Inside Wausau’s Lively Arts & Culture Scene

Wausau is a place where creativity hums year-round. The city’s museums spark curiosity, its theaters set the stage for unforgettable performances and its artists welcome visitors into studios and workshops that encourage making, learning and exploring.

Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum

The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum gives visitors plenty of room for creative wandering, especially for nature-lovers. If you’re short on time, head straight to the Birds in Art exhibit, with over 100 avian-inspired pieces on display. This internationally renowned exhibit features art from across the world and awards an artist with the Master Wildlife Artists medal each year.

Have more time to linger? Take in the large permanent collection, rotating exhibitions and a manicured sculpture garden that’s stunning in every season. And if making art is your preferred way to warm up, the Museum has drop-in classes for all ages, all season long.

Clay Corner Studio 

Part art studio, part coffee shop, Clay Corner Studio brings a DIY twist to winter days. This true “walk-in” experience invites visitors to try wheel-throwing, canvas painting or wood-sign workshops in a bright, welcoming space that has the same energy as a beloved grade school art room, think shelves of glazes and plenty of finished pieces for inspiration. Be sure to also check out the calendar for upcoming events and to book your spot.

And because creativity always pairs well with your favorite drink, the Studio’s full-service coffee bar offers lattes, smoothies and plenty of options to sip while you settle into your project.

Center for the Visual Arts

Located in downtown Wausau and open year-round, the Center for the Visual Arts’ four gallery spaces produce nearly 20 exhibits per year highlighting local and regional artists. Make a plan this winter to catch the annual Midwest Seasons exhibit, a show shining a bright light on all four seasons of Midwest beauty.

In addition to showing art, CVA offers year-round classes for adults and kids alike to make art. Recent workshops include intro to metalsmithing and painting with wool.

Grand Theater

When you step into Wausau’s Grand Theater, the historic touches are what stands out first—the tall arches, the gold detailing and the kind of stage that immediately tells you the building has been part of the city’s arts scene for a long time. And, it has—nearly 100 years, to be exact!

Located on the city’s 400 Block, the venue brings a steady mix of touring productions, concerts and community performances to Wausau. Make a night of it by grabbing dinner at local favorite The Mint Cafe or swing by Intermission, a beloved bar with live music five nights a week.

Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art (WMOCA)

Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art showcases nationally and internationally established artists you might not expect to find in a smaller city—and that’s by design. The bold colors, fine details and inventive materials make every exhibit engaging, even if you don’t consider yourself an “art person.”

The museum sits inside the Wausau Club, a turn-of-the-century gathering place that adds a touch of history to the modern art. When you’re done exploring, head to craft cocktail bar Juliett for a different kind of artistry.

RISE UP Collective 

As Wausau’s first completely free community art studio, RISE UP gives you a chance to experiment and learn with no pressure with the help of donated supplies and workshops and classes led by local artists.

The studio’s community feel means you’ll be creating alongside others who are there for the same reason—to try something new. After you wrap up your project, take a quick walk around downtown and check out the murals RISE UP has helped bring to life.