MINERAL POINT, Wis.—Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts announces this summer’s Youth Program with classes for artists from kindergarten to teens. Creative fun for artists of all ages has been a focus of the Shake Rag Alley programming since its founding in 2004. Shake Rag Alley continues to provide creative & educational programming from June to August with a variety of experiences.
Beginning June 8th, the Youth Program offers a variety of classes, including mosaic, soap carving, youth blacksmithing, and nature-inspired classes with sun prints, symmetry, and handbuilding. Classes are taught by a variety of local artists and teachers, and include art and nature projects, and enjoyment of the 2.5 acre campus.
On June 22nd-26th, the five-day Craft Camp: Join the Super Scribble Squad explores superhero inspiration, and campers will work on costumes to walk in the Mineral Point 4th of July parade. From July 20th-24th the five-day Free Arts Camp: Adventure Seekers includes activities across the entire campus, including map making, flags, and survival pouches, and is offered at no cost.
Shake Rag Alley receives generous community support for the Youth Program, which provides for Free Arts Camp, and programming throughout the summer. Support comes from the Mineral Point Community Chest, the United Fund of Iowa County, and the Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation. To register for workshops or to learn more information, see https://shakeragalley.org/youth-program, or call our office at (608) 987-3292.
Upcoming Events & Workshops at Shake Rag Alley
Winter Writers Reading Series: A.M. Goodhart & Nick Gulig | March 19
Join us at Republic of Letters Books, 151 High St., Mineral Point at 6 p.m. on March 19th to welcome award-winning Wisconsin Writers A.M. Goodhart & Nick Gulig. For more information visit, https://shakeragalley.org/writers-reading-series/
Winter Writers Reading Series: Marcia Bjornerud & Rebecca Jamieson | March 26
Join us at The Mineral Point Public Library, 137 High St., at 6 p.m. for Mind, Body and Stone: An essayist and a scientist reflect on the power of landscapes presented by Marcia Bjornerud & Rebecca Jamieson. For more information, visit https://shakeragalley.org/writers-reading-series/
Spring Garage Sale | April 9-11 | Lind Pavilion
Our annual garage sale is April 9th-11th (yes—we are doing Thursday this year!), and sales support operating expenses for our arts & crafts nonprofit. The sale will run from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Thursday & Friday (April 9th & 10th) and 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday (April 11th). We’re proud to fill the Lind Pavilion with the most unique garage sale items around—from antiques to artisan home goods to art-making finds!
Driftless Poets | April 11
Seeking feedback on your poetry from a supportive group? The Driftless Poets are saving a seat for you to join Shake Rag Alley’s monthly workshop, which meets in person and via Zoom. Registration required to receive the Zoom link. New members—at any stage of their writing journey—are always welcome, but only those who have submitted work in progress prior to the workshop will receive feedback and critique. Group members take turns leading the workshops from 2 – 4 p.m.
Makers & Shakers Art Party: Gemstone & Wire Pendant | April 15 | Lind Pavilion
Make a beautiful necklace for yourself or a loved one. Pat will teach you how to work with 20 gauge wire, make a double bail, and help you design your pendant using a gemstone, accent beads, findings, and wire. All tools and materials are provided, including the cord necklace. Additional necklace kits can be purchased for $3 to $5 each. Go home that night wearing your own work of art! (Project fee waived for middle and high school students!) $10 Register at ShakeRagAlley.org. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Alley Stage Reading Series Special Event: The Meeting | April 26 | Sardeson Studio
Join us for a special Alley Stage Reading Series event, featuring a new play by Brian James Polak. In The Meeting, five former theater makers convene a meeting in a near-future, fascist America, when all forms of art (and even the utterance of any art-related words) have been banned. These artists discuss what a person is to do in a world when one’s purpose in life has been eradicated. Both the artists and attendees of The Meeting begin to learn even the most fascist society can never stop people from being who they truly are. Additional support for the playwright and actors for this special event is generously provided by Marcia Jablonski. Tickets: $5 (available online and at the door).
Jewelry Boot Camp | May 1-3
Explore a new art form, or grow your skills with new techniques! Beginners and experienced students alike can choose from a variety of classes with a range of styles from funky to fine. Weaving metal and making chains, hammering and firing, the bright colors of enamel & glass—use this weekend to explore new materials, be inspired anew, and network with other jewelers. You’ll leave with new ideas and something stunning. Come for the weekend and enjoy our gem of a town.
Mining Our Stories Writing Retreat | May 15-17
Join us for the tenth annual Writing Retreat at Shake Rag Alley, open to writers of all levels. We’re excited to welcome a stellar faculty including Lydi Conklin (fiction), Tamara Dean (creative nonfiction), and Dasha Kelly (poetry). In addition to your core workshops, explore the unexpected with Han Raschka, and the submission process with Adam al-Sirkany. There’s also writing in community, the inspiring places and spaces of Mineral Point, opportunities to share your work, a Saturday night reading with all our faculty, included lunches, and more.
For more information and updates throughout the year, see www.ShakeRagAlley.org, call (608) 987-3292, subscribe to twice-monthly e-newsletters and follow Shake Rag Alley on Facebook and Instagram.
