Arts abound in rural communities

Your Tour Guide: Leslie LaMuro, UW-Whitewater's Young Auditorium

When most people think of Wisconsin, they think of dairy farms, the Dells, Northwoods getaways—and, I hope, the arts! The arts are alive not only in big cities, but also in rural communities like Whitewater and Fort Atkinson. Their citizens recognize that these natural settings are inspirational for artists and a great draw for travelers who want a picturesque drive to their cultural destinations.

There's enough to do in each town that you can make separate day trips to Whitewater and Fort Atkinson. Or, if you prefer, pick and choose your favorites from the suggestions below and craft your own customized, one-day excursion to both communities.

Whitewater

Whitewater is the home of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, known for its rich cultural attractions. These include Young Auditorium, the Theatre/Dance Department, Crossman Gallery, SEAL (Student Entertainment Awareness League), Center Gallery, the Music Department, the Bramblett Chamber Music Series and Music Mosaics. Some of these organizations operate year-round, while others are scheduled only while classes are in session. To find out what's happening on the day you plan to visit, check out the Arts and Entertainment page on the UWW Web site, or call the University at 262-472-1234.

Young Auditorium features eclectic national and international artists. The theater seats 1,300 and offers excellent acoustics and technical capabilities that enhance the performances. The Theatre/Dance Department offers nine student productions throughout the entire year, including musicals, drama, dance and classical theater. The Music Department offers student and faculty recitals, Holiday Galas, and band, symphony and choral concerts from October through May at the Greenhill Center of the Arts. The Crossman Gallery exhibits visual art and organizes related educational activities. SEAL and the Center Gallery bring wonderful artists to campus during the academic year. Check the Web sites of these various organizations for more specific details about their offerings.

The Whitewater Arts Alliance has contributed greatly to the arts in the area. The organization repainted a mural titled "Prairie Tillers" in downtown Whitewater, and it has begun a rotating art gallery at the Double Dip Deli on Main Street. The Whitewater Arts Alliance plans other events, including the "Fish out of WhiteWATER," a light pole art project. Catch a glimpse of this public art in summer 2005.

Of course, summer brings visitors to the area not just for the arts, but also for the outdoors. Tourists enjoy the beautiful lakes, Kettle Moraine trails and scenic areas.

Fort Atkinson

Just seven miles away in Fort Atkinson, the arts are flourishing as well. Downtown has added a Riverwalk and bike trail that winds through the community for miles, taking you past many cultural attractions. Fort is home to Fireside Dinner Theatre, which has presented Broadway-quality professional theater since 1978. It's the state's largest year-round group travel attraction. Other offerings in town include the Hoard Historical Museum and National Dairy Shrine, which houses wonderful treasures with sixteen exhibit rooms, ranging from period displays to modern exhibits.

There are also a number of galleries and studios in downtown Fort Atkinson. Pots 'N' Paints Pottery Studio allows you to have fun painting one-of-a-kind pottery pieces. They'll fire and send you finished pieces within five days of your visit. Piccadilly Pottery offers handmade pottery, jewelry, paintings and pottery classes.

One of Fort Atkinson's best-kept secrets is the Café Carpe, which showcases nationally-known musicians. Gerald P. Sawyer Art, located on the outskirts of Fort Atkinson, specializes in bronze and pewter sculpture. Sawyer's work can be seen in downtown Fort Atkinson as two life-sized, kneeling American Indian sculptures, and the "Fireflies" sculpture of three children releasing fireflies. The Clark House Design gallery is located near the downtown on S. Third St. Clark House specializes in residential architecture and interiors, specifically early 20th-century-inspired design. It offers handcrafted home accessories, furnishings, pottery, tiles and textiles.

Sandhill Designs is owned and operated by Bill Bale and features Arts and Crafts-style furniture. Sandhill Designs is located outside of Fort Atkinson on Highway J. Another local find is Fort Atkinson Community Theater, called FACT, in existence since 1962. FACT has presented over 80 plays and musicals in its 40-year history, entertaining thousands and giving residents a chance to be part of the theatrical process.

With these many suggestions in mind, you can pick and choose to structure your own Whitewater/Fort Atkinson day trip, centered around your own interests.