Woodstock Fine Arts Association

10/14/2026

📚 Spend a morning with one of America’s most celebrated book critics!

Join the Woodstock Fine Arts Association on **Thursday, October 15** for Maureen Corrigan: “Leave Me Alone, I’m Reading” at the Woodstock Opera House.

Known as the iconic voice of NPR’s Fresh Air for more than 30 years, Corrigan brings her wit, insight, and lifelong love of books to the Creative Living Series. Hear stories from the life of a book critic, discover what makes a great read, and chances are, leave with a few new titles for your reading list.

📅 Thursday, October 15, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM | Doors open at 9:00 AM
📍 Woodstock Opera House
https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/61999663/creative-living-seriesmaureen-corrigan-woodstock-woodstock-opera-house

Presented by the Woodstock Fine Arts Association.

09/22/2026

Saturday, October 10, 2026 214 W. Judd Street Woodstock, IL 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

09/17/2026

Creative Living in Action Fundraiser
An Afternoon with MasterChef Fan Favorite Tommy Walton

Saturday, October 10, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Woodstock, IL

Join MasterChef fan favorite Tommy Walton for an intimate, entertaining, behind-the-scenes look at culinary creativity in a one-of-kind Woodstock kitchen. Watch Tommy prepare his signature MasterChef dish, Ballotine of Pork Tenderloin, and go home with his recipe. Enjoy a taste of Tommy's creation and time with this unforgettable personality as he shares stories from MasterChef, his Chicago life, his Creole culinary roots, and the surprising connections between fashion, design and food.

Purchase tickets here:
https://woodstockfinearts.org/product/an-afternoon-with-masterchef-tommy-walton/

Tickets are limited. All sales are non-refundable.

Saturday, October 10, 2026 214 W. Judd Street Woodstock, IL 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

06/02/2026

New subscriptions for the Creative Living Series are now open!

Join us for another inspiring season at the Woodstock Opera House featuring bestselling authors, acclaimed speakers, and unforgettable conversations.

2026–2027 Featured Speakers:
📚 Maureen Corrigan
🌿 Craig Bergmann & Russell Buvala
🎬 Amy Reinhard
🎭 Daniel Pollack-Pelzner
✍️ Sara Levine
🌳 Amy Stewart

💲 Season subscribers save $30
🎟 Six-speaker subscription: $139

Call the Woodstock Opera House Box Office at (815) 338-5300 or visit in person to renew.

05/29/2026

Renew your Creative Living Series Subscription today to retain your current seat(s)! ✨

Join us for another inspiring season at the Woodstock Opera House featuring bestselling authors, acclaimed speakers, and unforgettable conversations.

2026–2027 Featured Speakers:
📚 Maureen Corrigan
🌿 Craig Bergmann & Russell Buvala
🎬 Amy Reinhard
🎭 Daniel Pollack-Pelzner
✍️ Sara Levine
🌳 Amy Stewart

🗓 Renewal Deadline: May 31
💲 Season subscribers save $30
🎟 Six-speaker subscription: $139

Call the Woodstock Opera House Box Office at (815) 338-5300 or visit in person to renew.

Series tickets for new subscribers go on sale June 2.

05/23/2026

CONGRATULATIONS 2026 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!

Seven students accomplished in the arts and academics from five McHenry County high schools shared $17,500 in college scholarships awarded this spring by WFAA.

MEET SADIE SULLIVAN

Saxophone ~ McHenry High School

Music is at the heart of Sadie’s identity…

A multi-instrumentalist, she plays saxophone, bass, guitar, and has experience with flute and clarinet. Beyond school, she collaborates with peers in rock groups, including the band Skanonymous, where she impressively performs on four different saxophones.

Despite her many accomplishments, Sadie remains grounded and community oriented. Her band director describes her as “a truly invaluable member” whose skill reflects her dedication and work ethic. In the classroom, she is known as a respectful, engaged, and thoughtful student—someone who actively participates, asks insightful questions, and supports her peers. Her maturity, organization, and analytical thinking make her a natural collaborator and leader in group settings.

Looking ahead, Sadie envisions a future that blends her love of music with her appreciation for intimate, creative spaces. She plans to major in Computer Science.

Join us in supporting graduating seniors in McHenry County who excel in the arts through the WFAA Scholarship: https://woodstockfinearts.org/donate/

05/21/2026

CONGRATULATIONS 2026 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!

Seven students accomplished in the arts and academics from five McHenry County high schools shared $17,500 in college scholarships awarded this spring by WFAA.

MEET MATTHEW SCHENHER

Acting ~ Prairie Ridge High School

As Matthew reflects, “I’ve always been performing…

That natural inclination has grown into a remarkable talent showcased through numerous theater productions at Prairie Ridge and additional performances with Encore Music Academy. His Prairie Ridge theater director notes, “During my 16 years… I’ve had the good fortune to work with extremely talented performers, and yet Matthew is, hands down, the best high school actor I’ve worked with or seen on any high school stage,” praising his ability to create characters that are “honest and real… portrayed with an organic, genuine delivery.”

Despite his many accomplishments, Matthew is known for his humility and kindness—qualities that make him as respected offstage as he is captivating on it. Looking ahead, he plans to pursue acting while also preparing for the realities of the profession by considering a second major in law or government. With his rare combination of talent, intellect, and character, Matthew is poised to make a meaningful impression wherever his path leads.

Join us in supporting graduating seniors in McHenry County who excel in the arts through the WFAA Scholarship: https://woodstockfinearts.org/donate/

05/19/2026

CONGRATULATIONS 2026 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!

Seven students accomplished in the arts and academics from five McHenry County high schools shared $17,500 in college scholarships awarded this spring by WFAA.

MEET MADELEINE O'REILLY

Clarinet ~ Prairie Ridge High School

Music, for Maddy, is more than performance…

It is a source of strength and connection. She credits it with teaching her patience and the importance of surrounding herself with supportive people, lessons she carries into all aspects of her life. Her goal is to create spaces where others feel encouraged to grow, achieve, and find joy through music. As she looks ahead to pursuing a major in biochemistry and music performance, Maddie is driven by a desire to inspire others to follow their passions and discover the transformative power of the arts.

With her rare combination of academic strength, musical talent, and genuine commitment to uplifting others, Madeleine O’Reilly stands out as a student who not only excels, but leads with purpose and heart.

Join us in supporting graduating seniors in McHenry County who excel in the arts through the WFAA Scholarship: https://woodstockfinearts.org/donate/

05/17/2026

CONGRATULATIONS 2026 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!

Seven students accomplished in the arts and academics from five McHenry County high schools shared $17,500 in college scholarships awarded this spring by WFAA.

MEET PENELOPE "POPPY" FRERICK

Dance ~ Cary-Grove High School

At the heart of Poppy’s identity is her deep commitment to dance…

Training with the Denise Sabala Dance Company in Lake Zurich and and studying a wide range of styles—ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, and musical theater—she has developed into a versatile and accomplished performer.

Through private training with renowned Chicagoland instructor Tess Renaud, Poppy has further refined her technique and artistry. As her instructor reflects, she is “a gifted dancer and highly motivated individual” who leads with “grace, maturity, and humility,” bringing integrity and intention into every space she enters.

For Poppy, dance is more than performance—it is a lifelong pursuit and a powerful form of expression. As she explains, choosing the arts means “choosing a pursuit and a way of life,” one that has strengthened her tenacity and her ability to communicate beyond words.

Looking ahead, she will pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance and also plans to build a foundation in business.

Join us in supporting graduating seniors in McHenry County who excel in the arts through the WFAA Scholarship: https://woodstockfinearts.org/donate/