(Photo: A sample of the visual storytelling that Camela Langendorf, owner of Varitay Studios (lower left), and her team captures of their clients.) | | Racine County Arts Spotlight: Varitay Studios | |
Each month, Visit Racine County is shining a spotlight on the vibrant arts community in Racine County. Whether visual, performing, applied, or literary, Racine County is home to a nationally recognized art museum, engaging hands-on art studios, inspiring art galleries, and talented artists working in a variety of mediums. This month, we feature the following article by Camela Langendorf, owner of Varitay Studios.
Pursuing a Passion for Photography
Camela Langendorf of Varitay Studios did not set out to become a photographer, but life's unexpected paths often lead to the most fulfilling destinations. After earning her Master's Degree in Physical Therapy and practicing for 12 years, she realized she could no longer ignore her growing passion for photography. What began as self-taught exploration, later strengthened by seminars, conferences, and workshops, became a lifelong pursuit of telling stories through images.
Camela opened Images by Camela in Racine in 2007 and, in 2015, re-launched as Varitay Studios in a renovated space in the historic 410 Main Street building. The name is inspired by vérité—truth—reflecting her philosophy that the camera should "disappear" so authentic moments can shine through. Today, Varitay Studios is a contemporary portraiture and video studio specializing in business and corporate photography, personal branding, and visual storytelling. Most recently, the studio launched a new website showcasing its full range of services alongside highlights of Racine County's vibrant business and arts community.
She explains, "We want to help our business clients portray the mission, vision, and values they run their businesses with—through beautiful, quality, and relevant imagery that connects with their audiences." This mission extends beyond the studio. Collaboration is also central to Camela's process; working with a talented team and other local creatives helps sharpen her vision and ensures every project reflects the best of collective artistry. She also partners closely with business owners, corporations, and community leaders, and is deeply invested in Racine's creative and cultural growth.
Her involvement spans multiple organizations: she serves on the boards of the Racine Art Museum, Racine Symphony Orchestra, and ArtRoot, and is an active member of Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce (RAMAC) and the Downtown Racine Community Engagement Committee. With this unique vantage point of working in both the arts and business communities, she sees how bridging strong production with inspired creativity is key. By uniting these worlds, Racine can build the thriving future it envisions—and deserves.
Visit the new Varitay Studios website or follow them on Facebook.
| | | | Jack-O'-Lantern Nights Opens October 2 | |
Returning for its fourth year, the Racine Zoo is giving a fresh, new look to its Halloween-themed event, Jack-O'-Lantern Nights! The intricately designed jack-o'-lanterns will look like pieces of art during the day and come to life at night for all to see.
In the crisp fall air, stroll through the Zoo along a dedicated paved pathway and become immersed in dazzling lights and charming decorations. This year, the event will include a path filled with pumpkins displays, tractors, photo-ops with pumpkins and hay bales, and spooky lighting throughout.
The event runs October 2-31, Thursdays - Sundays, 6-10 p.m. Admission is $10 per person; free for children 2 years and younger.
| | | | | Fall Wine Walks Return to Downtwon Racine | |
Raise your glasses for the much-anticipated fall Wine Walks in Downtown Racine on October 4 and 11.
Immerse yourself in the changing seasons of downtown, set against the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan, as you embark on a delightful journey through 30 participating businesses pouring 20 exquisite wines and 10 beer samples. Tickets include admission to all 30 stops, a specially crafted wine sampling glass, a chic canvas tote bag, and delectable snacks at each location.
It's not just a stroll; it's a celebration of flavors!
| | | | | Lighthouse Legacies 2025 Quilt Show | |
Lighthouse Quilters Guild of Racine will be presenting Lighthouse Legacies 2025 Quilt Show on October 4 and 5 at Festival Hall.
This well-known and respected judged show will feature more than 200 quilts, challenge projects, demonstrations, a bed turning, a boutique of handmade items, a raffle quilt and sewing machine raffle, raffle baskets, quilt appraisals, vendors, concessions, and more.
Proceeds from the Lighthouse Legacies Quilt Show are shared between Lighthouse Quilters Guild and area charities.
| | | | | River Bend Nature Center Presents Chainsaw Carving & Art Forest Festival | |
Watch chainsaw artists from across the Midwest create incredible sculptures from logs at the Chainsaw Carving & Art Forest Festival at River Bend Nature Center on Sunday, October 5.
This annual festival features nature-focused handmade works of art for sale, a story trail in the forest, a nature trivia trail, adult and children's craft activities, extensive silent auction, chainsaw raffle, chainsaw carving auction, food trucks, and more.
Try your hand at archery. Canoe and kayaks will be available for rent to view the fall colors from the river. The event is FREE to attend.
| | | | | Haunt the Halls at the Inaugural MALTWORKS Monster Mash | |
Have a fa-boo-lous haunting the halls at the MALTWORKS Monster Mash on Saturday, October 11.
