Planning Your Workshop Experience

We’re delighted you’re planning to join us!

After purchasing a workshop, you will receive a confirmation email that may contain supply lists, clothing recommendations, and safety information. Unless otherwise stated, workshops do not include meals. Half the fun of creative pursuits is meeting and spending time with fellow artisans! The Shake Rag Alley campus is within easy walking distance of downtown Mineral Point, where a vibrant dining and gallery experience await. If you have any questions or needs, please let us know. We want to ensure you have the best experience possible while visiting Shake Rag Alley!

Online – Register online and pay by credit card or PayPal using our secure server.

By phone – We are happy to take reservations over the phone. Call us at (608) 987-3292.

In person – Drop by our office during regular office hours to register in person. Payment may be made by cash, check or credit card. 

Office Hours
Our office is open 9am to 5pm weekdays for essential business, and weekends when workshops are in session April through mid-November.

From mid-November through March, we are open 9am to 3pm weekdays only.

Our office is located in the red Coach House, at 18 Shake Rag St. 

Minimum Age for Participation

Adult workshops are designed for students age 17 and above unless otherwise noted. We are happy to discuss options for younger students, and instructors are often willing to include younger artists in their workshops. We ask that you contact us directly about a specific workshop and we’ll confer with the instructor. In our summer Youth Program, we offer classes for young artists of all ages, from Kindergarten up through tweens & teens. 

A registration deadline is published for each class. In some cases registration after this date may still be possible if a class has openings. Check with the office at (608) 987-3292.

Class sizes are limited so early registration is recommended. If a class is full, you may fill out this form to be placed on the waiting list.

Our instructors, volunteers (who contribute 10 or more hours annually), and students (enrolled in accredited undergraduate or graduate programs) are eligible to receive a 15% discount on workshop tuition (material fees and other fees are not eligible for discounts). To receive your discount, you can register via the website and enter coupon code DISCOUNT15 or call (608) 987-3292. Discounts cannot be combined. If an individual is eligible for more than one discount they can select which to apply, but cannot combine. 

Shake Rag Alley has limited funds available for full or partial scholarships to individuals to assist with workshop tuition and/or SRA lodging. To apply for these need-based scholarships, please fill out the Scholarship Form. We reserve the right to provide scholarships based on workshop availability, available lodging, and funds.

Many classes have materials fees in addition to the tuition. These are identified in the class listing and are usually paid with the tuition payment. However, in some cases material fees are paid directly to the instructor at class time, usually to take advantage of bulk purchasing prices. These in-class costs are noted in the workshop description.

Shake Rag Alley workshops range from introductory workshops to those requiring previous experience and skills. There are offerings for novice, beginning, intermediate, and advanced students, with the bulk of the workshops welcoming all levels. All workshops are listed at the minimum level of experience required.

Novice: No prior art or craft experience required. All tools and materials are normally supplied but if students are asked to bring supplies they are minimal. You will make a simple artwork project featuring the medium and are likely to complete the project during the workshop.

Beginner: Previous experience in this medium is helpful, but it is not required. Students may need to purchase basic tool sets or art supplies. You will likely complete a finished work in the medium during the workshop.

Intermediate: Students should have previous experience, possess basic skills with the techniques and tools of the particular medium, and be able to work independently. You may need to supplement your existing set of tools and materials with new artist-grade purchases. Concentration will be on new techniques, experimentation and implementation. You may produce finished works or begin a number of new pieces.

Advanced: Workshop requires experience, confidence, competency within a medium, and quality artist-grade materials. The main goal is artistic growth and creative challenge. Students improve their knowledge of techniques and design, and a finished work may or may not be produced during workshop. Hands-on activity will be balanced with critiques by self, instructor, and peers. You will develop your own goals for future work.

You will receive a registration confirmation via email. If you do not have an email address, you will receive a snail-mail confirmation.

Please read your class confirmation carefully as it may include a supply list and other important details.

Since reopening our 2.5-acre campus, programs, and lodging to the public in June 2020, we’ve adjusted the way we safely operate several times as the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved.

After careful consideration, effective June 1, 2022:

  • Except when requested by an instructor, we have transitioned to a “mask optional” protocol for adult and youth students whose workshops are held indoors. 
  • Some adult and youth workshops will continue to have mask requirements in place. Students in those classes will be notified in advance.
  • When masking is required, face coverings should cover your mouth and nose at all times.
  • We will continue to maintain a 24-hour housekeeping block on either side of lodging reservations.

We are grateful for your patience, understanding, and flexibility as we have adapted our protocols since March 2020 to provide the safest environment possible for creating in community. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at info@shakeragalley.org or (608) 987-3292.

Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts exists to provide educational opportunities to adults and youth, cultivate the creativity that thrives in our rural community, and steward our magical campus in the historic heart of Mineral Point. We will not tolerate 1) discrimination against any individual or group because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic predisposition, or carrier status; 2) sexual harassment that include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature; or 3) harassment on the basis of any other protected characteristic.


