Arts & Entertainment

Sparta Plan Commission approves new mural design for downtown Sparta, slated for fall

Sal D’Agostino pauses outside of City Hall just after his latest mural proposal was approved by the Sparta Planning Commission.
At its Aug. 6 regular meeting, the Sparta Plan Commission unanimously approved a new mural design by local artist Sal D’Agostino, with Commission Member John Ambro summing up the city’s …

The Art of Seeing Deeply: Russ Tock’s Portraits Reveal Color in Every Shadow

SPARTA, Wis. — Local artist Russ Tock has been creating art for most of his life, drawn to the craft—pun intended—since his school days in the 1970s. A proud product of the Sparta …

“THE MOUSETRAP” OPENS NOVEMBER 6TH AT AREA COMMUNITY THEATRE IN TOMAH

  Tomah, Wis. October 9, 2025 – Area Community Theatre (ACT) in Tomah is set to perform the play, “The Mousetrap,” a classic murder mystery by Agatha Christie opens …

CSD presents 'The Little Mermaid' starting Nov. 6

Take a trip 'under the sea' with the Cashton Middle & High School musical production of Disney's 'The Little Mermaid'. The show will kick off Thursday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. continue through …

9-5: The Musical. Tickets on sale now for Sparta High School Theater’s November production

SPARTA, Wis. — Sparta High School’s theatre program is taking audiences back to the 1970’s with its upcoming production of 9 to 5: The Musical. A comedy filled with workplace chaos, …

Sparta artists featured in “Between the Bluffs” festival, bringing local color to La Crosse

SPARTA, Wis. — Four Sparta artists — Marianne Rice, Sal D’Agostino, Sarah Gillert, and Julia Flock — are bringing hometown creativity to Plein Air Between the Bluffs, a juried regional art festival in La Crosse running through Oct. 19.     SPARTA, Wis. — Four Sparta artists — Marianne Rice, Sal D’Agostino, Sarah Gillert, and Julia Flock …

Local artist to host painting workshop September 13

Over the past year, local artists Alicia Cosnahan and Peter Krsko have been hard at work laying the foundations for a more art-driven Wonewoc. Cosnahan and Krsko have been working on a mural …

Local Artists Join Forces at RAD Grand Opening in La Crosse This Weekend

The highly anticipated grand opening of the Rivoli Arts District (RAD) will feature a live painting session titled “Women in Art & Sports.” This event will showcase Sparta artists …

“THE CEMETERY CLUB” SET FOR SEPTEMBER 11TH

Area Community Theatre (ACT) in Tomah is set to perform the play, “The Cemetery Club,” a comedy of friendship, love, and companionship based on that most universal of life’s gifts, …

KEPS’ Sweet Hippie Stage Slated to Bring More Music and Art to the Heart of Sparta Spring 2026

The heart of downtown Sparta is getting a brand-new beat to add to its welcoming rhythm — a hand-built wooden stage tucked behind KEPS eco-boutique, framed by the romantic Lovelock Bridge and …

Record crowd at Monroe County’s Wegner Grotto’s 11th annual Art Outdoors

Ideal weather and a welcoming creative spirit combined to draw a record-setting 327 participants to this year’s Art Outdoors at Wegner Grotto County Park Saturday, Aug. 23. The 11th annual …

Thunder Goat brings doom

Saturday, August 9th, a thunder shook Sparta's mantle. This thunder did not come from the storms that passed overhead, but rather the instruments played by doom metal band Thunder Goat at Metal Fest …

Sparta Illustrator Julia Flock Launches Career in Children’s Books

In a vibrant burst of creativity, Sparta-based illustrator Julia Flock is stepping onto the scene of children’s literature with a remarkable portfolio, establishing herself as a promising new …

Local students will be performing alongside the Kids from Wisconsin in Tomah on August 12.

On August 12, 2025, the KIDS from Wisconsin, a statewide choir and band consisting of 22 singers and dancers along with 16 band members, will be coming to Tomah as part of their statewide tour. This …

Review: Tomah's ACT presents "Little Shop of Horrors"

Tomah Area Community Theatre (ACT) opened its summer musical season July 31 with a well-attended run of the award-winning cult classic "Little Shop of Horrors", directed by Lisa McCormick with musical direction by Amy Kleespies. Audiences filled the theater through the opening weekend, responding enthusiastically to the cast's dynamic performances and the show's mix of comedy, suspense, and retro musical charm.

