Arts on the Square Schedule
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Saturday, Aug. 15
Rain or Shine!
FREE — Thanks to many generous donors and sponsors!!
The Art.
Waupaca Juried Fine Arts & Craft Show
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 15
Artisans and craftsmen from around the state are converging on Waupaca to showcase and sell their art. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover a truly unique piece of Wisconsin art for your home or as a fashion accessory. Many of our artisans also take commissions!
At the core of Arts on the Square is a curated art show featuring local and regional artists who display and sell their work. Attendees can browse handmade jewelry, pottery, paintings, photography, textiles, sculptures, and more. It’s an ideal setting for art lovers to discover one-of-a-kind pieces and connect directly with the creators.
Awards will be given out to artists at the show for:
Best of Show
Patty Vaux Award
Three Awards of Excellence
Meet our 2026 Guest Judge—Kristin Thielking
Originally from the East Coast—Cold Spring Harbor, New York—Kristin received her BFA from Brown University and holds an MFA in Art from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI. She is a Professor Emerita in Sculpture and Environmental Art at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where she taught for 23 years.
Kristin currently lives in Amherst Junction with her husband and partner, Keven Brunett, where she continues her creative research connected to the environment and specifically water.
Art Show Artist Assignments & Grounds Map
Kids’ Art Camp Gallery
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 15
Gallery in the Workshop Tent Area
During Arts on the Square, families can view the art pieces created by the students of the ARTicipation Week Kids’ Art Camp.
Sponsored by the Friends of WCAB Fundraising Campaign, Chain O’ Lakes Bar and Grill, Tom Hart, Attorney, and Chain O’ Lakes Home and Garden.
2026 Arts on the Square Poster Artist— Lily Swendrzynski
My name is Lily Swendrzynski, and I’m a 20-year-old artist from Waupaca, Wisconsin — coincidentally, also this year’s artist for the 20th anniversary of Arts on the Square!
For this year’s poster, I was inspired by the patterns and texture of a trout’s skin, using those flowing shapes to surround and form the lettering itself. The phrase “Swim Upstream” points to the events new location between the Recreation Center and the Arts Hub, while also connecting to the river that runs through Waupaca and toward that area of town. I wanted the design to feel connected to movement, change, and finding new paths while still staying rooted in the community.
I currently work at the Waupaca Arts Hub as a pottery teacher, studio and kiln tech, front desk attendant, and cleaner. Outside of art, I love traveling, taking photos, making memories with the people I care about, and finding inspiration wherever I go.
Posters available in advance at Northern Home, 119 N. Main St. Waupaca, WI 54981
Posters available for purchase at the Info Booth during the festival—$10 each.
The Music.
Main Stage
Performances 9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Vibhas Kendzia
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 15
Vibhas Kendzia performs Native American music on a Native American flute. Listen for him during the festival. He will be strolling through the grounds while he plays!
Arts Hub Recital
9:15 - 10:15 a.m.
Saturday, Aug. 15
"Lexi and the Dipstix" (Arts Hub Rock Band) will perform along with many other Arts Hub students! Students of piano, voice, guitar, and our CEC students who play cello, violin and other instruments, will share their love of music with you!
Waupaca Community Arts Hub will provide quality, sustainable, accessible Arts programming to Waupaca and the surrounding area that can grow and evolve with the community.
Tom Pease
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, Aug. 15
Tom Pease has an infectious sense of fun and community building. With movement, sign language, humor, and joy, he creates concerts that leave audiences laughing and singing. He’s performed full time since 1982, often giving more than 200 performances per year.
He’s also a frequent presenter at early childhood and environmental conferences, keynoting and leading breakout sessions that explore the role of music in shaping our lives and the world we live in. Tom connects and inspires with every show he does.
Matt Blake & The Real Deal
11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 15
Matt Blake, an American folk singer hailing from Appleton, Wisconsin, found his musical calling through a unique journey. Working as a stagehand at Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium connected him with his musical heroes, inspiring his passion for songwriting. Transitioning from selling merchandise to opening for luminaries like Lucinda Williams marked a pivotal moment in his career. His debut album, ‘All the Dirt in Town,’ produced by Doug Pettibone, set the stage for his latest release, ‘Cheaper to Fly,’ in 2024. Matt is joined by The Real Deal, a band comprised of the talented Lohrenz brothers: Richard, Bruce, and Kevin.
