Arts for all
The School of the Arts at Rhinelander provides abundant benefits to both students and the community
Blacksmithing is just one of a wide variety of artful skills taught at the School of the Arts. Photo by UW-Madison Continuing Studies
For a week each summer Rhinelander becomes a bustling artists' colony, offering a wide palette of arts-related workshops, forums, exhibits and performances.
Rhinelander, which is located 180 miles north of the Wisconsin Capitol in Madison and boasts a population of around 8,000, is perhaps best known for good muskie fishing, snowmobiling — and the School of the Arts (SOA).
Hands-on arts workshops
Founded in 1964, the School of the Arts offers adult learners high-quality, hands-on instruction in a variety of arts classes. Classes include art and folk art, movement and relaxation, computer skills, dance, music (voice and instrumental), theater, arts management, photography and writing courses. The weeklong classes, which are administered by University of Wisconsin-Madison Continuing Studies in collaboration with UW-Madison Extension, are held daily, Monday through Friday, at the local junior high school.
Eager, inspired learners
Last summer more than 300 adult students from throughout Wisconsin and beyond participated. Participants generally agree that the School of the Arts is often a life-changing and inspirational week of learning and fun. Here are some of their comments:
"I learned, grew and discovered I had more than I ever knew inside." — Jodi Kutz, Green Lake
"The spirit of creativity was so evident and alive. We truly were bonded as a total group... What magic! Incredible!" — Cynthia Stevens, Oshkosh
"I am so proud of UW for making this possible for 42 years. Just connecting with other students throughout the state is a treat! — Corrine Zabel, Lake Tomahawk
Widespread community support
Adult learners take center stage at the School of the Arts at Rhinelander. Acting and directing classes are just two of 59 choices available to students this summer. Other workshops will focus on writing life stories, photographing people, yoga, mountain/lap dulcimer, woodcarving, desktop publishing, flowers and gardens, and more. Photo by Don Creedy
To involve the community in the event, SOA invites Rhinelander residents to see a full-scale theater production; participate in an evening of mini-classes; and join SOA students in attending midday forums that feature authors, photographers, actors and students' work — all free of charge.
Besides fostering local artists as teachers over the years, the SOA program has an advisory committee made up of Rhinelander residents. In addition, UW-Madison Continuing Studies collaborates with the local Chamber of Commerce and tourism industry to keep Rhinelander hotels and local attractions in the spotlight during the program. UW-Madison Continuing Studies and UW-Extension also support the Rhinelander-area Northern Arts Council with some of its programming, including the National Art Show, which opens during the week of School of the Arts.
The continued success of the School of the Arts hinges on the ongoing collaboration between UW-Madison Continuing Studies, UW-Madison Extension and many Rhinelander-area groups, agencies and individuals. Recently the Chamber of Commerce, mayorÕs office, Northern Arts Council, American Association of University Women, Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Funds, more than 75 individual donors, and 20 area businesses and organizations provided additional financial support for SOA.
Wisconsin Idea in action
Harv Thompson, who retired in September 2004 as director of SOA after 22 years, believes that the program typifies the Wisconsin Idea, the principle that the University of WisconsinÕs mission includes serving and working with a wide range of people beyond the boundaries of the campus. Current SOA director Miranda McClenaghan concurs, "This program is a perfect example of the Wisconsin Idea, providing expert instruction, creative outlets and an encouraging community."
Summer 2006
This year's School of the Arts will be held July 24 through 28. Registration is online at www.dcs.wisc.edu/lsa/soa/. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available, and Wisconsin residents can apply for financial aid. — Celeste Anton
School of the Arts IMPACTS
- In summer 2005, 302 adult students from 48 Wisconsin counties, seven states other than Wisconsin, and one foreign country enrolled in 58 individual weeklong classes taught by 36 professional educators/artists.
- Many participants of the 2005 School of the Arts came from various professional backgrounds not related to the arts:
85 students worked in education
30 students worked in medicine, religion or social services
20 students worked in business, law and government
Of the remaining 140 survey respondents:
91 were either self-employed or homemakers
26 worked in the arts
23 worked in professions ranging from software consultation to massage therapy - Rhinelander experienced a surge of tourism during the week of 2005 School of the Arts. More than 60% or participants (190), including instructional and administrative staff, purchased at least six nights of lodging in local resorts and hotels, bought food at local restaurants and grocery stores, and frequented local stores and attractions. SOA administrators estimate that the weeklong event contributed more than $100,000 in lodging and food costs alone to the Rhinelander economy.
For more information: SOA Director Miranda McClenaghan, (608) 265-8041, mmcclenaghan@dcs.wisc.edu; www.dcs.wisc.edu/lsa/soa/