In l985, 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 at Carroll College representatives of City of Waukesha Arts Organizations and directors Jane Ameel of the Waukesha Public Library and Jean Penn Loerke of the Waukesha County Historical Museum. Valerie Brown represented the Waukesha Choral Union, Joseph Tzougros the Waukesha Symphony, Sue Rapp the Waukesha Civic Theatre, Dona Lexa what is now the Donna Lexa Community Art Centers, George Tzougros the Carroll College Rankin Theatre Guild, Jay Whitney the Waukesha Park and Recreation Department Band, Sue Harter the Waukesha Park and Recreation Department Par-Cay Players, Carol Dolphin the University of Wisconsin at 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.