Expect all kinds of frightfully fun things including a scavenger hunt, creepy-cool crafts, face painting, photos ops (pet friendly), shopping, and food and drinks.
This event is FREE to attend. Attendees are encouraged to bring a new, unopened hygiene product to donate to the Hospitality Center of Racine.
| | | | | Youth Lacrosse Tournament Brings Fierce Competition to Franksville | |
At least 80 girls and boys junior lacrosse teams will descend on the SCORe Soccer Complex of Racine in Franksville for the Top Cheddar Lacrosse Tournament on October 11-12.
See competitive play on 22 grass fields full of great lacrosse matches, enjoy some top-notch food vendors, check out a merchandise tent, and experience it in an awesome atmosphere!
| | | | | Buzzed Wine Bar to Host a French Wine Dinner | |
Oh là là ! Buzzed Wine Bar in Downtown Burlington is hosting a French Wine Dinner on Tuesday, October 21.
Buzzed Wine Bar is partnering with Domaine Gassier to pair their French wines with a 6-course dinner designed by the owners of Infinity Coffee & Beyond in Downtown Burlington for a unique menu.
Domaine Gassier is a 5th generation, family-owned winery that makes a range of certified organic wines. The vineyard is located in the southernmost appellation of the Rhône Valley in France, and it occupies a unique space between two distinct topographical and cultural areas. Wines will be available for order at event only pricing.
| | | | | It's Time for Hallowine at Racine Zoo | |
Enjoy a Halloween-themed night of wine tasting during Hallowine at the Racine Zoo on Friday, October 24.
Receive your own souvenir sampling glass, dive into hors d'oeuvres, and visit with an animal ambassador.
You may want to bring a friend or two—who knows what spooky creatures will be lurking about this event!
| | | | | New Live Podcast: Made in Racine | |
Racine County Eye is launching Made in Racine, a new live podcast and story series celebrating innovation, grit, and local businesses making a difference in Racine County. The first episode will be recorded before a live audience on Friday, October 24 at their new location inside the historic Belle City Square at 1926 Albert Street.
The first episode, Haunted Racine, will be an interactive community experience including local historians, eerie lore, and audience participation, all focusing on the spooky history in Racine. Feel free to wear your favorite Halloween attire.
Purchase your tickets today and support amazing stories from our community!
| | | | | Celebrate the Spirit of Halloween at Free Fall Family Fun Fest | |
Don't miss out on a boo-tiful event! Free Fall Family Fun Fest is the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit on Saturday, October 25 at RAM's Wustum Museum of Fine Arts.
Join the Witches of Wustum for art activities inside and out, a scary scavenger hunt, and more. Dress in your Halloween best for the annual Costume Contest and strut your stuff in the costume parade for your chance to win fun prizes and bragging rights.
| | | | | Quilts on Barns Adventure | |
Looking for a fall road trip idea? Enjoy a self-guided driving tour to see 28 painted wooden quilt patterns on barns throughout Racine County, host to one of the first barn quilt projects in Wisconsin.
Many of the area's most popular attractions are minutes from the Quilts on Barns route. The route threads its way throughout the countryside and is incredibly photogenic in the fall.
Whether it's spotting barn quilts or simply exploring the scenic backroads of Racine County, you'll find beauty and surprises at every turn!
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"Snow White"
October 3-5
Dance your way to "Snow White" at the Racine Children's Theatre! A new twist on the fairytale you know and love, you'll meet Snow White and her seven dwarves, but also be introduced funky, fun characters. Plus, you'll learn important lessons about inner beauty along the way.
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Boo Fest
October 3-4, 10-11, 17-18
Boo Fest returns to Waterford for three weekends with rides, games, and fun for all ages. Have a ghoulish good time with a carnival at Ten Club Park, a spooky maze, an escape room, a BOO bus, a fire eater, a magician, and more.
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Racine Symphony Orchestra Fall Masterworks
October 11
Music has the power to tell stories that words alone cannot express. Join the Racine Symphony Orchestra for a profound and moving performance featuring the Violins of Hope, a collection of instruments once played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust.
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Candy Crawl
October 25
Bring your little ghosts and goblins for a free trick-or-treating event at Candy Crawl in Downtown Racine. More than 30 businesses will be passing out sweets and treats. Take the family for a day of free candy giveaways and a fun scavenger hunt for kids of all ages to enjoy.
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Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
November 8
Unwrap the magic of the holiday season at the Downtown Racine Holiday Parade & Tree-Lighting Ceremony. The event will include holiday singers and entertainment, a parade, a tree lighting ceremony with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a small fireworks display.
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Christmas Carnival of Lights
November 22-December 31
Experience the Midwest's biggest, brightest and most dazzling drive-through holiday light show at Christmas Carnival of Lights at Jellystone Park. NEW in 2025: Thousands of new lights and a completely reimagined layout!
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