Greetings from Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts, where it definitely feels like summer even though we’re still two weeks from the Summer Solstice. Visitors to this weekend’s Tour of Fairy Homes braved 90-degree temperatures but were in good spirits seeking out the 30+ handmade fairy homes dotting our 2.5-acre campus, making their own fairy houses, or decorating fairy wands and jars. It was a magical day indeed, and one that would not have happened without the support of the small army of volunteers who created the houses, set them out on our grounds, and staffed the Tour of Fairy Homes workshops and Silent Auction. Our campus was looking especially lovely thanks to the volunteers who’ve spent the last few weeks mulching and weeding the gardens, planting lovely annuals and perennials, and mowing the lawns. Thank you, one and all! 

Another creative month of workshops continues with classes in blacksmithing, ceramics, culinary arts, fiber arts, and mixed media. Our 2021 Youth Program on-campus workshops begin next week, and make-at-home kits remain available for purchase on our website while supplies last. And we’re very excited for the start of our new A Picnic & A Play series of staged readings at Alley Stage this weekend.

Read on for more good news from Shake Rag Alley, including an update on our Sutcliffe Endowment Campaign honoring the legacy of co-founder Judy Sutcliffe. Please be in touch if we can answer any questions. You can reach us at info@shakeragalley.org or (608) 987-3292 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday when workshops are in session.