Shake Rag Alley Breaks Ground on 20th Year Campus Revitalization Project

Shake Rag Alley Breaks Ground on 20th Year Campus Revitalization Project

MINERAL POINT, Wis.—The grounds at Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts are bustling with even more activity than usual as new fencing is installed, beginning the work of the 20th Year Revitalization Project. New fencing is the first phase of a comprehensive campus plan which includes upgrading electric and internet access campus-wide, and shining a light from the iconic lanterns at Shake Rag Alley.

As the next phase of the project begins, Shake Rag Alley is excited to welcome the public to a Lantern Lighting on the Green (18 Shake Rag Street) at 7:30 p.m. October 14, 2024, to celebrate the completion of our Campus Revitalization Project. With restoration, upgrades, and other improvements, the 2.5 acre campus will be more accessible and welcoming for visitors, students, and instructors.

This initiative has been funded by several generous grants, including $12,850 from the Iowa County Outdoor Recreation for Tourism grant focused on improving tourism in Iowa County. The Mineral Point Community Foundation’s support is integral to this project. Their $5000 grant supports WiFi expansion across campus, and builds on the 2023 grant that enabled consistent signage to improve visitors’ experiences, and withstand weather conditions. Further investments from community partners like the Lions Club, Mineral Point Kiwanis, and Wisconsin Electric Service, as well as individual donors, lantern sponsors, and a matching donor, have enabled the special project to move forward as the arts and crafts nonprofit continues to share back with the community of Mineral Point as an open green space, defacto public park, and space for creativity and events. A self-guided tour will share the unique history of the region and the valley. 

Shake Rag Alley was founded by local artists and community members in 2004 as a 501(c)(3)

nonprofit organization to enrich the lives of people in our area through the arts. Today, Shake Rag Alley is essential to the region’s creative economy, drawing thousands annually for overnight and multi-night stays that benefit local communities. The mission of Shake Rag Alley is to provide educational experiences in visual, performing, and literary arts for adults and children; to cultivate the creativity that thrives in our rural community; and to rehabilitate and preserve our historic buildings and rustic campus. The 2024 Adult programming and programs can be found at https://shakeragalley.org. To be a part of the 20th year celebration, see https://shakeragalley.org/support/.

Upcoming Events at Shake Rag Alley

Alley Stage Reading Series: "Reading Anna K" by Fran Zell | September 7 

Our fourth annual Alley Stage Reading Series continues with Chicago, IL playwright Fran Zell's, Reading Anna K. This reading will take place at 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 7, and be followed by a talkback session and reception. For more information about the Alley Stage Reading Series, see https://shakeragalley.org/alley-stage.

Viola, Poetry, & Chocolate | September 15

Enjoy the sounds of viola with Katrin Talbot and poetry with Matthew Guenette (and guests!) on our Alley Stage 3-5 p.m. This free event includes sun-dappled shade, strings, and inspiring voices, perfect for a Sunday afternoon. There will also be chocolate! Walk-ins welcome!

Fiber Faire | September 28

Join artists & artisans at Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts for Fiber Faire 2024! Farmers, fashionistas, and makers will be on hand to share all the wonderful ways we use fiber to express ourselves. Join us for demos, shopping, and a fashion show, all during Mineral Point’s Cornish Festival & Celtic Celebration! Visit https://shakeragalley.org/fiber-faire/ for more information. 

A Ghostly Gathering | October 26 

Join us Saturday October 26th, 2024 for the fourth annual A Ghostly Gathering featuring a variety of festive experiences (with a lean toward spectacle & the sideshow) on our 2.5-acre campus in the historic heart of Mineral Point! Entertainment will include a Fire Show, music by Feast of Mutton, magic, tarot readings, and carnival games. Proceeds from this fall fundraiser support Shake Rag Alley arts and crafts programming and historic preservation. $25 advance tickets available through October 25. For more information, visit https://shakeragalley.org/ghostly-gathering/

For more information and updates throughout the year, see www.ShakeRagAlley.org, call (608) 987-3292, subscribe to twice-monthly e-newsletters and follow Shake Rag Alley on Facebook and Instagram.

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About Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts

A nonprofit school of arts and crafts founded in 2004 by local artists and community members, Shake Rag Alley’s 2.5-acre campus at 18 Shake Rag St. in Mineral Point (population 2,500) is a national destination for participants of adult workshops, a robust summer youth program and a host of annual special events. In addition, Shake Rag offers on-site lodging and custom facility rentals for meetings, events and celebrations. For additional information about Shake Rag Alley’s workshops and events, or to request a catalog and information about facility rentals and volunteer opportunities, see www.ShakeRagAlley.org or call (608) 987-3292.