Art show, spring concert, summer musical

For 55 years, the Waupaca Fine Arts Festival (WFAF) has reached thousands of artists and patrons through its Waupaca Community Theatre and Children’s Theatre, Waupaca Community Choir and Civic Orchestra, and Waupaca Art Show.

The festival’s annual fund drive began this week with a mailing campaign to supporters of the cultural arts in Waupaca.

The Festival Committee Board approved a working budget of $54,750 for the 2017-18 season.

Of that amount, the board seeks to raise more than $21,000 through donations to support the festival events.

A successful fund drive will help keep ticket prices affordable and festival events open to larger audiences.

Contributions are tax-deductible if itemized.

Patrons are listed as donors over $150, Benefactors as donors of $100 to $149, Donors as $50 to $99 and Contributors as donors of less than $50.

Those who donate more than $250 will be listed as underwriters for the three main events – the community choir, art show and community theater.

Donations need to be received by March 23 to be included in the printed program.

Checks may be mailed to Waupaca Fine Arts Festival, P.O. Box 55, Waupaca, WI 54981.

Those wishing to contribute with a credit card may do so any time of the year on the festival’s website, www.fineartsfestival.org.

The upcoming season will present a program of varied cultural events.

The festival will open on Sunday, April 8 with the annual Community Choir and Civic Orchestra Concert.

The choir will celebrate the works of American composer Mack Wilberg.

The program will include spirituals, patriotic numbers and hymns.

The Waupaca Art Show will be held April 29 to May 4, at the Waupaca Expo Center.

The Waupaca Community Theatre will present the sequel to last summer’s musical “Annie,” which set a record for attendance.

“Annie Warbucks” will be presented July 28-29 and Aug. 2–5.

The Waupaca Community Children’s Theatre will present Disney’s “Beauty & The Beast Jr.”

Locations will vary during the week of July 23.

Chairman Dan Wolfgram says the WFAF is unique for several reasons.

Its events encompass music, theater and the visual arts.

The productions dig into the creative talents of community members and bring artists to Waupaca from cities far and near.

The tradition of involvement caters to novices just beginning their journey as artists to seasoned professionals, he said.

“Waupaca is an outstanding city for many reasons. The Waupaca Fine Arts Festival has been here and thriving for over 50 years. It is an honor to be a part of this historical organization that has brought so much to the city of Waupaca,” Wolfgram said.