Arts on the Square Schedule
Rain or Shine!
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Saturday, Aug. 17
FREE — Thanks to many generous donors and sponsors!!
The Art.
Waupaca Juried Fine Art Show
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17
City Square
Artisans and craftsmen from around the state are converging on Waupaca to showcase and sell their art. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover a truly unique piece of Wisconsin art for your home or as a fashion accessory. Many of our artisans also take commissions!
Awards for:
Best of Show
Patty Vaux Award
Four Awards of Excellence
Meet our 2024 Juried Fine Art Show Judge—Dawn Olson
Born in the East Coast, but spending most of my life in Central Wisconsin, I have the heart of a real country gal. Educated at the university of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Madison and Northern with a B.S. in Art and MEPD with an Art Emphasis, I still claim to get most of my education on the road. Researching my art (and heart) have taken me around the U.S., Europe, and South America. Where society loosens its bounds, I set my own. Yet it took my move to the simplicity of Southwest several years ago to start congealing the precious fragments of my journey.
Kids’ Art Camp Gallery
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Gallery in the Workshop Tent Area
During Arts on the Square, families can view the art pieces created by the students of the ARTicipation Week Kids’ Art Camp.
Sponsored by the Waupaca Community Arts Hub, Friends of WCAB, and Community Donors! Thank you!!
Picture depicts work from last year’s Kids Art Camp Gallery!
The Music.
Main Stage
Saturday, Aug. 17
Performances 9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
East Fulton Street, next to Waupaca Public Library
Aber Suzuki Center Students
9:15 - 10:15 a.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17
The Aber Suzuki Center is a division of the College of Fine Arts and Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. The program has a 54-year history of music education for children and adults in Central Wisconsin and beyond.
ASC serves 230 students in Stevens Point and over 80 students in the Chain Exploration Center in Waupaca. In July, the Center sponsors the American Suzuki Institute, which draws hundreds of students and teachers from around the globe. Instruments offered include bass, cello, flute, guitar, harp, piano, viola, violin and voice.
Tom Pease
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Tom Pease has an infectious sense of fun and community building. With movement, sign language, humor, and joy, he creates concerts that leave audiences laughing and singing. He’s performed full time since 1982, often giving more than 200 performances per year.
He’s also a frequent presenter at early childhood and environmental conferences, keynoting and leading breakout sessions that explore the role of music in shaping our lives and the world we live in. Tom connects and inspires with every show he does.
Lynda & The ZEROs
11:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17
When your toes are tapping, your body is moving, and the groove has you in the mood to dance you will find Lynda &The ZEROs. Formed in 2016 with the sole intent of finding a common thread in the connection of music to audience, the ZEROs have expanded and refined the role of musical performance. Based on a unique blend of soul, Motown and funk, echoing such influences as Stevie Wonder to Jon Batiste, the band uncovers the young and old grooves that are in each song. The ZEROs have opened for such iconic acts as Three Dog Night or on main stage outdoor events such as the Memorial Union Terrace and Atwood Festival, as well as community concerts. Additionally, the ZEROs enjoy air play with their single ‘Too Hot’ on numerous stations and streams. Featuring the dynamic stage presence of Lynda Higgins and a talented nine-piece backup, the ability to get an audience moving and grooving is undeniable!
Big Oil
2 - 3 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Big Oil is a five-piece rock band from Appleton, WI featuring Samer Meshinesh (Vocals/Rhythm Guitar), Mason Clappes (Lead Guitar), Corey Ziemann (Drums), Nick Rau (Keys) and Murphy Erlin (Bass). They draw inspiration from bands such as The Black Keys, Cage the Elephant, Tame Impala and more. Big Oil will pollute your mind with catchy riffs, raw lyrics and face-melting solos.
Jazz Stage
Saturday, Aug. 17
Performances 12 - 4 p.m.
Union Street Emporium. 110 E. Union St.
Son Reis Project
12:00 - 1:45 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17
At its core, Son Reis Project is about sonic exploration. Blending influences from heavy metal, free jazz, and funk, each performance is unique as the band brings the audience on a journey into the realm of possibility.
VIVO
2 - 4 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17
VIVO is a WAMI AWARD winning music ensemble performing lively and contemporary, bossa-samba, jazz-pop interpretations of classic songs which span the decades, as well as some of their own original song selections. Waupaca resident drummer, Tony Wagner, will be featured as VIVO’s special guest artist along with Warren Wiegratz (keyboard/woodwinds), Pam Duronio (vocals/percussion), Tim Stemper (guitars) and Dwayne Williams (bass). The highly popular ‘Summerfest’, ‘Live at the Lakefront’ and various other concert music events throughout the state have been regular performance venues for VIVO.
City Square Bandstand Area
Saturday, Aug. 17
Performances 9:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.
City Square Bandstand
Vibhas Kendzia
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Vibhas Kendzia performs Native American music on a Native American flute. Listen for him during the festival. In addition to performing in City Square, he will be strolling through the grounds while he plays!
