"Anybody can accomplish anything at any age. I don't think they should feel limited."
For Catherine Ruedy, those aren't simply encouraging words. They are the philosophy by which she lives.
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Behind every musical performance is a story of commitment. Long hours in practice rooms, countless rehearsals and the encouragement of parents, teachers, and classmates all help shape young …
Kids From Wisconsin, a nonprofit performing arts organization, bring its 2026 production, “America’s Soundtrack: The Pulse of a Nation,” to Tomah High School in Tomah, WI on Tuesday, July 28.
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Sparta artist Marianne K. Rice has received national recognition for her artwork, earning the $20,000 Dorothy Driehaus Mellin Fellowship at the 35th Annual National Exhibition of the Oil Painters of …
By Jenny Rodriguez Moran, Contributing Writer
SPARTA, Wis. — Artist Sarah Gillert has long been a familiar face in the Driftless arts community — creating expressive, nature-infused …
SPARTA, Wis. — Whether you’re exploring the brick-and-mortar businesses along downtown Water Street, strolling the Sparta Farmers Market or Kriskindlmarkt, visiting a city park, or …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, 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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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.
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 …
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 …
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 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 …
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 …
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, …
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. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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.
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 …
“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 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 …
At least ten years ago, during the Christmas season, I stumbled upon an article about an Icelandic Christmas tradition called Jólabókaflóðið, also often spelled …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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. …
I recently had the pleasure of attending an art reception for lifelong artist and educator Diane Crane at Viterbo University's art gallery. The …
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. …
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 …
