Arts & Entertainment

ACT opens “Canceling Christmas” January 9th

“Canceling Christmas" opens at ACT this Thursday, January 9th! The story begins with Emily, played by Ashley Williford, putting together her father's Christmas Program at the local theatre. …

Area harper performs at Wonewoc Public Library

Shari Sarazin has built a career out of performing on the folk harp, bringing her music to a wide variety of venues from library community rooms to sprawling cultural festivals. She began with the harp following a trip to Ireland, which revitalized her interest in both her Irish heritage and in the harp.

The image of the harp is one that has become practically synonymous with Ireland. In fact, the harp is one of the country’s national symbols, routinely featured in the branding of anything …

The culinary art of Lefse making

The lefse-making season is finally upon us. As a child, my Grandmother would make lefse every year just before Thanksgiving. It's a tradition I remember fondly, one I adopted once I could purchase a …

Jólabókaflóðið

At least ten years ago, during the Christmas season, I stumbled upon an article about an Icelandic Christmas tradition called Jólabókaflóðið, also often spelled …

No More Talk of Darkness visits Tomah High School

The Tomah Concert Association was formed in 1968, with its first concert performance being held in 1969. They are known for bringing in world renowned talent to perform at the Tomah High School, …

Sparta Spotlight Players add encore performance of Grease: The Musical

For the last two weekends, November 8th through the 10th, and November 14th – 17th, Sparta Spotlight Players, high school musical theatre students, have wowed the community audience with their …

The Hidden Art Gallery of Monroe County

Did you know Monroe County has an amazing art gallery? I only discovered this after a Google search earlier this year. The search led me to the Antique Mall in Tomah, Wisconsin. Inside its walls lie …

Wildlife mural-in-progress in Historic Downtown Sparta

On Tuesday, October 29th, Sal D’Agostino carefully hauled down fresh paints, drop cloths, and a table to an area blighted by graffiti along Beaver Creek, in Historic Downtown Sparta. …

Watercolor and Memories

I recently had the pleasure of attending an art reception for lifelong artist and educator Diane Crane at Viterbo University's art gallery. The …

Sparta City Hall to receive local artist’s gift during Wednesday meeting

On Wednesday, October 16th, at 6 p.m., Sparta City Council members will gather at City Hall to witness the unveiling of a special gift of five portraits, painted by local fine artist, Marianne Rice. …

Sparta High showcases talent at Variety Show

On Tuesday, October 1st, Sparta High School was buzzing with anticipation as a packed auditorium awaited the homecoming week Variety Show. Attendees were anxious to embark on a journey of musical …

Local Art News: Sparta Art Society holding mural vote

When it Comes to Community Art, Sparta Art Society believes the community’s voice is important. The Sparta Finance Committee recently awarded funding to the newly formed Sparta Art Society, to …

Visit the 20th Annual Driftless Area Art Festival

A light mist clung to the valley floors the morning of my first visit to the Driftless Area Art Festival a few years ago. I always loved the scene of a valley floor filled with morning or evening mist. It's simultaneously eerie and beautiful, setting the perfect scene for the rest of the day.
Galleries

TOCK + TONE play Concerts in the park

Sparta Horns (left to right) - Logan Eilers | Trombone, Michael Rhodes | Trumpet, Garrick Manning | Alto Sax, Yasmine Campos | Bari Sax, Dana Tock | Keys, Vox, Percussion, Guitar

TOCK + TONE: The Duo - Joel Tock | Vox, Guitar, C Melody Sax, Sound Engineer (orange pants, trying to have fun on a stool) Steve Laxtón | Vox, Keytar, Guitar, Trumpet …

Special Sections
Sparta Horns (left to right) - Logan Eilers | Trombone, Michael Rhodes | Trumpet, Garrick Manning | Alto Sax, Yasmine Campos | Bari Sax, Dana Tock | Keys, Vox, Percussion, Guitar
Sparta Horns (left to right) - Logan Eilers | Trombone, Michael Rhodes | Trumpet, Garrick Manning | Alto Sax, Yasmine Campos | Bari Sax, Dana Tock | Keys, Vox, Percussion, Guitar
Sparta Horns (left to right) - Logan Eilers | Trombone, Michael Rhodes | Trumpet, Garrick Manning | Alto Sax, Yasmine Campos | Bari Sax, Dana Tock | Keys, Vox, Percussion, Guitar
Sparta Horns (left to right) - Logan Eilers | Trombone, Michael Rhodes | Trumpet, Garrick Manning | Alto Sax, Yasmine Campos | Bari Sax, Dana Tock | Keys, Vox, Percussion, Guitar
Sparta Horns (left to right) - Logan Eilers | Trombone, Michael Rhodes | Trumpet, Garrick Manning | Alto Sax, Yasmine Campos | Bari Sax, Dana Tock | Keys, Vox, Percussion, Guitar