Monroe High School’s biannual Fine Arts Festival (FAF) is coming up on April 23rd and 24th, and this year’s theme “Carry the Torch: Illuminate the Arts” is all about continuing this tradition that has been at MHS for over 50 years, started by Walt Pawlowski and Al Stauffacher back in the 1970s. For two days, artists will provide our students with opportunities to experience the arts by attending hands-on workshops or attending performances. It is an amazing experience that only comes every 2 years.
The schedule is full of interactive workshops; there’s truly something for everyone. There will be professional music and dance workshops and performances. Scott Gendel, official pianist and principal vocal coach for Madison Opera, will lead sessions on music composition. Matthew Abernathy, Chicago painter, will teach workshops on abstract painting techniques. AJ Juarez, founder and director of Barrio Dance Company and UW Madison Dance instructor, will lead hip hop sessions and bring his Barrio group to perform alongside dancers from the MHS dance team and dancers from 23 Dance Space. Sean Rudi, Global Marketing Director at Promega, will lead an AI graphic design session. Local alphorn players Heinz Mattmann and George Albright will serenade the lunchroom, and professional chef, Laura Eyler of Thyme Cuisine, will teach students cooking techniques as they prepare a meal to enjoy together. The Dubuque Fire bagpipes and drums band back with us for a performance and workshops as well.
The last three festivals have also featured a local college or university group. This year, we’re proud to welcome Ensemble Nouveau, the faculty chamber instrumental ensemble in residence from UW Platteville led by Director of Bands, Professor Matthew Gregg, as they bring a performance as well as a workshop open to all students.
Returning Alumni Artists
This year’s event is particularly special because it features so many alumni and local artists. We are excited to welcome for the first time Jen Brooks from Farm & Canvas, Michele Meighan of That’s Dough Tasty, Emma Towne from Towne Creative Studio, Kasey Tousignant from KC’s Landscaping, and Kelly Krober, local ceramic artist. We’re thrilled to have returning artists Jessica Wellington of Red House Farm and
Erick Wells, Beau Gyllenswan, and Triniti Siedschlag from Sniff N Fumes Art Lounge. Alumnus Jessica Deprez is coming back with her amazing workshops on ink blot art, Zine making, and improv. Published author Madeline McGrane will once again be leading a session on her graphic novel art. We are excited to bring back local artist Deborah Ruschmeyer, The Artful Dressmaker, and the talented duo of Kate and Stephen Eliasson will once again host acting workshops. Sarah Bodell’s UPC African Drumming ensemble has come for a number of years, and among the members will be Kathy King, former MHS art teacher and longtime FAF chairman. Kathy’s husband, John, will also be in the festival hosting a cheese workshop. Students can learn handbuilding ceramics from retired MHS art teacher Marilyn Rolfsmeyer, or get up close with metalsmithing, felting, or basketweaving with Neal and Margie Genrich. Special thanks to Tracy Hamilton and Katie Turner who are hosting field trips! Because of them, our students can screenprint a t-shirt at Paw Prints, or see behind the scenes of Monroe Custom Engraving.
On top of all that, our own MHS students also perform in the festival! We are excited to have our band, choir, dance, and forensics students take the stage to showcase their amazing talents and inspire their peers to join in the arts. MHS teachers Donna Cairy, Kathryn Zastrow, and Carol Ochsner will also be offering sessions for students on card-making, yoga, and crocheting, respectively.
Join Us for 2 Special Evening Events
All community members are invited to MHS for the Empty Bowl Dinner & A Show on Thursday April 23 beginning at 4:30 p.m. We will have bowls handmade by our ceramics students ready for purchase for $10 each. Patrons choose a bowl to purchase and then choose a delicious soup provided by local restaurants. Salad and breadsticks will also be available provided by our kitchen staff with dessert treats by MHS Strive and Daily Living students in our special education program. All of the proceeds from the Empty Bowl dinner will be donated to Monroe Way Station and Kristin’s Kloset: two organizations that address food and clothing insecurity among our MHS students. In the past, the Empty Bowl dinner has raised $2,000, and we are hoping to match or beat that this year.
As part of the dinner, all guests are invited to attend the student-directed one-act play. Mylee Evonovich (senior) and Lian Truong (junior) are presenting The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza. The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza is a fast-paced, chaotic play about two students who attempt to summarize all of
Greek mythology in a 30 minute presentation, resulting in comedic misrepresentation. Please join us at the MHS Performing Arts Center on Thursday, April 25th at 6:30 p.m. The performances are free, but donations for future one acts are gratefully accepted at the door.
On Friday night, the community is also invited to MHS to enjoy an Album Release show featuring a lineup of 6 local bands! IRA and Buster Sales are releasing albums and Remora Coraline is releasing an EP. IRA’s lead vocalist Jack Tran, MHS Senior, is organizing this free, all-ages event. The doors open at 6:00 and the first set starts at 6:30. The bands performing are: Retalia, Free Individual, Remora Coraline, Clear the Gap, Buster Sales, and Ira. The event will conclude by 10 p.m. We hope to see you there!
FAF Patrons of the Arts
The Festival is only possible because of the generosity of people in the Monroe community. There is no cost to students, parents, or the school district. The community wholeheartedly supports the Festival through donations by individual families, businesses, and community nonprofit organizations. Thank you to Woodford State Bank, Big Radio, Ganshert Dental, Figi Insurance and Financial Services, Badger State Ethanol, Monroe Heating and Sheet Metal, and Bullquarian Brewhouse. Sincere gratitude also goes to the morning and noon Optimists, Kiwanis Club, Woman’s Club, and Alpha Delta Kappa Omicron sorority of women educators. Thank you to all of the community members, staff, and administrators who have supported this wonderful event both this year and in the past. If you would like to donate to the Fine Arts Festival, or get on our list of potential artists for 2028, please contact the MHS main office.
Carry the torch: Illuminate the Arts!
— Susan Anderson taught high school English for 13 years, and now she currently serves as the MHS Learning and Technology Coach. This is the sixth Fine Arts Festival she has co-chaired.
