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ArtHouse 360 opens in Verona; founders launch $1 million capital campaign
Summary
Co‑founders and local officials celebrated the completion of ArtHouse 360’s renovations in Verona and announced a phase‑two campaign to raise $1 million in 18 months; Dane County provided $250,000 in seed support and local businesses donated materials and services.
ArtHouse 360 co‑founders celebrated the completion of renovations at a public ribbon‑cutting in Verona and announced a goal to raise $1 million over the next 18 months to fund programs and community access.
The announcement came during a morning ceremony that included remarks from elected officials and cultural partners. “We came together with 1 vision, to create a space where creativity thrives. Diversity is celebrated and people feel a true sense of belonging,” Monica Cleo, a co‑founder of ArtHouse 360, said at the event.
Why it matters: organizers and local officials said the renovated space will serve artists, entrepreneurs and residents in Verona and western Dane County and aims to expand classes, performances and community programming. Mark Grere, director of Dane Arts, said the project builds on county arts investments and economic development efforts. “Joe Parisi and the county board supported this effort with $250,000,” Grere said, describing earlier county support for the project.
At the ceremony, speakers credited a mix of public and private support for completing the renovation. Organizers thanked the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, the Evjue Foundation, the Verona Historical Society, the Verona Chamber of Commerce, and city staff for early and ongoing assistance. Local companies made in‑kind donations: Floor 360 donated carpeting, Chillbit donated security and Wi‑Fi equipment, and Bachman Construction served as the contractor on the renovation.
Sen. Hesselbine said the project reflects the area’s creative energy: “What a beautiful day, and what a fantastic day for Verona and for Dane County as well,” he said. Mayor Diaz and members of the Verona Common Council were also acknowledged during remarks for their support.
Organizers framed the next phase as programmatic rather than construction: co‑founders said Phase 2 funding would underwrite classes, youth engagement and community events. “Our goal is to raise another million dollars in the next 18 months to provide programs and access to what's happening in this building for more of our community,” a co‑founder said.
Speakers repeatedly invited residents to attend classes, volunteer or support the capital campaign so the space can host arts programming for years to come. The ribbon cutting concluded the ceremony; organizers said public programming will follow as fundraising and scheduling proceed.
