Fancy black lettering across the storefront at 200 N. Main St. declares “Waupaca Community Arts Center.”
Now in its eighth year, this non-profit organization under the fiscal sponsorship of Waupaca Fine Arts Festival offers a locally based arts venture for area residents.
About 25 artists’ work is currently on display, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
There are active knitting and beading groups that meet Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons.
Terry Burki, a frequent participant in these groups, says, “I love dropping in at the arts center. I’m often there on the afternoons when others are also there, sitting around the big table, working on interesting projects. You can just sit yourself down and join in. We talk. We laugh. We learn. We create. It doesn’t get much better than that.”
Would you be interested in volunteering four to eight hours a week with this active group to help keep the doors open for the regular patrons and the visiting shoppers and browsers who frequent our storefront?
You don’t need to be an artist to enjoy volunteering here. Read on.
Our purpose is to serve as a community arts resource.
Posters, announcements and handouts for area arts events make it easy to find out what’s happening where with music, theater and arts entertainment in the area.
Since opening in November 2007, over 50 artists have shown and sold their work at WCAC. Over 70 classes and workshops in drawing, painting, weaving, jewelry and kaleidoscope making, ceramics, dry felting and other arts and crafts have been presented.
Our “Meet the Artist” program changes quarterly and presents three-month exhibit opportunities for area artists and “emerging artists” from Waupaca High School.
Artist receptions for these exhibits occur on the third Thursday of January, April, July and October.
Countless ceramics or jewelry making events have been enjoyed as birthday parties, ladies’ night out, girl scout badge events or family projects.
Our main fundraising events are the Chocolate Buffet during Mother’s Day weekend and Soup in Art Bowls during the first weekend in October.
Volunteers will interact with people who want to purchase a painting, photograph or sculptural object to brighten their home or give as a gift.
Some folks look for an artistic card to express joy, comfort or encouragement.
Lots of people shop for jewelry making supplies or a rainbow selection of natural or man-made fibers and knitting/crocheting supplies.
Our volunteer clerks are familiar with our storefront and the offerings we have for the community. We’ll help you get all that down.
Just bring your enthusiasm for the arts and contact Jane at 715-258-5664 or email [email protected].
By all means, stop in and see what WCAC is all about. Hang around and see if it’s a good fit for you to volunteer,
Barbara Fay Wiese
Waupaca