If a situation arises where you have a concern (either before, during, or after class), or wish to ask for an accommodation related to health, safety, or comfort, please contact Shake Rag Alley administrative staff for assistance in the Coach House office or by calling (608) 987-3292.

While we recognize that life intrudes and plans change, in consideration of the time and energy instructors invest in preparing for classes, we must adhere to the following cancellation policies:

Student Cancellations

Cancellations made 15 days before the published registration deadline date for any given workshop are eligible for a full refund less 25% of the workshop fee OR a gift certificate in the full amount of the workshop fee. The gift certificate can be applied to workshops or lodging one year from the date of cancellation and is transferable.

Cancellations made 14 days or less than the published registration deadline date for any given workshop are not eligible for refunds or gift certificates. We encourage all students to purchase trip insurance, which is available for a reasonable fee.

Cancellation requests must be made by contacting our office at info@shakeragalley.org or (608) 987-3292.

If you have booked lodging with Shake Rag Alley in conjunction with your class and cancel less than seven days in advance of your reservation, a $50 cancellation fee will apply. 

If Shake Rag Alley cancels your workshop:

If a class does not meet the minimum number of students, it may be canceled. A decision to cancel a class due to under-enrollment will be made on the day following the published registration deadline.

If Shake Rag Alley must cancel a class for any reason, you will be notified via email or phone and will be eligible for a full refund or, if you prefer, a transferable gift certificate. You may also consider donating your refund to support our operations or youth scholarships.

If you have booked lodging with Shake Rag Alley in conjunction with a class canceled by Shake Rag Alley, you may receive a full refund on lodging or gift certificate should you wish to cancel. Please call the office at (608) 987-3292.

Workshop Locations

We have a number of classrooms on campus—from intimate spaces in historic buildings loaded with character to the spacious Lind Pavilion, and our fully equipped jewelry studio in the Smejas’ Studio and pottery studio in The Sardeson around the corner. We also occasionally utilize other studio space within a few blocks of campus. You will receive instructions on space assignments and directions when you check in for your workshop.

Please plan to arrive with plenty of time to get to your classroom. See our campus map.

Where to Check in Before Workshops

Please check in in the Art Cafe, the brown building adjacent to the red Coach House at 18 Shake Rag St. 

Parking is available on the campus side of Shake Rag Street or in the grassy parking lot across the street. For additional parking recommendations, please refer to our campus map.

What to Bring

Please refer to the workshop listing on our website and your registration confirmation. Some workshops use only supplied materials. Others ask that you bring materials or tools, and offer clothing recommendations. These are listed in workshop descriptions and in your registration confirmation.

Please do not bring pets, young children or other observers. In general we do not allow non-registered observers or student assistants. Exceptions may apply, but please check first.

If you have questions about a supply list, please call the Shake Rag office at (608) 987-3292.

Lodging and Meals

Workshop fees do not include lodging or meals unless noted.

Shake Rag Alley offers lodging at three on-campus guest rooms in the Coach House, and in two apartments within easy walking distance. Workshop participants are eligible for a 10% discount on Shake Rag Alley Lodging.

Mineral Point has a number of fine motels, B&B’s and guest rooms nearby, and there are ample restaurants and picnic spaces within walking distance. Many restaurants offer curbside pickup and takeout. If you wish to bring your lunch, we have refrigerators in many of our buildings. 

Pick up a Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce guide and map when you check in for your workshop. For more information about local shops and services, see the Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce website.

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We offer three private rooms on campus in our Coach House building and just a five-minute walk away are the Tuckpoint Garden Suite apartment and Roland’s Loft studio apartment. Our lodging rooms are comfortable, air-conditioned, offer free wi-fi, and are delightfully decorated with local art.

Workshop participants receive a 10% discount on Shake Rag Alley regular guest room lodging rates.

Learn more and check accommodation availability on the Shake Rag Alley Lodging page.

Comfort & Convenience

sunny rooms amid lush
on-campus gardens

Character & Charm

downtown energy in
quirky loft studio

Luxury & Inspiration

historic buildings
steeped in story

Relaxation & Reverie

apartments made cozy
by artists & artisans

A new catalog of workshops is available on our website in early January each year and is mailed by the end of January.

Mineral Point WI is located in Iowa County on Highway 151 in the beautiful Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin. We’re about one hour west of Madison, less than an hour northeast of Dubuque, a bit over two hours west of Milwaukee and about three hours northwest of Chicago.

Getting to Shake Rag Alley

Driving – Mineral Point is on Interstate 151, which runs between Madison, Dubuque, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. WI State Hwy 23 runs north-south through town. Shake Rag Alley is located one block from the intersection of Rte 23/39 and Commerce Street in downtown Mineral Point at 18 Shake Rag St.

Nearest airports
Dane County Regional Airport (Madison, WI)
4000 International Lane, Madison, WI 53704
58 miles (1 hr 15 min)

Chicago Rockford International Airport (Rockford, IL)
60 Airport Road, Rockford, IL 61109
92 miles (1 hr 45 min)

Dubuque Regional Airport
11000 Airport Road, Dubuque, IA 52003
50 miles (55 min)

Transportation to/from Airports
Rental cars are available at all airports. Unfortunately, there are no airport shuttles to our neck of the woods.

