Rhinelander Christmas parade and tree lighting Dec. 1

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be attending the annual Christmas parade and tree lighting downtown Rhinelander Saturday, Dec. 1. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with the parade down Brown Street and the lighting of the holiday tree takes place at Stevensport Square immediately following. The Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting individuals, families, organizations and businesses to enter a float in the parade, decorating with the theme “The Season of Giving” in mind. A $5 donation per entry is appreciated; register by Nov. 26 to secure a spot. Cash prizes for best entry. The events will include caroling, cookies and hot chocolate, and a chance for children to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Stop by the Masonic Lodge on Davenport Street to warm up with hot chocolate and coffee and listen to some music. For more information, call 715-365-7464 or visit rhinelanderchamber.com.

Program offered for those grieving during the holidays

While society is emphasizing togetherness, joy and giving thanks, the holidays can stir a wide array of emotions in those who have lost someone important to them, including dread, anxiety, sadness, remorse, regret, loneliness and even anger. Ascension at Home is hosting an evening on exploring how to handle this challenging time of year. Grief and the Holidays will be offered free of charge to anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one. The program will be held Monday, Dec. 3, 6-7 p.m. at the Rhinelander District Library, 106 N. Stevens St. There is no cost, but pre-registration is appreciated. Contact Christina Harkness, 800-643-4663. Refreshments will be provided.

Renowned fiber artist to present free event at ArtStart

Internationally recognized fiber artist Colleen Ansbaugh will be at ArtStart in Rhinelander Saturday, Dec. 8, 9 to 11 a.m. Ansbaugh will be bringing items to share with the audience and describe her process. Additionally, Ansbaugh will have over 40 new pieces of art hanging in one of ArtStart’s galleries, Nov.15 through Jan. 12.
Ansbaugh’s work has been exhibited internationally, most notably with NASA, at John Michael Kohler Arts Center, and the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts. She has created materials and patterns for Harley Davidson and patented hospital equipment. Ansbaugh has had work published in books, magazines, and journals and has written articles for Cloth, Paper, Scissors and Studio Art Quilters Associates Journal. She has received several awards and recognitions for her art including an award from Quilt National 2017, a career highlight and international award.
For more information, call 715-362-4328, email info@artstartrhinelander.org, visit ArtStart’s Facebook page or artstartrhinelander.org.

Santa for Seniors

This holiday season Unique Creations will be demonstrating its “Kindness Matters” motto by running a “Santa for a Seniors” program. There will be a tree in the store with ornaments that list the wants and needs of clients served by Home Away From Home Loving Care adult day care facility. Anyone can stop in the store, located at 146 N. Brown St., take an ornament, purchase gifts and return them to Unique Creations by Tuesday, Dec. 18. The gifts will be taken to Home Away from Home so their clients may enjoy additional gifts this Christmas. For more information, call 715-369-7286, Tuesday through Saturday.

Emerging Artist Grant applications due Dec. 1

Emerging visual artists from Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Oneida and Vilas counties have until Dec. 1 to apply for a grant from the Northern Arts Council. This grant program awards an artist or group of artists with a grant of up to $3,000 in an effort to promote the arts in accordance with the NAC’s mission to develop and sponsor art and cultural programs. Artist applicants must submit a completed application containing a narrative of introduction, images of previous works or works in progress, a description of current work related to the grant award, and an explanation of grant award usage. Applicants cannot be enrolled in a degree seeking program or utilize grant funds for business purposes. Applicants must be 18 years or older. Notifications will be sent by email after the Northern Arts Council’s annual meeting in March.