Arts on the Square has new image

Waupaca hosts weeklong event

Waupaca Arts Hub resident artist Tim Pucillo has created the 2024 Arts on the Square image.

The weeklong festival takes place Sunday Saturday, Aug. 11-17, in downtown Waupaca.

This year’s image is colorful, and is full of images that evoke not only the nature of the eclectic arts festival, but of the local community and the current SHINE project.

Pucillo has more than two decades of professional art experience. He graduated in 1999 with a bachelor of fine arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He has worked as a graphic/web designer for some of the largest companies in America.

He has been instrumental in starting the Arts Hub’s state of the art digital maker’s space. Pucillo teaches classes that provide an environment for young minds to explore, experiment and bring their imaginations to life.

“The foundation of my artwork began with the Shine project, inspired by the aesthetic of stained glass. I aimed to merge nature and the arts, utilizing the same digital art software and techniques I teach at the Arts Hub. By blending positive and negative space, I created a dynamic collage with bright, high-contrast colors to make my artwork stand out. My ultimate goal was to capture and reflect Waupaca’s rich artistic culture and natural beauty,” Pucillo said.

Art-quality copies of the poster can be purchased at Northern Home on Main Street in Waupaca.

The Waupaca Community Arts Board’s (WCAB’s) Acacia Rank used Pucillo’s image to enhance the many festival web pages on WCAB’s website, which give information on every aspect of this year’s ARTicipation Week, Street Dance and the 18th annual Arts on the Square.

“We are excited to have people begin to look at what 2024’s festival has to offer,” said Rank.

Activities requiring early sign-up

The Children’s Bike Parade on Opening Day of the Festival Sunday, Aug. 11, requires a parental release form to be signed.

The Kid’s Three-Day Art Camp, that starts on Wednesday, Aug. 14 and culminates on Friday, Aug. 16, also requires pre-registration.

The theme this year is “Inspired by Glass” and is another spin off the SHINE Community Sculpture.

The camp is for 8-13 year olds, and will be taught by Arts Hub artist Michelle Sharp. Registration opened July 15.

All are encouraged to visit the website to see the many ARTicipation Week events, learn about the Street Dance, and then plan their day at Arts on the Square, which includes three music stages, numerous arts workshops and demonstrations, 35 juried fine artists, a dance stage, food and more.

Visit www.Waupacaarts.org for more information. Community First Credit Union and other sponsors make it possible for all of this year’s events to be free.