Traditional Ojibwe Beadwork, Handcrafted in Sparta by Shirley McNey

In Sparta, Wisconsin, Shirley McNey is sharing, honoring, and continuing the rich tradition of Ojibwe beadwork—one handcrafted piece at a time. If you've admired the vibrant monarch …

“LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS” SET FOR JULY 31ST AT AREA COMMUNITY THEATRE IN TOMAH

Tomah, Wis. July 9, 2025 – Area Community Theatre (ACT) in Tomah is set to perform an award-winning cult classic, “Little Shop of Horrors,” a musical comedy which opens July 31 and …

New mural voting for downtown Sparta starts soon

The Sparta art scene continues to grow, and the Sparta Art Society has unveiled two new mural designs for the community to consider, to upgrade a large “concrete canvas” near Beaver Creek …

Sparta High School's Spotlight Players receive top state musical award

Sparta High School Show Choir now has four Jerry Awards for Outstanding Musicals. Sparta Spotlight Players has received the Outstanding Musical Award-the most notable award at Wisconsin’s …

SSH Musical is one weekend only

Sparta High School has a very special Spring Musical running for just one weekend: “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” This musical is loaded with musical, comedic, and acting …

MCCS announces concert fundraiser “Petty Kings”

Monroe County Crime Stoppers (MCCS) announces its annual concert fundraiser, “Petty Kings, A Tribute to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers,” at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) on Friday, …

Sparta Show Choir Spectacular

On Saturday, March 22 , Sparta High School is hosting its annual Sparta Spectacular.  This event will feature performances by Kiddie Camp and Youth Camp , along with a new youth Show Band. …

“DRIVING MISS DAISY” SET FOR MARCH 13TH AT AREA COMMUNITY THEATRE IN TOMAH

Tomah, Wis. February 12, 2025 – Area Community Theatre (ACT) in Tomah is set to perform one of the most moving plays in modern American theatre, “Driving Miss Daisy.” The ACT …

“Nunsense” coming to United Methodist Church in Sparta

Summit Spirits presents the musical comedy, “Nunsense” at the Sparta United Methodist Church, located at 210 North Court Street. The production will run two consecutive weekends, starting …

Matilda hits the stage at Meadowview Middle

Meadowview Middle School remained in session for some Sparta Area School District students, who were participating in three weekend showings of “Matilda Junior: The Musical,” on the …

Life, Music, and the Legacy of Dana Tock

Teachers play a vital role in shaping the lives of their students. Through encouragement and personalized attention, the teacher fosters a safe environment where students feel valued and empowered to express themselves. Few people possess the skill to break through barriers and reach students so profoundly that it alters their paradigm.

Area harper performs at Wonewoc Public Library

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 …

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. …

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.

Will AI kill the arts?

I am sure most of you have heard about and even dabbled with the Artificial Intelligence platforms sprouting up around the internet in the last few years.   As someone who was a web developer, I …

Stitching together a business built on passion

Originally from Pennsylvania, Rachelle Craig grew up in an area with a high Amish population. When her family relocated when she was a teenager, Craig decided to teach herself how to quilt, taking …

Grease up your time machine

This November 2024, Sparta High School alumni do not need to be “beauty school dropouts” to return to their alma mater. Everyone from near and far is invited to “go back” to …

Wegner Grotto sculpts substantial crowd at decade old art event

For 10 years, Monroe County History Room and Museum has hosted an “Outdoor Art” event at the treasured Paul and Matilda Wegner Grotto, located at 7788 Daylight Road, just North of Sparta, …

Kids from Wisconsin present a “Larger than Life” show

Since their founding, in 1968, the Kids From Wisconsin (KFW) have performed to audiences at fairs, national trade shows, conventions, and festivals. Since their premier introduction, over 10 million …

Wegner grotto sees 10th anniversary of Art Outdoors

On Saturday, August 24th, the Wegner Grotto County Park will host the 10th-annual “Art Outdoors” make-and-take art day. This family-friendly event includes exploring one of …

Kids from Wisconsin to hit Tomah stage

On Tuesday, August 13th, at 7 p.m., the Kids from Wisconsin will be hitting the stage at the Tomah High School, located at 901 Lincoln Avenue, in Tomah. Kids from Wisconsin is a group of 36 kids from …

Artist’s creation brightens bridge underpass

On the morning of July 10th, 2024, under a bridge on East Wisconsin Avenue, popular Sparta artist, Sal D’ Agostino, readied his paints, brushes, and mindset for his next big project: …
Galleries

Cash in Hand plays at Sparta Concerts in the Park

The band Cash in Hand plays at Sparta’s Concerts in the Park July 23. Photo by Aaron Arnold

Cash in Hand  played for about 350 people July 23 during Concerts in the Park in Sparta. Under light rain showers and a rainbow, the Johnny Cash tribute quartet performed many of the Man in …

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