Arts in Cheese Country

For rural Wisconsin, the arts thrive here in Cheese Country. The center of the arts community in Monroe is the Monroe Arts Center. Frehner Gallery hosts exhibits by artists from both the local area and from greater Midwest. Upstairs in Gunderson Stiles Concert Hall, you can hear concerts or lectures or see a play.

Currently in Frehner Hall is an exhibit of oils and watercolors by two artists from Rockford, Illinois. This exhibit is mostly paintings of animals, making it especially enjoyable for children. The opening reception was earlier this week, but the exhibit will be there until December 21. The next exhibit, Layered Destiny, opens on January 3. Come meet the artists at the reception and sample the handmade nibbles presented by Adair and Sue.

Monroe Theatre Guild is performing A Christmas Carol in Gunderson Stiles Concert Hall starting on December 8. An excellent community theater group, MTG has been working hard on this performance since early October. Start your holiday season with a traditional performance of this classic production, and support MTG and the MAC at the same time.

Also starting next week is MAC's annual Silent Auction fundraiser. Bidding starts on December 7 and continues through December 16, ending during intermission of the final performance of A Christmas Carol. Support the MAC and bid on everything from Dr. Najat's honey and handmade rosettes to handcrafted jewelry and woodcrafts to services like a $50 gift card for Pro Image Car Wash.

I'll be bidding furiously on a package of those rosettes. Grandma used to make them, and I simply do not have the knack. Anything to support a good cause, right?