Portage County Cultural Festival

While growing up on the Bad River Reservation, Robin Dickerson’s mother taught her about their culture, sharing with Robin the art of beading and sewing in the tradition of her Ojibwa heritage. Robin has been practicing her craft since she was 10 years old, and will be demonstrating sewing and beading at the Portage County Cultural Festival as one of more than 30 different demonstrations taking place in the Ethnic Arts Area.

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A Beer for Every Day in May

By Lee Reiherzer
Now that our brutal winter has finally gasped its last, it’s time to make the shift away from the dark-malt madness of the cold season to beers that are a bit brighter and lighter in their disposition. Here’s a swarm of new arrivals and old favorites that are ideal for spring beer drinking in Wisconsin. Check with Festival Foods in Oshkosh for anything below that isn’t mentioned as being on tap. OK, let’s dig in.
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Phillip Phillips: Home on Stage

By Donna Fischer
A young musician with a refreshing blend of humility and confidence will soon take the stage at the Quandt Field House on the UW-Stevens Point campus. Phillip Phillips, the reigning American Idol champion, will perform in concert on May 8 as he makes his way through a long list of college and university venues. Songs such as “Home” and “Gone, Gone, Gone” have struck a chord with music fans in a big way. Following in the footsteps of The Black Keys, Phillips’ accessible music has taken a decidedly corporate turn as well. Watch television for a while and you’re bound to hear the tune “Home” in a certain insurance company’s commercial.

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Renaissance Race

Avid Runners and Willing Walkers:
Ready…Set…Go Sign up for the Renaissance Race Against Cancer 5K Run/Walk

A young mother with cancer needs help with prescription co-pays. A grandfather with cancer needs transportation to and from the medical facility. Employees of Renaissance Learning, along with their friends, families, and neighbors are racing, running, and walking to help.

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Art for life’s sake

Portage County glows with goodwill for the arts during Arts Month in April

With such a vibrant arts community, there is much to celebrate as the Portage County Arts Alliance recognizes April as Arts month. Art is all around you. Get involved. Here are a few examples:

41st Stevens Point Festival of the Arts, Sun., April 7

“The Festival of the Arts is sort of the first sign of spring around here,” said first-time festival chairman Mark Karlson. While acknowledging the unique quality of this indoor, juried festival that was first started by UWSP faculty wives 41 years ago, Karlson said the festival is now reaching out to younger artists. “Incorporating students into the festival is new for us this year. Three graduating students share a common space.”  Fifty-four artists will be displaying their works at thie year’s festival. “When I speak to the artists who have been involved for a few years, the feedback is always that they look forward to it. They genuinely enoy how the festival is very thoughtful about the artists.” Noel Fine Arts Center, UWSP, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Value of Culture Tourism, Weds., April 17

The Arts Alliance, in partnership with the arts and culture business sector of Portage County, invites you to an engaging social event focusing on arts and culture tourism. Enjoy an evening of music, refreshments, and great conversation. Lyn Pilch, co-owner and founder of the successful marketing company, Pilch & Barnett will demonstrate the value of culture tourism. Pilch & Barnet’s focus has been on helping communities and tourism-related businesses promote themselves as tourism destinations. Pilch empowers communities to increase tourism expenditures, create jobs and broaden the economic base. Sara Brish, Executive Director of the Stevens Point Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, will unveil how the SPACVB has integrated arts and culture into their tourism marketing plan in an effort to positively impact tourism in Portage County. This event is free and open to the public, 5:30-7 p.m. at Koerten’s Fine Framing & Gifts, 2501 Church St.,  Stevens Point. For more information visit artsportagecounty.org and on Facebook or call 715-254-0460.