Historic music camp hires new executive director

SHELL LAKE– Shell Lake Arts Center summer music camp has new leadership under director Patrick Barnett. Award-winning music educator Barnett moved to Spooner to rebound camp attendance after the pandemic. Barnett intends to re-establish the arts center as a major artistic asset to the Midwest.

Barnett moves from Lisle, Illinois, with over 30 years of art education experience. He is a member of the National Association for Music Education, the American Choral Directors

Association, and the American Guild of Organists. He earned his Masters of Music Education degree from DePaul University in 2007. He plans to re-establish relationships with the community, bring back shows at Erica Quam Memorial Theater, and provide new opportunities for campers.

“Celebrating their growth and achievement is the final ingredient to our success. I will be a proud, passionate, and persistent executive director!” Barnett said.

The Shell Lake Arts Center is a non-profit summer camp hosting jazz, concert band, rock band, and visual arts education in Shell Lake. Established by Darrell Aderman and University of Wisconsin-Eau Clare in 1966, SLAC remains one of the longest-running music camps in the Midwest. Hosting weekly concerts throughout the summer and home of the Erika Quam Memorial Theater, the arts camp generates tourism revenue for Washburn County.

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