We need lots of smiling volunteers to make Arts on the Square flow smoothly for our community. We would love it if you would consider volunteering.
This is a fun way to meet people in the community, have a good time, and see first-hand how your donation is being used in the community.
Please sign up for a 2-hour time slot by clicking on the button below. Consider inviting a friend to be with you. The more the merrier! Thank you!
The Workshops.
Look for all Workshops & Demonstrations in and around the Workshop Tent, behind the Waupaca Public Library.
Totally Tube Painting
Drop-In: 9 - 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Come to the Totally Tube Printing hotspot! All ages can participate in an art make-and-take project. Using toilet paper tubes or any round object, you can stamp to make an abstract piece, something inspired by Kandinsky or a sheet of bubbles or cut the tubes to make various shaped stamps to print with. Being creative is what it's all about.
Your family is in good hands with Workshop Facilitator Michelle Sharp.
Face Painting with Carl Mann
Drop-in: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Free!!
Carl will be “demonstrating” brushstroke, saturation, application, and technique by actively face painting volunteers. If there are any questions during workshop, he’ll be happy to answer.
Wood Carving of a Dog
Drop-In: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Learn how to carve a simple dog out of wood!
Instructor: Members of Waupaca Area Woodcarvers
Clay Landscape with Terry
Drop-In: 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Terry Achten says "Clay is a source of inspiration for me. I've worked with clay for over 50 years. The functional beauty of tableware has always appealed to me and is reflected in my work. In this workshop, kids are encouraged to experience, experiment, and enjoy clay. They will create a landscape of their imagination."
Terry's pottery pieces are available for purchase at Turners Fresh Market on West Hwy 54 all season.
Soap Carving
Drop-In: 1 - 2 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Have some good, clean fun! Learn to take a bar of soap, using simple tools, to create a 3D sculpture.
Instructor: Members of Waupaca Area Woodcarvers
All-Day Family Fun.
In the Workshop Tent Area.
“SHINE” Together
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Workshop Tent Area
Come be a part of the community art project by creating and adding your unique gem with all the others created by community members. Supplies are provided. A wonderful frame will be created. No skills necessary, our volunteers are here to help.
There will be a silent auction for 2 previously completed "SHINE" Together beaded art projects. Plan to bid throughout the day. The highest bidder of each will be the owner of the community art project.
Sponsored by the Waupaca Community Arts Hub in honor of WCAB’s SHINE Community Sculpture Project.
The SHINE Community Sculpture Project consists of 170 fused-glass tiles made by Waupaca residents throughout 2023, which will be incorporated into a metal community sculpture, created by The Foundry. It will be installed in Downtown Waupaca late 2024. Click the SHINE link above to learn more details about the project’s progress!
Rice-filled Chicken Paperweights
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Workshop Tent Area
The Peaceful Hands Quilt Guild members will be offering a hand-sewing workshop. Stop by and try out your hand at creating these cute little chicken paper weights.
At this year's workshop we will be helping participants complete kits for these adorable rice filled fabric chickens. Participants will learn basic hand-sewing skills. Relax under the tent and enjoy expanding your creativity.
“SHINE” Suncatcher
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Workshop Tent Area
Create your own painted "SHINE" suncatcher to take home. Using water-based acrylic markers on clear acrylic round discs for hanging in your window. No skills needed; our volunteers are here to help!
Sponsored by the Waupaca Community Arts Hub!
Demonstration.
In front of the Workshop Tent.
Demos at various times between 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Oil Painting & Calligraphy
Davette Leonard — Waupaca
20-minute Demos
Each demo starts ON THE HOUR
Davette Leonard is both a Fine Artist and a Calligrapher. In her paintings she uses Old World techniques and exacting realism to express the majestic and ephemeral nature of ordinary objects. As with her paintings, she also practices classical forms of Calligraphy that reach into the traditions of ancient Roman lettering and its evolution through to the 21st century.
At Waupaca’s annual Arts on the Square Davette Leonard will be demonstrating different styles of Calligraphy every hour on the hour for 20 minutes. Visitors will also be able to observe a painting in progress.
Glass Blowing
Brady Looker — Central Wisconsin
20-minute Demos
Each demo starts 20 minutes AFTER THE HOUR
Come watch Waupaca’s own! Brady will be demonstrating glassblowing/lampworking with a bench torch. He will make glass pendants by fusing metals onto the glass and maneuvering the glass by gravity and blowing. Pendants are available for purchase.
A self-taught glassblower, Brady has been practicing his craft for almost 10 years, and freely sharing his expertise with the community. Check out his Instagram by clicking his name above!
Basket Weaving
20-minute Demos
Each demo starts 20 BEFORE THE HOUR
Join Barbara for a demonstration on how to weave a Market Basket. Throughout the
day she will be demonstrating the Market Basket steps. There will be a project for kids.
