This weekend was our last weekend of workshops for 2024 . . . the glass furnace blasting for blossoms and vessels, and palette knives scraping canvas board. It was a sonic coda to the season. 

Speaking of the season, we’re gearing up for Santa Day December 7—a tradition here at Shake Rag Alley—and we hope you’ll join us for holiday crafts, gingerbread cottage decorating, and photos with the big guy taking an early December break from toy making to visit Mineral Point. Photos with Santa are $10, and it’s just $5 for either crafts or gingerbread cottage fun (make a day with all three!). For kids of all ages and the young-at-heart, we’ve got your spice drops and mini-candy canes, your jingle bells, and holiday spirit! If you’d like to volunteer, we’d love your help making our campus festive, prepping gingerbread cottages, and general elfing around. Sign up to help here.

Although our campus seems quieter, know that we’re busily building our 2025 catalog and are excited to share previews with you next month: it’ll be like opening a present early!  But why wait until the new year to treat yourself or the artists in your life? You can purchase a gift certificate in any amount: stocking-stuffer size, or ready for that big bow! Over the winter months, our NEA Big Read programming continues with a submission call for your stories, and calls for plays-in-progress with the Alley Stage Reading Series opening soon. And don’t forget applications for the Scherbarth Residency are open until the end of November. Although the flurries may fly, in January, February, and March, there’ll be resident artists & writers with programs to share too.

In the meantime, may your pumpkin be perfectly spiced, your potatoes silky, and your tofurky full of flavor. Hold onto those you love,