MONROE — Monroe High School will hold its biannual Fine Arts Festival April 25 and 26. This year’s theme is “Spread Your Wings and Experience the Arts.”  

In this celebration of the arts event students have opportunities to choose and participate in 10 of the 85 offerings during the school day. These events are opportunities for students to explore arts and cultures from across the state, the country and the world. The diverse opportunities include participating in hands-on activities, lectures and performances presented by master artists, craftsmen, musicians, poets, storytellers, actors and authors, as well as African-inspired drum ensemble, pottery demonstrations, Wisconsin chef and foodie, playwright, published novelist, composer, filmmaker, acting workshops, dance performance, hands-on art workshops in painting, sculpting, forging, drawing, fabrication, foods, old-world crafts creating and using antique tools, soap making, candle making and more.

The all school event “Buckets and Tap Shoes” is sponsored in part by The Monroe Art Center. 

The event is open to the community to attend on Thursday, April 25 at Monroe High School in the M-Room and the Performing Arts Center.

The schedule is as follows:

High School Spring Arts Show, 4 to 7 p.m., highlighting seniors and artists.

Empty Bowl Dinner, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., fundraiser for the local food pantry. Each person chooses a handmade bowl crafted by high school pottery students and community potters for a $10 donation that includes a soup dinner provided by six local restaurants including: The Black Walnut Kitchen, Poncho and Lefty’s, Baumgartner’s, Perks, Suisse Haus and Turner Hall.

MHS One Act Play, 6 to 6:45 p.m., directed by seniors Emily Eliasson and Breanne Wilhite. Free will donation. Enjoy Rebecca Gilman’s original script titled “House Hunters: Erickson Edition.” The drama is set in the driftless region of Southwest Wisconsin in Argyle. Directed and performed by MHS students.

High School Arts and Academic Awards Night, 7 p.m., highlighting students in each department at the high school.