Jeremiah Jams Band
1:45 - 3 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 15
Jeremiah Jams Band is an electrifying Indie Groove Rock group making waves across Wisconsin with their high-energy live performances. At the heart of JJB are the husband-and-wife songwriting duo, Jeremiah and Emily Jams. Emily brings her exceptional multi-instrumental talent and captivating vocals, while Jeremiah delivers powerful guitar riffs and a dynamic stage presence that truly resonates. With an outstanding rhythm section rounding out the lineup, Jeremiah Jams Band promises an unforgettable night of rock and roll. The groove is calling; will you join them?
We need lots of smiling volunteers to make Arts on the Square flow smoothly for our community. We would love it if you would consider volunteering.
This is a fun way to meet people in the community, have a good time, and see first-hand how your donation is being used in the community.
Please sign up for a 2-hour time slot by clicking on the button below. Consider inviting a friend to be with you. The more the merrier! Thank you!
Craft Cafe Workshops & More!
Under the Main Tent
Craft Cafe Activities
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday, August 15
Paint & Scratch CD’s- Paint then scratch a beautiful design in a mirror effect.
Popsicle Puzzles- Using 10 popsicles, paint and stamp a picture scene on popsicles, let dry, scatter the popsicles, and put your puzzle together.
Alcohol Ink & Print Washer Necklaces- Use your creativity to paint, using alcohol ink or glue-on print paper onto a metal washer, add trinkets, tie with cord and enjoy your necklace.
Rice-filled Owls with the Pieceful Hands Quilt Guild!
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 15
The Pieceful Hands Quilt Guild members will be offering a hand-sewing workshop. Stop by and try out your hand at creating this cute little rice filled owls.
The Pieceful Hands Quilt Guild will have kits ready to make Owls! These stuffed little creatures will require some hand stitching, gluing and pinning.
Waupaca Public Library Craft
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 15
Join the library folks at their table for a fun, hands-on craft activity where kids can use their imagination and creativity to design and create a colorful puppet of their very own. Choose from a variety of materials, add unique decorations, and bring your puppet to life with personality and flair. It's a great opportunity to get creative, make something special to take home, and enjoy some family-friendly fun with the library team.
Waupaca Historical Society
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 15
Join the society at their table and create a lovely fabric art project in a friendly, creative setting. Explore colors, textures, and patterns while enjoying a hands-on activity that is perfect for all ages and skill levels.
Lost Arts Folk School
Lost Arts Folk School — Waupaca
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Learn traditional arts and skills, using skilled based learning from beginner to advanced levels. Classes range from blacksmithing, woodworking, instrument building, yarn weaving and basketweaving, storytelling. Check out their tent and do a hands-on lost art project.
Face Painting by Ali!
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Saturday, August 15
Originating in the Paleolithic times and stretching thousands of years as ritual, camouflage, social identification and protection, the art of face painting continues through the ages.
Watch Ali create beautiful images on the human face.
Woodcarving
Waupaca Area Woodcarvers - Central Wisconsin
Dog Carving Demo- 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Watch as the Waupaca Area Wood Carvers transform a piece of wood into a simple dog! Bring your wood carving questions to ask them. Always a popular destination at the festival! Waupaca Area Woodcarvers will also be demonstrating various wood carving techniques from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Stop by!
Soap Carving
1 - 2 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 15
Have some good, clean fun! Learn to take a bar of soap, using simple tools, to create a 3D sculpture.
Instruction by members of Waupaca Area Woodcarvers.
AOTS Workshops are free due to these generous sponsors:
Friends of WCAB
Office Outfitters
Premier Bank
Demonstrations
Demos around the Main Tent
Demos at various times between 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The Art of Glass Blowing
Brady Looker — Central Wisconsin
Each demo starts 20 minutes ON THE HOUR
Come watch Waupaca’s own! Brady will be demonstrating glassblowing/lampworking with a bench torch. He will make glass pendants by fusing metals onto the glass and maneuvering the glass by gravity and blowing. Pendants are available for purchase.
A self-taught glassblower, Brady has been practicing his craft for almost 10 years and freely sharing his expertise with the community. Check out his Instagram by clicking his name above!
The Art of Blacksmithing
Luke Schwiesow — Waupaca
Each demo starts 20 minutes AFTER THE HOUR
Using portable hand tools, a blacksmith demonstration will run throughout the day, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Various basic techniques and objects will be forged, allowing spectators to observe and ask questions regarding the forging process.
Luke has been practicing blacksmithing since 2006 and took over the large carriage-wrights forge at W. J. Doran Co. back in 2008. While helping Wally Doran, Luke worked up to forging 5 hours a day, Monday through Saturday while attending college. After completing college, Luke interned at the Driftless Folk School and took knife making with instructor and board member Robert Schulz. Luke later attended Fox Valley Tech to receive an associate degree as Weld Technician in 2018 and worked other metal fabricating jobs before returning to W. J. Doran Co to take over once Wally retired.