In 1998 she wove her first basket and was instantly hooked. Since then, she has continually advanced her skills by attending basket weaving conferences and belonging to a basketry guild. Barbara loves weaving baskets and helping others learn the art.
Woodcarving
Waupaca Area Woodcarvers - Central Wisconsin
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
All-Day Demos
Watch as the Waupaca Area Woodcarvers transform a piece of wood into something wonderful.
Bring your wood carving questions to ask them. Always a popular destination at the festival!
Sand Sculptures
Bob Lechtenberg — Hartland, WI
40-minute Demos
Demo Times: 10-10:40 a.m., 11-11:40 a.m., 12:30-1:10 p.m., 1:30-2:10 p.m.
Learn how to take your days at the beach to a whole new level! Bob will be demonstrating a variety of topics related to sand sculptures ranging all the way from how to start, through to a finished product with some additional tips and tricks that will correlate to snow sculptures in winter as well.
Since 2017, Bob is a 3-time United States Snow Sculpting National Champion with his team Sculptora Borealis and appeared in the Disney+ Holiday Movie Best in Snow with Kermit the Frog. Bob also started competing in the Great Lakes Sand Sculpting events in 2023, including the Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival in Manitowoc.
Dance Stage.
Look for the Dance Stage behind the Waupaca Public Library
Cardio Drumming
10-10:45 a.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Cardio drumming has found its way into many members lives! At the Senior Center our group ranges from age 50 to 90+ and we have on average 50 members per class attend twice a week!
We offer drumming in the community as well, in all age groups. We have recently drummed with Waupaca Learning Center, Waupaca Middle School, CaHoots, Park Vista and many more!
Sponsored by Tre of Life
Waupaca Dance Team
11-11:45 a.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17
The award-winning WAUPACA HIGH SCHOOL DANCE TEAM will be performing multiple sideline dances and our hip hop routine. We are also looking forward to inviting kids from the audience to come and dance with us!
We are a varsity team that practices from July through February. We practice every day and perform at football and basketball games. Our favorite part of the season is when we compete! This past year our season was undefeated and ended with two championships at State Dance!
Sponsored by United Country Real Estate— Udoni & Salan Realty Group
Niam Leej Ntxhais Dancers
12-12:45 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Divine Aura Hmong Dance Program was created to preserve the Hmong arts of dance and music. Besides the preservation of the Hmong cultural arts, we are here to help all dancers grow their confidence, basic social skills, and refine their dance skills. Our coach, manager, and founder is Salena Thao. Salena started teaching as a volunteer through The Women's Community in Wausau, WI back in 2017 with Niam Leej Ntxhais. This year she has challenged herself, teaching 2 general show teams and is the manager of a competitive team. Ntxhais Nkauj Ntxawm (Tsai Kao Tser), ages 4-9 years old. Niam Leej Ntxhais (Nia Leng Tsai), ages 9-14 years old. Ethereal, Hmong competition, ages 12-17 years old.
Sponsored by Community Insurance
Information Booth Has It All!
7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Interactive
The Arts on the Square Information Booth opens at 7 a.m.! Stop by to say “hello” and to ask for information or directions. If we don’t have the answer, we’ll make something up! Come early and get a jump on the crowds!
While you’re there, buy a 2024 Event Poster!!
Radio 99.1 & 96.3 On-Site & Live!
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Interactive
Waupaca Radio FM96.3 is a community radio station operated by the City of Waupaca playing World Class Music and local information.
99.1 WAUP is operated by Waupaca Area Community Radio playing a better variety of music and seeks to connect community members to one another and the world by exploring cultural diversity through arts and public affairs programming and cultural events.
Both stations, with Josh Werner & Mark Gerlach, will jointly broadcast live at Arts on the Square to promote the event and bring the event to individuals who are unable to attend.
The Good Stuff.
Food Trucks!
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17
From traditional Wisconsin fair food to more exotic and healthy options, we have your hungry belly covered! Come hungry. Leave happy!
European Delights: Sweet and Savory Crepes
Kasuns: Frybread
Diablo’s: Mexican Food
Street Grub: Pulled Pork, Hot Dog Varieties, Street Tacos, Veggie Burgers, & Cheese Curds
Hmong Eggrolls: Eggrolls & more.
Cottontail Cotton Candy: Cotton Candy
Java Jive: Coffee & Pastries
Moo’s Ice Cream: Ice Cream
Beer & Beverages
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Bring your ID to the Beer & Wine Tent entrance, and our friendly bartenders will welcome you with open arms!
Looking for non-alcoholic options? We have you covered throughout the grounds. Hydration in August is a must! Drinks for everyone, no matter the age!
Souvenirs.
2024 Arts on the Square Poster
Designed by Waupaca Artist Tim Pucillo, the 2024 AOTS poster reflects this year’s community art project, SHINE! Posters available for $10 in the Info Booth during the festival.
Available in advance at Northern Home, 119 N. Main St. Waupaca, WI 54981
