Joyce Wartmann studied at the Commercial Arts School in Chicago, earned a degree in Art Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and was a classically trained singer. In 1962, she sang mezzo-soprano in the chorus of Chicago’s Lyric Opera. Joyce had performed in various opera productions in Madison including, Gian Carlo Menotti’s Help, Help, the Globolinks in 1971 and the role of Marcellina in The Marriage of Figaro in 1972. She also performed with the Chicago Conservatory and with choirs in Madison, Milton and Janesville.

Her private art collection, which included pieces in her favorite media of watercolors, was sold and a percentage of the proceeds benefited the Wartmann Artist Series. 

Joyce’s love for the arts was evident in the fruits of her life. Together, she and her husband William, established the William and Joyce Wartmann Endowment for the Performing Arts Center in 2003.