community Mental Health for many years and then the Lansing School District. She recently retired as adjunct faculty in Lansing Community College’s sign language program, but is still available mentoring Interpreting Students. She is happy to be part of WITA. Contact her at mieken@juno.com.
        Annescia Dillard

        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 second time.

        Lodging

        Starting in 2024, we are partnering with TownePlace Suites East Lansing to offer the following special rates for festival goers.

        • Studio suites – one queen and one sofa bed – $139/night
        • 2 bedroom suites -2 queens and one sofa bed – $159/night

        TownPlace Suites is located two miles south of the festival, behind Hannah Plaza.

        Availability is limited. Book by Oct 15th.

        Click here to book a suite or studio

        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.