A familiar piece of New Glarus Volksfest history is getting a fresh start.

The longtime mural backdrop used for Volksfest performances was first painted by Paul Grossenbacher, an immigrant from Switzerland and resident of the New Glarus area for more than 60 years, who was important member of the community. Then more than 35 years ago the backdrop was repainted by Ernie Jaggi, a New Glarus artist and yodeler who passed away in 2020. It is now being recreated by New Glarus artist Pamela Ruschman after years of use left the original panels deteriorating.

“A few years ago, the organizers of Volksfest realized the original mural backdrop was deteriorating,” Ruschman said. “For the past few years, we have been patching the mural panels with wood filler and repainting sections that had holes in them. 2026 was the year for a fresh start.”

Ruschman said Jaggi created the original backdrop on tagboard material, which helped it serve Volksfest for decades but has now begun to fall apart.

“So it really held up quite well considering the age,” Ruschman said.

The project is not simply a replacement. It is also an effort to honor the original artwork and preserve part of the visual tradition behind one of New Glarus’ signature community events.

“We have reached out to Ernie’s daughter, and she would like to salvage some of the panels if possible,” Ruschman said.

The new backdrop includes seven panels painted on a synthetic Lanai surface, which Ruschman said is suited for outdoor use and resists mold and scratching. The paint was purchased locally at New Glarus Ace Hardware.

“We hope it will last another 35+ years,” she said.

Ruschman said she wanted the new version to respect Jaggi’s original design while adding a few touches of her own.

“I wanted to honor Ernie’s beautiful original design that has served all the groups so well over the years,” she said. “Some elements of the backdrop will look familiar, but I’ve added cows and flowers.”

The scale of the work has also made it different from Ruschman’s usual painting process. She is best known for bold, vibrant oil paintings of Wisconsin livestock and landscapes, often working outdoors as a plein air painter.

“This is the first time I’ve worked on a project requiring step ladders and a large outdoor working space — quite a difference from setting up an easel along a roadside to plein air paint a landscape,” she said.

Ruschman grew up on a dairy farm outside Blanchardville and returned to Green County six years ago. She now lives in rural New Glarus. Her paintings can be found at Edgewood Orchard Gallery in Door County and The Pink Llama Gallery in Cedarburg. Locally, a small selection of her originals and cards is available at The Alpenhaus in New Glarus.

The work has come with some challenges, including summer heat and smoky conditions, but Ruschman said the project has been enjoyable.

“It’s been a really fun project to work on these past few weeks, but a little challenging with the heat and smoke we’ve been experiencing lately,” she said.

When the recreated backdrop is finished, Ruschman hopes it will do what the original has done for decades: help set the stage for music, performance and Swiss tradition in New Glarus.

“I hope viewers will feel a sense of joy with the vivid colors and peaceful setting the backdrop provides for our musicians and performers at Volksfest,” she said. “Visitors can be transported to the mountains in Switzerland for an afternoon in August. Along with some cold beverages, brats and landjaegers.”

– Learn more about New Glarus events, history and community traditions at New Glarus 360.

– Photos courtesy of Kelly and Pamela Ruschman