About Us
Mission Statement
The purpose of the WAUPACA FINE ARTS FESTIVAL shall act to foster the arts through promotion and sponsorship of artistic programs, cultural activities, and educational leadership to further promote artistic appreciation to the citizens of the Waupaca area.
The Fine Arts Festival was founded by Waupaca High School Choral Director, Gerald C. Knoepfel in 1963. It all began with his desire to produce Mendelssohn’s Oratorio, “Elijah” with a Community Chorus and Civic Orchestra. His dream became a reality later that year when the first Community Chorus and Civic Orchestra presented its first annual concert.
Since that time, the Fine Arts Festival, its membership, along with generous contributions from the citizens of Waupaca and beyond, are responsible for helping to support and bring the Arts to Waupaca.
The three main branches of the Fine Arts Festival include: The Waupaca Community Chorus and Civic Orchestra, the Waupaca Community Theatre & Children’s Theatre, and the Waupaca Art Show. The year 2024 marks the Festival’s 61st anniversary of providing cultural opportunities to the citizens of the greater Waupaca area. The Fine Arts Festival has given to the citizens of Waupaca and its surrounding area an opportunity to develop their talents as singers, musicians, artists and actors. They’ve discovered new heights for their creative abilities. The Festival’s various cultural events have reached an audience of thousands of people and helped them grow in their appreciation of the arts.
Executive Board
Dan Wolfgram, Chairman
John Kelley, Co-Chairman
Carole Johnson, Secretary/Treasurer
Board of Directors
Pat Fletcher
Pam Gusmer
Attorney John Hart
Jessica Fletcher Hauser
Gretchen Kelley
Angie & Rocky Landsverk
Todd & Lisa Mallasch
Ken Porrey
Art Show Committee
Matt Lawniczak, Co-Chairman
Patricia Price, Co-Chairman
Theatre Committee
John Kelley, Chairman
Wanda Eikenbary, Treasurer
Carmen Riebel, Secretary
Michael Etzwiler
Amy Holterman
Liz Kelley
David Larson
Holly Saunders
Linda Trepasso
Community Choir Committee
Dan Wolfgram, Chairman
Bob Telfer, Treasurer
Jessica Fletcher Hauser, Secretary
Waupaca Community Theatre & Children's Theatre
The Waupaca Community Theatre has been presenting outstanding productions for nearly 40 years! Talented casts, full pit orchestras, a beautiful hall ... learn about our current season, past shows, and how you can play a part.
The Waupaca Community Children's Theatre is an opportunity for young actors and actresses to be "onstage" for such musical shows as Shrek, Mulan, Seussical, and Alice in Wonderland.
Waupaca Community Choir
The Waupaca Community Choir is a non-auditioned choir which welcomes singers of all ages and abilities. The choir has a 56-year tradition of presenting master choral works with orchestra to the greater Waupaca Community. The typical season begins rehearsals in January with a culminating performance in late March to early April.
Waupaca Art Show
The 2022 Waupaca Art Show will be held in April and will be the 56th annual event. It will feature art and artists from across the region and will be at a beautiful new location, the Danes Hall.
