SOA Experience:
What makes School of the Arts at Rhinelander so special?
Past participants agree, there is nothing like School of the Arts at Rhinelander. SOA brings together talented artists from several 
disciplines who are eager to share their time and talents with enthusiastic learners at all skill levels. The quality of instruction, camaraderie and supportive environment bring people back year after year.
What does the typical day look like?
Many students will start their day in the Sunrise Series either in a movememnt class or creativity workshop. Then, visit the cafeteria for a hot cup of coffee, warm cinnamon roll and friendly conversation getting ready for a day of learning. At 8:30, classes begin.
Depending on the curriculum area, you can register for either two classes lasting 1.5 hours each, or 1 class lasting 3 hours. The morning session concludes around 11:30-11:45 and students are invited to break bread with other participants for a hot lunch or a la carte selection. Again, many choose to spend this time sharing with new friends or catching up with long time SOA colleagues. Of course you won't want to miss the Midday Forums highlighting a specific area of interest or instructor.
Following the afternoon classes (similar class schedule as the morning session), you can join friends for dinner at a tasty local restaurant and finish just in time to return for one of the fun filled evening events scheduled Sunday through Thursday.
What past participants say about the SOA Experience
Every year, we receive beautiful sentiments of appreciation sent by participants of the School of the Arts. One student in particular illustrated what makes this program so special when she wrote, "Attending SOA was…me living my dream and prioritizing my values. I never felt so alive and generously supported as I did that week in Rhinelander." We share this testimony because it beautifully illustrates the spirit of this 44 year old program.
To say that SOA is high quality arts education is true, but incomplete. To say that it provides a friendly and supportive learning environment is accurate, but not enough. To say this week provides discovery and inspiration comes close but falls just short of the true nature of the SOA experience. So, we share this testimony as written from one of our students, one of our friends and one of the emerging writers to enroll in this program as she says, "Attending SOA was … me living my dream."
More comments from past participants
A first year SOA Participant said:
This is my first time at SOA. I am very happy that I took the leap of faith to attend. All of my experiences here are positive. Dedicating a week to creative growth and development is the best thing that I have done this year. I look forward to next year.
A student from Wisconsin writes:
" It is a completely rewarding experience from the moment one steps through the doors from the real world into the one that makes your soul sing.
A participant from Oshkosh, WI writes:
"The spirit of creativity was so evident and alive. We truly were bonded as a total group, no matter what our choice of expressions was, and everyone wanted the best for everyone else. What Magic! Incredible!"
A student from Minnesota summed up the experience this way:
"During my week at School of Arts, I immersed myself in the creative process, learning new things and reviving old skills. With no previous experience in darkroom photography, I found it thrilling to take a picture, develop the film and actually produce a black and white print. I am sure that I can take this excitement back to my students in the fall, as we explore the new darkroom at the high school together."
More Wisconsin residents shared their views:
"SOA is a great escape...a chance to leave the helter-skelter norm and pursue our heart's desires with kindred spirits. I always hate to see it end. It means back to reality all too soon." - Kathy Lundy, Waukesha WI
"What a superb week! It was even more than I anticipated. My instructors invited me to open doors and discover what awaits. This week got me to open those doors to new areas in my writing. Thank you just isn't enough." - Brenda Hansen, Burlington WI
The School of the Arts is such a warm and inviting atmosphere where the participant learns valuable information without the fear of being negatively judged or ridiculed." - Roxanne Aehl, Sauk City WI
"This was my first year and it was all that I expected - great workshops, friendly people, and lots of fun." - Chris Durski, Waukesha WI
Profiles on School of the Arts
Read what first time School of the Arts participant (and Madison area reporter) Pat Schneider had to say about her SOA experience. Complemented with photos by SOA Instructor and noted photographer Steve Apps, "Creativity and Camaraderie converge in the Northwoods" includes seven installments and can be viewed by following this link.