It seems like we say "it was a busy! month," every time a new What's Afoot Backstage recap is released. We are happy to say that we are quite consistent as an agency, and this August was no less busy or exciting than the previous months. Many of you caught us at the Wisconsin State Fair... although we were technically there on the last day of July, the fair took place from July 31st - August 10th. Our Folk and Traditional Arts Specialist, Kaitlyn Berle, also attended the Native Art Marketplace at Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin. Lastly, we continued building our initiatives and outreaches, and connecting in with folks across the entire state.
The Wisconsin State Fair
The fair really takes the cake for August this year. Yes, even though we were technically in West Allis on July 31st, the connections and follow up initiated by cause of our presence at the fair extended well into August. We want to thank all of our grantees, who sent in stickers, magnets, information sheets, brochures, and more, for us to bring to the fair and represent the entirety of Wiscosin. It was amazing to display a snapshot of the thriving arts ecosystem in Wisconsin, and we know the fairgoers really enjoyed it too. We asked almost everyone who stopped by our booth to tell us about what art meant to them, and how they engaged with the arts. From folks acting in their local theatre's production to folks in neighboring states driving 5+ hours just to visit a museum in Wisconsin, everyone had lots to say. So, thanks again to everyone who made our booth at the Wisconsin State Fair impactful and beautiful, and we'll catch you at the next one!
The 2025 Native Art Market at Taliesin Preservation
Kaitlyn Berle, the Folk and Traditional Arts Specialist here at the Wisconsin Arts Board attended the 2025 Native Art Market. Outreach in all ways is important for our agency, and Kaitlyn was able to connect in here in a really meaningful way, sharing knowledge and learning at the same time.
On Saturday, August 2, Taliesin Preservation and the Little Eagle Arts Foundation (LEAF) co-hosted a day-long event dedicated to Indigenous art, culture, and community. Spread throughout Hillside, the gathering brought together Native artists, performers, and educators to share stories, traditions, and creative practices. From the initial greetings to the final notes on stage, the day unfolded as a series of powerful exchanges.
Guests were welcomed with a meal prepared by Wild Bearies, a community-based nonprofit led by Ho-Chunk chef Elena Terry. As a seed-to-table chef, Terry collaborates with tribal and local growers to source culturally significant, regionally grown ingredients. The dish featured wild rice with blueberries and blackberries, served alongside a Three Sisters salad—a vibrant offering of nourishment, seasonality, and indigenous ingredients. (Taliesin Preservation)
Read the full recap
here.
Chef Elena Terry (left) and Melanie Tallmadge Sainz (right).