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The mission of Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts is to provide educational experiences in visual, performing, and literary arts for adults and children; cultivate the creativity that thrives in our rural community; and rehabilitate and preserve our historic buildings and rustic campus.
At Shake Rag Alley, we’re not only running a nonprofit school of arts and crafts for children and adults — we’re also committed to preserving and maintaining our lovely 2.5-acre campus of nine historic and reproduction buildings and 20 spring-fed gardens. Donations are an essential part of our annual budget; roughly 30% of our operating costs are funded by donors just like you.
Since our founding in 2004, Shake Rag Alley has seen a tremendous amount of growth — growth that makes a significant impact on Mineral Point’s creative economy. We’ve gone from one employee to seven with seasonal interns. We’ve expanded our original campus to include the magnificent Lind Pavilion in 2015 and The Sardeson building downtown in 2018. In 2004, our curriculum consisted of only afternoon children’s classes, and now we offer 150+ diverse workshops for adults and a robust summer Youth Program. But quite simply, we can’t do what we do without you.
Why participate? Because it’s fun! Fundraising events at Shake Rag Alley are imaginative and unique. Shake Rag Alley is a great place to create wonderful family memories, and the small fees associated with these events help to keep the arts alive and open to the community.
Our spring garage sales is eclectic and unlike anything else you’ll find in town. Experience our historic campus in bloom during the annual Tour of Fairy Homes, when our tiny magical friends put their homes up for sale in newly blooming gardens, and for magical autumnal fun, you won’t want to miss our Ghostly Gathering!
One reason to volunteer is to ensure that a vibrant and creative community continues to thrive at Shake Rag Alley, but we think the number one reason to volunteer is this: All the best people do!
As a nonprofit organization, we rely on volunteers to generate ideas, organize and assist with events, care for historic buildings, and nurture everything from lush gardens to visiting instructors! Year after year, our astonishingly generous and gifted friends make it happen. Join in and work alongside them. Your time and talents are needed because you’re amazing, too!
We’re delighted to offer our volunteers a 15% discount on workshops (after just 10 hours of volunteering). Pass the word to family and friends who might enjoy volunteering with us. The more the merrier!
Shake Rag Alley is the perfect venue for graduations, reunions, showers, cozy family get-togethers, as well as business retreats and meetings.
You’ll love gathering in historic buildings surrounded by lush gardens traversed by a fresh water spring. Although the campus begins curbside, it feels secluded and idyllic. Imagine the opportunities for photos in the four-season natural beauty of Shake Rag Alley.
Planning a large family gathering? You may wish to book the full campus, including Alley Stage and The Green, or just the Lind Pavilion. Thinking of a get-away with friends or a small shower? Perhaps the Potter’s House or Cabinet Shop would be just the right size. Unlike venues focused on full site rental Shake Rag Alley offers flexible space options.
Shake Rag Alley, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit (EIN #26-0094618). Monetary donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law and can be made any time in person, through the mail, or online.
Click the donate button below to make a one-time online tax-deductible donation OR check the box labeled make this a recurring donation to set up a monthly contribution.
For more information about how you can make a sustaining gift to Shake Rag Alley, or include our nonprofit in your estate planning, please contact Executive Director Sara Lomasz Flesch at (608) 987-3292 or sflesch@shakeragalley.org.
Mark your calendar for our annual events and bring your friends! Shake Rag Alley hosts many free events throughout the year. Fundraising events have nominal fees and are a great way to support arts opportunities and historic preservation while having fun!
2023 Fundraising Events
Spring Garage Sale – April 14-16
Jewelry Boot Camp Showcase – May 6
Tour of Fairy Homes – June 3
Art Adventure Showcase – August 26
A Ghostly Gathering – October 14
Santa Day – December 2
Gift Certificates
Shake Rag Alley gift certificates can be used to purchase workshops or lodging. Call our office to order: (608) 987-3292.
There is no shortage of ways to get involved at Shake Rag Alley.
Consider volunteering for our annual events, or join our volunteer rosters. To join our dedicated volunteers, call our office at (608) 987-3292 or send us an email.
To stay on top of emerging opportunities ask to be added to our Volunteer News email list. Calls for volunteers will be sent directly to your inbox with handy buttons for online sign-up and time slot selection.
Whatever type of gathering or event you have in mind, the best place to start is on our Site Rental page, where both indoor and outdoor venue spaces and their specifications are listed, along with available equipment.
Daytime and evening events during the week, as well as off-season weekends can be finalized quickly. Weekend bookings during our busiest workshop season, April to September, will require considerable advance notice and planning. Let us know your needs and we will work with you to ensure your event goals are successful.
To initiate a site rental, call the Shake Rag Alley office at (608) 987-3292, drop by in person at 18 Shake Rag St., or contact us by email with as many details as possible. We look forward to hearing from you and appreciate your interest in our lovely campus. Not only will you leave with fond memories and cherished photos, you will ensure the continuation of creative opportunities within our community and preserve a piece of Wisconsin’s legacy.
18 Shake Rag St.
Mineral Point, WI 53565
(608) 987-3292
