MONROE — The 51st season at the Monroe Arts Center (MAC) promises to be exciting as it welcomes performing and visual artists with ties to Wisconsin and who celebrate their roots in the arts.
This season MAC wants to acknowledge some of Wisconsin’s down-home talent as they open with singer/songwriter Joseph Huber and his band, who hail from Milwaukee.
The voices which Huber unearths are subtle and take more than a hurried listen to truly absorb. A person who appears reserved and matter-of-fact in everyday speech brings forth songs that are anything but that. Whether it’s irresistible, fiddle-driven, dancing tunes or honest, heart-wrenching “songwriter” songs, Huber’s songs and shows span the spectrum of ‘Roots’ music while preferring not to stay within boundaries of any strict genre classification.
“When I first listened to Huber’s music, his songs reminded me of the folk music of Bob Dylan with a John Denver twist,” said MAC’s Executive Director Marie Perry. “Younger audiences are reminded of Mumford & Sons when they hear Huber. Joseph has come up through the underground country and bluegrass music movement and his lyrics read like poetry. His music simply moves you. I am excited for the Joseph Huber Band to open our season at MAC because he will resonate with all generations of music lovers.”
Tickets for the 51st Performing Arts season are on sale now at: https://monroeartscenter.com/monroe-arts-center-events/performances/.
From MAC’s Gunderson Stiles Concert Hall to its Wellington/Muranyi Gallery and beyond, MAC has selected artists who understand who they are and can engage audiences of all ages and inspire them through their creative talents. MAC’s Wellington/Muranyi Gallery will open the season with the art of Rebecca Gavney Driscoll (a native of Janesville) with her show “Animal Antics” opening Sept. 5. Rebecca’s work will delight nature lovers and families.
“She is a gifted illustrator with four published children’s books featuring her work — this is a chance for parents and children to come into our gallery space and share a love for art together,” Perry said.
Driscoll’s work will be for sale in the Wellington/Muranyi Gallery, but all gallery shows are free to the public to attend.
“MAC is grateful for our underwriters, donors and the grant organizations who fund non-profits. Their support is essential so that we can showcase the performers, artists and arts programming we have in store for our 2025-2026 season,” Perry said. “It takes a team effort from my staff, to our Board of Directors and Foundation Board members and of course, the support of the Monroe Community to make MAC a hub for the arts in southern Wisconsin.”
MAC is also thrilled to share that it will continue with its Friday after school arts classes for elementary and middle school students while also providing a full season of Saturday workshops for all ages — check MAC’s upcoming workshops at: https://monroeartscenter.com/monroe-arts-center-events/classes/.
MAC begins its educational workshop season with artist Karen Fitzgerald as she teaches about the art of gilding on Sept. 5. Workshop attendees can bring works in oil, watercolor, pastel, acrylic, wood panel and more and leave Fitzgerald’s workshop with the addition of applied gold leaf for added decorative beauty in their works of art.
