About Artspire
How Artspire Started
The first Artspire was held in 2014 and included the unveiling of the Confluence Mural by John Pugh, featured on the west side of the Pump House Regional Art Center at 119 King Street, the mural may be viewed free of charge at any time.
Confluence was funded through the joint efforts of many. The City of La Crosse Arts Board and non-profit consortium partner Pump House Regional Arts Center were awarded a prestigious “Our Town” grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to create this placemaking artwork. State, county, city, corporate, foundation, and private funding sources further combined to make this project a reality.
Our Mission
The mission of Artspire La Crosse is to attract, engage and connect people through the celebration of the region’s diverse arts and culture, while promoting the La Crosse area as an arts destination.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Where can I park? There are many nearby parking options. Please pay attention to signs for any time restrictions or payment instructions (most should be free on the weekend, but you never know):
- Bike Corral – on Artspire grounds
- Bike riders will be given a ticket with a number and the corresponding ticket will be taped to their bike. A sheet of paper with the ticket number, bike owners name and contact info will be provided so we could confirm bike ownership.
- Street Parking
- E Veterans Memorial Drive
- Front Street (especially the North side)
- Parking Lots
- International Garden lot (off of E Memorial Drive)
- Harborview One (State Street, across from The Charmant)
- Parking Ramps
- La Crosse Center Ramp – 201 Jay St, La Crosse, WI 54601
- Riverside Municipal Ramp – 424 2nd St S, La Crosse, WI 54601
- Main Street Ramp – 115 3rd St N, La Crosse, WI 54601
- Jay Street Parking Ramp – 407 Front St S, La Crosse
- Pine Street Ramp – 222 Pine St
Can I bring my dog? Dogs are welcome on Artspire grounds at Riverside Park but must be leashed at all times
Will there be seating provided? There will be picnic tables available around the grounds as well as bandshell benches but feel free to bring your own chairs or blankets to set up and enjoy the festivities.
Where can I find an ATM? There is no ATM on the park grounds, these locations below are the closest options.
- Kwik Trip
- Charmant
- Raddison
- La Crosse Center
Will the Pump House Regional Arts Center be open on Saturday, June 14 during Artspire? No, all staff will be at Artspire grounds. Come join us! Please note that the Pump House will also be closed the following week, Mon. June 16 – Thur. June 19. Regular hours will resume on Friday, June 20.
Our Core Values
Celebrate All
Celebrate our expansive local culture both demographically (age, ethnicity, gender, income, etc.) and artistically.
Make the Arts Accessible for All
Free and Inclusive
Innovate
Embrace new ideas and creative thinking.
Stimulate a Regional Appreciation for the Arts & Artists in our Community
Recognize local talent and grow it beyond our area.