The Cable-Hayward Area Arts Council, LTD (CHARAC, pronounced chair-ack), was organized as a 501(c)3 to operate exclusively for charitable purposes, to encourage the production, performance and appreciation of the arts through networking among artists and the community, supporting artists, increasing public awareness of the arts, and facilitating the arts through cultural programming, and education.

It was formed in 1996 by a group of artists and individuals interested in promoting the arts in our region. Its genesis came from the Chequamegon Fine Arts Festival that had been held at Telemark beginning in 1992. CHARAC produced its first newsletter in 1997 and began seeking memberships to the arts council in 1998 in order to provide support to local and aspiring artists. Beginning in 1999, the council began awarding scholarships to graduating high school seniors; sponsored its very first art exhibit at Northwoods Health Center; held the first Namekagon Art and Music Festival in Seeley, and the First Annual Dinner. From 2000 to the present, CHARAC has sponsored art events and activities by Northwoods Strings, 2^nd Sunday Poets, WOJB concerts, Chequamegon Children’s Theater, Serendipity Players, and the Park Center.

CHARAC continues to provide scholarships through the local high schools; Emerging Artists Grants; grants for education/workshops; and Professional Artist Grants. See details about these grant awards and scholarships by visiting our Membership page.

We have an ongoing Art Exhibition at the Sherman and Ruth Weiss Community Library.

Our region covers the population areas from Grandview in the north over to Barnes; down to Wascott through Minong to Spooner; and back east through Stone lake, and Couderay to Winter. We intend to work toward inclusion of art and art patrons from those areas by reaching out with programs and invitations to join us.