By Manya Kaczkowski
Artists have been selling their works outdoors for thousands of years, and that tradition remains strong today. In Wisconsin, the best art fairs tend to be on the shores of our numerous lakes and rivers, where visitors can make their art selections in a serenely beautiful, natural environment. From a sparkling set of bejeweled earrings to a stunning oil painting of a dramatic sunset, you’re sure to find something that stirs your senses. Here are five of the best summer art shows of the 2010 season:
Lakefront Festival of Arts, Milwaukee, June 18-20, $10The Milwaukee Art Museum sponsors this three-day show on the lakefront, with more than 170 artists from throughout the nation and thousands of visitors. Art-lovers can enjoy a taste from the vine in the wine garden, then stroll through aisles of fine art. In addition to delicate glass, fine jewelry and original paintings, shoppers can purchase one-of-a-kind fashions, sculptures and furnishings. A children’s hands-on studio/play area offers free or low-cost artistic endeavors for young Picassos and Renoirs. Visitors can also bid on art items in a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting the Milwaukee Art Museum. (414/224-3200,
mam.org)
Art Fair on the Square, Madison, July 10-11, freeArt Fair on the Square is a can’t-miss-it summertime destination for fine arts enthusiasts from across the Midwest. The 51st annual fair, organized by the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art on the grounds of the state capitol, will feature music, entertainment, and outdoor dining, as well as the work of nearly 500 juried artists exhibiting works from every niche of the visual arts. (608/257-0158,
mmoca.org) A companion show, Art Fair Off the Square, shows and sells the work of 140 Wisconsin artisans on the esplanade of the Monona Terrace Community Center. (608/798-4814,
artcraftwis.org)
Artarama’s Riverwalk Art Show, Eagle River, July 18, freePicturesque Riverside Park is the location of this one-day-only fine art show and sale, a tradition that began in 1972. More than 125 artists from throughout the nation display a variety of fine artwork including mixed media, jewelry, paintings, fiber, metal, photography and much more. A silent auction features pieces that are donated from the artists in the show, with profits going toward art scholarships and artist-in-residence programs. This well-respected show brings 8,000 visitors from far and wide each year. (800/359-6315,
artarama-er.com)
Bayfield Festival of Arts, Bayfield, July 31-Aug. 1, freeAt this 48th annual show on the sparkling shores of Lake Superior, visitors stroll through Memorial Park examining sculpture, jewelry, pottery and paintings. This year’s theme for the Chequamegon Bay Arts Council's live auction, held Friday, July 30th, is “The Art of Being Green.” Best of all, nine art galleries throughout Bayfield welcome guests with live demonstrations and special sales. “Visitors can witness the creation of art first-hand,” says Erin Johnson, Bayfield Chamber of Commerce. “Watch local artists perform wheel-thrown pottery techniques, and enjoy silver smithing, painting and weaving demonstrations.” (800/447-4094,
bayfield.org)
Venetian Festival Arts & Crafts Fair, Lake Geneva, Aug. 21-22, free.More than 100 artisans and crafters gather in southern Wisconsin in late August, setting up in tented booths in Library Park along the shores of Geneva Lake. On Sunday, after a full weekend of perusing the lovely, hand-crafted items at the fair, shoppers turn toward the water for a different set of artistic events. “Don’t miss the water ski show, the parade and the fireworks on Sunday night,” says Matt Stinebrink, festival chairman. Good advice: after the speed and acrobatic thrills of the Wonder Lake Ski team, boats of all shapes and sizes cruise by, lit with thousands of twinkling lights in enchanting nautical performance art. (800/345-1020,
lakegenevawi.com)
Great River Folk Festival, La Crosse, Aug. 28-29, $5The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse campus transforms into a haven for artists and performers of the home-grown variety this last weekend of summer. The Great River Folk Festival is filled with handmade artistry, featuring items such as wool rugs, beautiful glaze-painted pottery and hand-turned wooden bowls. Performance art abounds with music from nationally renowned performers playing everything from bluegrass to swing. Plus, there’s no need to leave when folks get hungry; ethnic foods prepared by local nonprofit organizations give a welcome twist to the usual “fair food.” (608/784-3033,
greatriverfolkfest.org)
Manya Kaczkowski is a freelance travel, food and lifestyle writer from Menomonee Falls. Content produced in cooperation with Wisconsin Trails, For a free trial issue of Wisconsin Trails magazine, please click here.
