In l985, Dr. David Molthen of Carroll College approached Waukesha Mayor Paul Keenan with the proposal that an arts alliance organization should be created to further the aims and activities of local arts organizations. A seed grant was provided by the City and Professor Molthen then called together representatives of City of Waukesha arts organizations to attend a meeting at Carroll College. Community members in attendence were: Jane Ameel of the Waukesha Public Library; Jean Penn Loerke of the Waukesha County Historical Museum; Valerie Brown of the Waukesha Choral Union; Joseph Tzougros of the Waukesha Symphony; Sue Rapp of the Waukesha Civic Theatre, Dona Lexa from the Donna Lexa Community Art Centers; George Tzougros of the Carroll College Rankin Theatre Guild; Jay Whitney of the Waukesha Park and Recreation Department Band; Sue Harter from the Waukesha Park and Recreation Department Par-Cay Players; Carol Dolphin of the University of Wisconsin Waukesha; and Jeff Schlueter, the Waukesha Public School Director of Art. Shortly thereafter, re-elected Mayor Paul Vrakas appointed Alderman Robert J. Foley as the Council person to serve with the group.