Skogtroll: Building and Learning to Play Viking Era Instruments
Eric Bestal — Iola
Each demo starts 40 minutes AFTER THE HOUR
Skogtroll is a project where I build and learn how to play instruments from around the Viking Era. I focus mostly on Ancient Nordic and Slavic Musical traditions. I then share what I have learned through my experimental archeology through interactive shows.
Eric Bestul (Skogtroll) is a former touring guitarist and current music teacher from Iola Wisconsin. He is the owner/operator of Lessons from the Art. His interest in history has always been there but now he shares his knowledge through interactive Skogtroll shows and Viking Reenactment with the Wisconsin River Ravens.
Dance Stage
Waupaca Senior Center Cardio Drumming
10 - 10:45 a.m.
Saturday, Aug. 15
Cardio drumming has found its way into many members lives! At the Senior Center our group ranges from age 50 to 90+ and we have on average, 50 members per class attend twice a week!
We offer drumming in the community as well, in all age groups. We have recently drummed with Waupaca Learning Center, Waupaca Middle School, CaHoots, Park Vista and many more!
Waupaca Senior Center Line Dancers
11 - 11:45 a.m.
Saturday, Aug. 15
Meet the Senior Kickers Line Dancers! This energetic crew from the Waupaca Senior Center is keeping spirits high and feet moving with their fun-filled line dancing moves. Come watch, cheer, or even join in!
Cloud Nine Fire Dancers
Dance Performance- 12 - 12:30 p.m.
Free Workshop- 1 - 3 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 15
Established in 2023 in Waupaca, WI by Madeline Murphy, the Cloud Nine Fire Show has brought the art of flow to life through dazzling displays of fire, LED and circus acts. Cloud Nine is Wisconsin’s premier entertainment troupe of talented performers and instructors, each specializing in unique flow props, dynamic disciplines, and is committed to upholding high safety standards for every event. Cloud Nine’s captivating shows offer a stage for local artists to shine, captivating audiences of all ages. Through Cloud Nine’s signature weekly class at the Waupaca Recreation Center, “Hoop! There it is!”, they inspire kids and adults to discover the flow state and connect deeper with the community and self.
Cloud Nine will host an interactive Flow Arts Workshop with Hula-Hoops, Silk fans, and Sunwheel starting at 1 p.m. following the Flow Performance. Experience a fun way to move, learn tricks with hoops, and explore the vast world of Flow Arts with Cloud Nine! There is no cost to participate in this workshop, however donations are accepted.
Information Booth Has It All!
7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Interactive
The Arts on the Square Information Booth opens at 7 a.m.! Stop by to say “hello” and to ask for information or directions. If we don’t have the answer, we’ll make something up! Come early and get a jump on the crowds!
While you’re there, buy a 2026 Event Poster!!
Radio 99.1 & 96.3 On-Site & Live!
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Interactive
Waupaca Radio FM96.3 is a community radio station operated by the City of Waupaca playing World Class Music and local information.
99.1 WAUP is operated by Waupaca Area Community Radio playing a better variety of music and seeks to connect community members to one another and the world by exploring cultural diversity through arts and public affairs programming and cultural events.
Both stations, with Josh Werner, Wayne Netzler, and Mark Gerlach, will jointly broadcast live at Arts on the Square to promote the event and bring the event to individuals who are unable to attend.
The Good Stuff
Food Trucks!
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 15
From traditional Wisconsin fair food to more exotic and healthy options, we have your hungry belly covered! Come hungry. Leave happy!
Say Cheese Curd Company— “Making the world a better place, one curd at a time.”
Benny Bakes— Handcrafted Neapolitan-style pizza
Hmong & Asian Foods— Ethnic food from Laos or Southeast Asia runs by family
Wisco Eatery LLC— Fresh. Local. Comfort.
Diablos Tacos— Killing Cravings One Taco at a Time
Beer & Beverages
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 15
Bring your ID to the beer tent entrance, and our friendly bartenders will welcome you with open arms!
Looking for non-alcoholic options? We have you covered throughout the grounds. Hydration in August is a must! Drinks for everyone, no matter the age!
Thank you for your generous support:
Title Sponsor:
Primary Sponsors:
Friends of Waupaca Community Arts Board
Caroyl and John Hart
Kempfert Foundation
Thrivent
Faulks Brothers Construction
Filling Station
Amoco
Crystal River Bar and Grill
