Artfully Awesome: 12 must see and do venues, galleries, and shops for the art lover in all of us.

Stockholm has long been known as a center for the arts. In fact, it was artists who gave a new life to the village in the late 70’s and early 80’s. The creative souls fell in love with the landscape and started to give purpose to old, sometimes vacant buildings in the village. Soon this led to a distinct art centric cultural in the village and the area. The love of art has only grown over the decades. The area now boasts numerous music and performance venues, galleries, and shops brimming with art.

Twelve of our favorites are:

1. WIDESPOT PERFORMING ARTS CENTER: How many places do you know have a performing arts space that holds twice the population of the village! WideSpot Performing Arts Center celebrates its eleventh season as the region’s most welcoming venue for the best music, drama, comedy, and community gatherings. Their mission is to expand performing arts, nurture artists, enrich audiences, and contribute to the vitality of the community. Advance-ticket purchases are highly recommended. Season 11’s offerings are being added with the health and safety of the artists, volunteers, and patrons in mind. Check it out and get ready to reserve your seats –find out why they really do have the best seats on the West Coast of Wisconsin! Make your reservations at https://www.widespotperformingarts.org. N2030 Spring St. 2nd Floor Stockholm WI 54769.

2. HUGGA BUGGA: Hugga Bugga features original handcrafted items from local artisans and a large assortment of luxury yarns. Enjoy their friendly & welcoming staff, many of whom are the artists themselves, during your shopping adventure. Experience a beautifully scented goat’s milk lotion or try on an exquisite, hand-knitted wrap or cowl. Find the perfect gift of a one of a kind sweater or whimsical hat for a new baby and wander down the garden path to the Shed to find the perfect addition to your outdoor space. Each item at the ‘Bug' is an original creation, designed and brought lovingly to life by an experienced craftsperson from Wisconsin or Minnesota. Check them out at https://yhst-2695832-stores.yahoo.net/ W12103 State Highway 35 Stockholm, WI.

3. LIBERTY TREE FARM: Liberty Tree Farm is a rustic concert and event venue located on the bluffs of the Mississippi river just outside of Stockholm Wisconsin. An old barn, transformed into a stage, is the heart of the venue set in a grassy meadow full of flowers and trees. An ongoing performance schedule keeps the hills alive with the sounds of music, from their seasonal, once a month Tuesday concert series to larger scale concerts. The beautiful location is also a stunning spot to plan your wedding or special event. You will find more info at https://www.facebook.com/libertytreefarm. W12351 Long Lane Stockholm WI 54769.

4. CULTURAL CLOTH: Explore an ever-changing inventory of one-of-a-kind distinctive handmade home textiles, décor items and accessories that they have collected on their far-flung travels. They represent the work of artisans from around the world who weave, quilt, embroider, stitch, knot, hook, bead, print and dye handmade home goods and accessories. We love the pieces that you can actually use every day that remind you of the talent, patience and skill of women everywhere. Feel the culture of the artisans. They know the artisans, mostly women, who make the pieces and currently offer items from more than 30 countries. They are open in the spring/summer/fall in the beautiful village of Maiden Rock WI. More info at https://culturalcloth.com/ W3560 State Hwy 35, Great River Rd P.O. Box 71 Maiden Rock, WI 54750

5. HUMBLEMOON SALOON & FOLKSTEAD: This beautiful little wayside on the Great River Road in Stockholm not only has good food, but a strong set of events and music. You will find everything from cultural events like Mayday to music and karaoke to St. Paddy’s Day parade! At the Folkstead you will discover the Antique Future Gallery and more. Additional info can be found at https://www.facebook.com/Humble-Moon-Folkstead-Saloon-101054058155302.

W12132 State Hwy 35 Stockholm, WI 54769

6. NEST GALLERY: The Nest Gallery can be found on the corner of Hwy 35 and County Road S in downtown Maiden Rock, just upriver from Stockholm. Their mission is to celebrate local and regional artisans and craftspeople by providing a "perch" to show and sell their work. They know that by supporting these artists, they can help strengthen community by building relationships, creating culture, and by incorporating art into everyday life. Discover the beautiful local pottery, lighting, fiber art and handmade candles in this charming gallery. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/thenestmaidenrock W3542 Hwy 35 Maiden Rock, WI

7. STOCKHOME: New on the Stockholm scene last year StockHome focuses on the Hygge way of living – Finding comfort and solace in our homes and with our loved ones, taking time to be mindful and filling our homes with things that are beautiful and functional. The Mind, The Body and The home are all celebrated in the beautiful space adjacent to Stockholm Pie and General Store. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/StockHomeWI N2030 Spring St Stockholm WI 54769

8. IRIS & OAK: A brand new addition to Stockholm. Iris and Oak’s thoughtfully selected merchandise- specializing in fair trade, ethically sourced, handmade, and authentic goods! Many local artists and products. One of the very cool things about the shop is that the owner, Katie is a 2nd generation Stockholm gallery owner. Her mother had the beautiful Out of the Blue gallery for many years in the same space. That connection means that you will find a beautiful selection of works from many of the original Stockholm Art Fair founders, making it not only a beautiful space but a piece of Stockholm history. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/Irisandoakstockholm W12117 Hwy 35 Stockholm, WI 54769

9. INDIGO SWAN JEWELRY & FINE ART: Indigo Swan carefully curates a world-wide selection of hand-crafted art from both award-winning and novice artists in the disciplines of jewelry, mosaic, fused-glass, stained-glass, photography, pottery, woodwork, watercolors, acrylic, multi-media and calligraphy. Come take a look around… you’ll find a collection of jewelry from all corners of the globe as Ann Mooney Design jewelry is joined by other jewelers and artisans to showcase a broad range of both casual and fine jewelry. Learn more at https://www.indigoswangallery.com

10. SANDY’S CLOTHING AND ART: Sandy’s shop is her art form...The mission: keep it meaningful and authentic! Sandy and her staff’s greatest pleasure is to make connections with customer-friends, ethical companies and talented artists. Sandy's Clothing and Art is a philosophy-based boutique supporting artists, ethical companies, and sustainable practices. By shopping at Sandy’s you have the opportunity to make a positive impact. Learn more at https://www.sandysclothingandart.com W12098 Hwy 35 Stockholm, WI 54769

11. SCANDIHOO: Blending traditional craft with a fresh, modern aesthetic that embraces Scandinavian style and creativity Scandihoo brings to life an almost fantasy like store to the scene this year. Located in the venerable stone building that for many years housed Ingebretsen’s Stockholm location the new shop melds some of the classics that were so loved with fresh, new and truly exciting pieces from across Scandinavia and many places in Europe. Make sure to check out the Cuckoo Clocks and the amazing selection of clogs. Learn more at https://www.scandihoo.com/

12. TIN ROOF BOUTIQUE: A favorite spot on The Great River Road for home decor, local artisans, refurbished furniture, art and gifts. The Pepin shop is chock full of charm, fun and delightful things. Local artists are a passion here. Check out https://www.facebook.com/tinroofpepin

202 3rd Street Pepin, WI