The Top 10 Questions Asked About the Anderson Arts Center

1. Who were the Andersons?
   James Anderson was an American Brass executive. His wife was Janet Lance Anderson, the daughter of Andrew H. Lance, a Simmons Company executive, and Emma Bell Simmons Lance. Z. G. Simmons, founder of the Simmons Mattress Company, was Mrs. Anderson's grandfather. Her brother, Gilbert S. Lance held an executive position at the Cooper Company/Jockey International. Gilbert S. Lance Middle School in Kenosha was named in his honor.
   
   
2. When was the house built?
   Construction began in 1929. It was completed in 1931.
   
   
3. How large is the house?
   The house itself occupies more than 9000 square feet. The home is set on 4.7 acres of landscaped grounds.
   
   
4. How many rooms are there in the house?
   The mansion has more than 30 rooms. Some of the more unusual ones included a room for arranging fresh flowers, a gun room, a linen room, and a locked storage cabinet for the family silver. The second floor had five bedrooms including an 18' x 24' master bedroom. There are four bathrooms upstairs. Also on the second floor (west side) were two servants' bedrooms with a bathroom and a living room.
   
   
5. What was the cost to build a home like this?
   At the time it was built, the home cost $139,144.00, exclusive of land costs and landscaping. Today it is valued in excess of $2.5 million.
   
   
6. What style of architecture is the house?
   It is a French Renaissance Revival style, two-story, stone and stucco house that was designed by Chicago architects Ralph Milman and Archibald Morphet.
   
   
7. Who owns the Anderson Arts Center?
   In 1977, Janet Lance Anderson deeded her house to Kenosha County to be part of the Kemper Center park grounds. The home officially became part of the Kemper Center, Inc., in July 1990. She lived in the home until the time of her death, on November 8, 1989, at the age of 96.
   
   
8. When did it officially become Anderson Arts Center?
   The Anderson Arts Center opened in April 1992. Since that date, the Center has welcomed thousands of visitors to its many art exhibitions and cultural activities.
   
   
9. Who funds the Anderson Arts Center?
   No local tax dollars are used to fund the Anderson Arts Center. Funds for operating expenses are raised through the sale of artwork, gift shop purchases, grants, donations and the annual fund drive for the Arts Center.
   
   
10. How can I become a volunteer at the Anderson Arts Center?
    Volunteers are needed to help with all aspects of running the Art Center. For more information, contact the Volunteer Coordinator for Kemper Center, Inc., at (262) 657-6005.

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