June 17th, 2026
Welcome to our series, Spotlighting Wisconsin! This series spotlights arts organizations across the state (including some of our wonderful grantees), and showcases the amazing work they do in their communities, along with sharing the why, or what drives them as an organization to do the work they do.
Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
Wisconsin Arts Board Grantee
Fond Du Lac
Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts is located in the heart of downtown Fond du Lac. A hub of cultural activity, THELMA showcases visual arts on two floors of gorgeous, open gallery space, presents indoor and outdoor concerts, literary arts events (book clubs, author talks), performing arts (Impact Theatre, Fond du Lac Community Theatre) and a host of arts education classes, Expressive Arts and a Creative "Cafe". A nonprofit arts center, THELMA provides many free concerts and other programming to the community and beyond as we remain committed to enriching the community through the arts.
In 1906, a Masonic Temple was built on the corner of Sheboygan and Marr Streets in downtown Fond du Lac. It was beautifully crafted in classical revival style architecture and from the round-arched windows to the magnificent entryway, it was a mainstay for the Masons and utilized by a variety of other fraternal organizations for decades. In 1995, the Arts Council of Fond du Lac purchased the building and with a significant donation from the Quadracci Foundation, led a $2.2 million renovation which included adding to the building to its west and renaming the building the Windhover Center for the Arts. A small visual arts gallery and live music were among the offerings to the community.
In 2012, through a generous gift from the Sadoff Family, the Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts (THELMA) was created. Programming has significantly increased to offer two large gallery spaces, art classrooms, indoor and outdoor musical acts, plays, musicals, weddings, and other events such as Gallery Game Night, Open Mic, Art History Lectures and many more. The majority of THELMA’s programming is free and open to the public. The indoor music offerings are ticketed and classes are moderately priced.
From its dedicated Board of Directors and staff to satisfied arts, patrons and donors, THELMA is poised to move forward in providing unique experiences, diverse entertainment and educational programming for years to come.
Photos by Casey Fiebig. Featuring resident ensemble Lighthouse Big Band, the visual artwork of John Casper, Whole Yachta Love (one of many bands that has performed at the summer outdoor concert series THELMA Thursdays. THELMA's Children's Chorale traveled to the United Kingdom in July 2025 to participate in the International Children's Choir Festival, organized by Vox Anima London. The festival featured five U.S. choirs engaging in a week of immersive rehearsals, cultural exchange, and performances across London, Canterbury, and Rochester. THELMA's annual Fae Ball attracts hundreds of attendees from near and far - including many out-of-state visitors.
Upcoming Events
THELMA Thursdays (free outdoor concerts):
6/18 - Listening Party (Folk)
6/25 - The Kingfish Band (Rock)
7/2 - Liquid Courage (Rock/Pop/Country)
7/9 - Dan Rodriguez (Singer/Songwriter/Americana)
7/23 - The Whiskeybelles (Country)
7/30 - 5 Card Studs (Las Vegas Style Revue)
8/6 - The Milbillies (Bluegrass)
8/13 - The Britins (Classic Rock)
8/20 - Joyann Parker Band (Jazz/Blues/Soul)
8/27 - Dancing Queen (Pop/Disco)
8/21 - Summer Waves concert featuring Rumours, the ultimate Fleetwood Mac tribute show.
Tuesday Nights - Gallery Game Night and Lighthouse Big Band (no charge)
Wednesday Nights - visual and literary art events, free and open to the public
Thursday Nights - ticketed classes, varied (tai-chi, mixology, basic acting, etc.)
Jazz Fest, Sturgeon Spectacular, On Stage at Thelma children's theatre camp, Children's Choral concerts, Fae Ball visit www.thelmaarts.org for specific information