If you book at least three days in advance, Southwest Wisconsin LIFT may be able to help using their network of volunteers throughout southwestern Wisconsin.

Call 1-877-SWT-LIFT (1-877-798-5438) or (608) 930-2191 8 am-4:30 pm Monday-Thursday and 8 am-1 pm Friday.

Do I need a car while I’m taking a class or attending an event at Shake Rag Alley?

Most services (other than the grocery store) are within a few blocks’ walk of Shake Rag Alley – restaurants, shops and galleries, bank, pharmacy, post office, and so on. So if you will be lodging at Shake Rag Alley or at one of the nearby lodging sites, you do not need a car. Call the Shake Rag Alley office and we will be happy to help you select a lodging option that will work for your needs.

But without a car, how can I get to Shake Rag Alley?

If you book at least three days in advance, Southwest Wisconsin LIFT may be able to help using their network of volunteers throughout southwestern Wisconsin.

Call 1-877-SWT-LIFT (1-877-798-5438) or (608) 930-2191 8 am-4:30 pm Monday-Thursday and 8 am-1 pm Friday.

If you have further questions regarding transportation, please give our office a call at 608-987-3292.

Please visit our Local Directory, or consult the Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce, and feel free to stop by the office to ask for general or seasonal recommendations.

If you decide to try Mineral Point’s famous pasty, the Cornish meat pie miners carried to work in the early 1800s, it’s pronounced PASS-tee. (There, now you’ll sound like a local!)

Check this link for a list of what’s open in Mineral Point.

Stroll down High Street and Commerce Street to visit the many art galleries and specialty shops. You won’t be disappointed!

Local history begins right on the Shake Rag Alley campus. Our self-guided walking tour will tell you more about our buildings. Paper copies are available in the office or at the information kiosk near the main entrance. Just down the street, traveling down Shake Rag Street away from town, you’ll find Pendarvis, Merry Christmas Mine Hill, and Soldiers Memorial Park playgrounds and public pool. The Mineral Point Historical Society offers tours of the Gundry House at Orchard Lawn and outdoor music events in the summer, as well as indoor lyceums in winter. You can also explore local history at the Mineral Point Public Library, where archive materials are available for viewing.

Be sure to check our News page for upcoming events or follow us on Facebook. Better yet, subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

Before or during your visit, you may wish to consult the Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce Events Calendar or visit the Mineral Point Opera House website for upcoming performances, events, and tickets. Mineral Point also offers excellent bicycling and hiking trails.

About 15 miles:
Governor Dodge State Park
Folklore Village

About 20 miles:
The House on the Rock

About 20 miles:

American Players Theatre
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin
Tower Hill State Park

Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts is a proud member of the following Chambers of Commerce:
Dodgeville
Mineral Point
Mount Horeb
Platteville

It’s sometimes surprising, but the astonishing four-season views are absolutely worth it! Umbrellas are available at the office.

Current Forecast

Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts
18 Shake Rag St.
Mineral Point, WI 53565

(608) 987-3292

info@shakeragalley.org

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Campus Map: Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts

Coach House
18 Shake Rag Street

1 of 33

Art Café

2 of 33

Ellery House

3 of 33

restrooms

4 of 33

restrooms

5 of 33

restrooms

6 of 33

Open Air Parking

7 of 33

Lind Pavilion Parking

8 of 33

Roadside Parking
allowed on Commerce Street

9 of 33

Smejas’ Studio parking

10 of 33

Smejas’ Studio
30 Doty Street

11 of 33

Curbside Parking
as indicated

12 of 33

Accessible Parking
with curb cut

13 of 33

Accessible Parking
with curb cut

14 of 33

Alley Stage

15 of 33

Cabinet Shop

16 of 33

French Cabin

17 of 33

1830 Log Cabin

18 of 33

Potter’s House

19 of 33

Blacksmith Barn

20 of 33

Federal Spring

21 of 33

Monarch Garden

22 of 33

Lind Pavilion
411 Commerce Street

23 of 33

two blocks to

High Street & Commerce Street
Restaurants, Shops & Galleries

24 of 33

To Grocery Store
Point Foods
622 Dodge Street

25 of 33

Street Parking with Additional Parking behind Smejas’ Studio

26 of 33

The Green
open air park

27 of 33

Stair Steps
between
Cabinet Shop & Lind Pavilion

28 of 33

Stair Steps
to Alley Stage

29 of 33

Stone Bridge
over
Federal Spring

30 of 33
The Sardeson
223 Commerce St.
The Sardeson is home to the
Sardeson Pottery Studio,
Roland’s Loft,
and Tuckpoint. 31 of 33

Weaving & Fiber Arts Studio

Cannery Row Arts Incubator
121 Water St.

32 of 33

Footbridge

33 of 33

ADA accessible buildings: Lind Pavilion, Coach House (first floor), Smejas’ Studio