Shell Lake Arts Center

The Shell Lake Arts Center building, its name set in lowercase letters above a wall of windows.

Shell Lake Arts Center

master teachers.
magic setting.

Summer camps Event calendar

Upcoming events

On the marquee

Concert poster for Ann Reed and Claudia Schmidt at the Quam Theatre. View event Concert poster for a live Truegrass concert at the Erika Quam Theatre. View event

Welcome

There’s always something going on at the Shell Lake Arts Center and we invite you to be a part of it.

Located walking distance from the beautiful water of Shell Lake, the Shell Lake Arts Center is that place where artists, both young and old find their voice and create art, where audiences of all ages are moved by the story told in a community play or enjoy an evening of music with friends. Our summer camps and workshops are some of the longest-running programs of their kind in the United States and have welcomed students from 49 states and over 20 counties. Whether looking for a safe and positive learning experience or an evening of fun and entertainment, please check out what is happening at the Shell Lake Arts Center.

Learn more

A single continuous line drawing of the Shell Lake Arts Center building framed by pines.

Our record

By the numbers

  • Years and counting 58
  • Students 50K
  • Faculty visiting annually 80
  • Scholarships given annually 120+
  • Known faculty & alumni Grammy Awards 24
  • Award-winning teachers & performers countless
A student in a Shell Lake Arts Center t-shirt reading from a script on stage.
A student drummer smiling behind a kit, sticks tucked under one arm.

In their words

“Thanks to everyone who made my week amazing! I learned so much, and I had LOTS of fun! The best thing that happened to me this week was learning skills to improve myself, not only as a musician, but as a person!”
Concert Band Student

Get involved

Programs and events

Summer camp students gathered on a rehearsal room floor mid-scene.

Summer Camps

Learn more Students seated with music in hand around a piano during a school year rehearsal.

School Year Events

Learn more A community big band performing on stage, saxophones in the front row.

Community Events

Learn more

Give

Support the Arts

Help us in our mission of accelerating learning, strengthening community connections, and championing teaching.

Ways to give

A student bassist marking a pencil note into sheet music on a stand.

  • Support the Arts

    Gift donations to the “Support the Arts” Fund help facilitate the day-to-day activities of the SLAC, compensate faculty, and more.

  • Act II Capital Campaign

    “We’ve created a legacy… now we’re building on it” — join the initiative that is going to fund full renovations of Art Center facilities and lodgings.

  • Scholarships

    Made possible by family and friends, community partners & school organizations, SLAC has the honor of providing financial assistance to students attending summer programs.

  • Volunteer

    As a non-profit organization, the Shell Lake Arts Center relies on a cadre of volunteers to support our programming throughout the year.

Donate now

Click here to support Operations. Click here to support Act II. Click here to support Scholarships.

With thanks

Thank you to our sponsors

Wisconsin Arts Board, celebrating 50 years. Xcel Energy Foundation.
Thank you to our 2026 business sponsors, listed by giving level.