What to Expect
Come and go as you please throughout the weekend! We request RSVPs for specific workshops on Saturday (see below), but otherwise the event is open to all.
Snacks will be available Friday evening and Sunday morning. Saturday we will be blessed by midday Maybe Lately’s pizza and cookies.
Please note that R.A.C.K. is a fragrance-free space. We ask that guests avoid using scented body wash, detergent, perfume, or cosmetic products before coming to the event.
The pottery studio is somewhat accessible to mobility devices, but there may be some tight corners. There will be clay dust everywhere! Outdoor spaces are generally gently sloping, and our driveway is gravel. Some folks with mobility devices may find parts of the garden challenging, but we will do what we can to make things accessible.
Our indoor bathroom is not ADA compliant, but we will have an accessible port-o-john available on site.
If you would like to request specific accommodations, please email rackviroqua@gmail.com at least 72hrs before the event.
Ages
Workshops are best suited for adults and kids age 12+. Younger children are welcome to explore the open house, but must be attended by their adults at all times.
Species
Please leave pets at home. If you have a service animal and are able to let us know ahead of time, that would be lovely (sometimes Hazel gets nervous around new dogs).
Dates
Friday July 3rd 5-9pm
Saturday July 4th 10am-7pm
Sunday July 5th 11am-3pm
Location
Almost all of this events will take place at the R.A.C.K. studio or Pansy Gardens at 703 Railroad Ave, Viroqua, WI 54665 — except for the Teddy Felting workshop, which will be at Parrish Music on Main St!
Do I need to RSVP?
Reservations are not required for the Friday night Dance Party, the Cozy Corner, or the Sunday Open House. Please sign up for Saturday workshops using the links below. Even if they’re free, sign ups ensure your spot is held and give us an estimate of needed supplies. If you do not sign up, you can swing by day of and see if there is space!
Saturday July 4th, 10-11:30am @ RACK (703 Railroad Ave)
In this creative writing workshop, it's less "workshop" and more "writing.” Participants will be led through multiple sessions of generative writing in response to an array of prompts designed to stoke creative energy and get pens in motion. This session is welcoming to writers of all genres and levels (including those who don't call themselves writers). Please bring a pen and notebook and plan to arrive on time. Facilitated by Franciszka Voeltz.
Bio: franciszka (frankie) voeltz has been facilitating writing workshops since 2000. They write custom poems for magnificent strangers on a portable typewriter. They love hearing people's stories and seeing their handwriting.
(Photo by Hanna Agar)
Saturday July 4th, 12-1:30pm @ RACK, 703 Railroad Ave
RACK co-founder Hawthorn McCracken will lead participants in creating textured ceramic tiles, which will then be glazed and combined to create a quilt-like design to hang on our studio wall. We will explore many different mark-making tools and techniques that you can apply to thrown or hand-built ceramics. Participants also have the option of creating additional tiles to take home (must be able to return to R.A.C.K. to pick up).
Clayhouse RuLeS:
Those under 14 years of age must have a guardian on the property. Guardians may participate in the workshop, but must register separately.
Avoid hand lotions and heavy nail polish. They may interfere with the chemistry of our clay and glaze.
Accessibility: This workshop requires the use of hand-held tools and moderate fine motor skills. There is no lifting nor use of lower limbs required. We are open to adaptive tool use as needed. If you will have an aide present, please indicate so on your registration. Aides do not count as workshop participants unless they register separately.
Saturday July 4th, 2:30-4pm @ Parrish Music, 111 S Main St
Theo Rose of the Teddy Garden
4:30-5:30pm Saturday July 4th @ RACK
Grab a cup of flower tea and cuddle up in the cozy corner! We welcome you to use this quiet space throughout the weekend to sit and do handwork, take an introvert break, stretch, take a nap, or grab a snack.
On Saturday afternoon, Rufus Jupiter will give an informal hand quilting demo and 1:1 guidance on technique. Bring your own hand quilting supplies and works- in -progress for this relaxed group quilting session! If you are a newbie and want to learn, we will supply quilting needles and thread, as well as scrap fabric for you to practice on. BYO thimble!
11am-1pm, Sunday July 5th @ RACK (703 Railroad Ave)
Chill out at the Zine Lab with Murray Valentine and friends. Connect with other artists, writers, and zinesters. Bring your own project or create something new.
Some limited materials provided like: markers, paper, magazines for collage, stencils, glue, pens, pencils, and scissors.
Snacks provided!
Where to Find Us
703 Railroad Avenue
Viroqua, WI 54665