Culture in our Community

From the obvious works of art seen in the historic homes, numerous murals and interesting monuments around the city, to the variety of exhibits and lectures that are featured in our wonderful Woolen Mill Gallery and to the outstanding performances held at our beautiful CAL Center Auditorium, Reedsburg is a community that appreciates the arts and the people who add their distinct touch to our local culture. Even though Reedsburg is a small city, the people who live and work here enjoy the arts in a variety of ways. Walking down the street, it is not uncommon to find a young man sitting on the sidewalk sketching a scene in the distance. On Wednesday nights throughout the summer, people fill our City Park as they listen to the variety of bands brought to the shady square by the Chamber of Commerce. Our local quilt shop celebrates the artistry and beauty of dozens of handmade treasures in mid-July with the “Airing of the Quilts”. In early spring, the school district collects and displays the works of students K – 12 and holds a week long community art show which features an amazing array of talent and mediums in all grades. The designs, colors and thought put into these pieces are incredible, and are enjoyed by everyone who attends. Visitors to the Reedsburg Historical Society and the Norman Rockwell display are surrounded by centuries of culture and history, and many of the changes in our society are found in our local antique shops as well, where each piece has, over time, become a piece of art history, and tells a story all its own. The arts enrich our lives, and can be found in unlikely places. It is something of a lost art to make homemade sausage or beer, bake fresh loaves of bread, or preserve pickles, fruits or vegetables, and yet some people in the Reedsburg area still do those things. Beautiful artistry can be found in the flower gardens throughout the city or in the spaces planted by our local Master Gardeners. It is easy to see art when competitors bid on an Owen Gromme print during our fifty year old United Fund Radio Auction, but the real art is found in the spirited bidding on a “Death by Chocolate” cake or a pan of pecan rolls. In Reedsburg, we celebrate our heritage and our culture in a variety of ways and though a myriad of art forms. It is an important part of our community, and we invite you to join us!