Woodstock Fine Arts Association

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/

05/15/2026

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 NAOMI EMMANUEL

Flute ~ Crystal Lake South High School

For Naomi, music is both a discipline and a deeply personal journey…

She recalls her earliest experiences learning alongside her mother, moments that sparked a lifelong passion. Over the years, she has developed not only technical mastery but also a profound sense of collaboration and leadership. As she reflects, her musical journey has taught her how to “harmonize with not only instruments but individuals,” emphasizing listening, empathy, and teamwork—qualities she brings to every ensemble and leadership role.

Naomi’s commitment to her craft is evident not only in her participation in large ensembles, but also in her work with chamber groups and as a soloist. Her flute quartet notably reached the semifinals of the prestigious Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, and in 2025 she earned third place in the Senior Division of the Chicago Flute Club Competition, which attracts top flutists from across the nation.

Naomi plans to major in clinical pharmacy.

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

05/13/2026

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 LILIANA DEMONICA

Art ~ Huntley High School

For Liliana, art has been a lifelong language…

Those who have worked with Liliana consistently highlight not only her talent, but her character. One recommender noted that she stands out for the “depth of character, passion, and purpose she brings to everything she does,” while another emphasized that what defines Liliana is not just what she creates, but why she creates—seeing art as a means of healing, storytelling, and human connection. With her rare combination of artistic excellence, intellectual ambition, and compassion for others, Liliana is poised to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she hopes to serve.

She plans to major in Behavioral Neuroscience with minors in Art and Spanish, with aspirations of pursuing a master’s degree in art therapy.

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

05/11/2026

05/11/2026

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 CHLOE COOK

Creative Writing ~ Crystal Lake South High School

At her core, Chloe is a storyteller…

Her passion for storytelling began at a young age. Whether crafting original stories, participating in immersive storytelling through games like Dungeons & Dragons, or producing thoughtful academic work, Chloe consistently brings a strong and personal voice to her writing. Several of Chloe’s works have been preserved as model examples for future students—a testament to her skill and authenticity as a writer.

Described by one of her teachers as “one of the most intellectually curious, artistically gifted, and reflective students” they have taught, Chloe approaches her work with both depth and sincerity. She credits her high school experience as transformative, shaped not only by her own dedication but also by the mentorship of her teachers.

Looking ahead, Chloe plans to major in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing.

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