The 4th annual West Bend Spring Fling Art & Craft Fair happens Saturday, May 22nd and Sunday, May 23rd at the Washington County Fair Park’s Ziegler Building! The Brew City Crafters host this two-day event with over 100 local exhibitors. It’s their first event in 18 months, so everybody is more than ready. It’s all indoors and approximately 85% of the booths will feature handmade arts & crafts focused on a wide variety of categories, including:
Bath, Body & Scent
Ceramics & Pottery
Fashion & Clothing
Food & Snack
Glasswork
Health & Beauty
Home Goods & Decor
Jewelry & Gemstone
Metalwork
Painting & Illustration
Pet Products
Prints & Photography
Textile Crafts
Woodwork
It runs from 10 am – 4pm both Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $3 for any individual over 12 years of age. Advance ticket sales are strongly recommended, as they are required to cap visitor volume per hour for this event. Your purchase of an ticket in advance directly supports the Wisconsin Humane Society!
You’ll find the Washington County Fair Park & Conference Center on the south side of West Bend, right off the U.S. 45 freeway. Highway 60 is about a mile south, and Highways 33 and 144 are to the north (they go right into town.) While you’re around West Bend, check out the downtown area including the Wisconsin Museum of Art, the shops on Main Street, the Toucan for some great custard, Riverside Brewery, and a lot more! It’s less than 10 minutes north of the I-41/U.S. 45 split, too.
West Bend Spring Fling Art & Craft Fair Address:
Washington County Fair Park & Conference Center
3000 County PV/Pleasant Valley Road
West Bend, WI 53095 Website
Downtown Waukesha, along with being a crazy maze of streets, offers up a lot of fun places. That includes art galleries. For the Waukesha Art Crawl (this one being #113), over 175 artisans represented, live music, galleries, studios, food/drinks, gifts, gifts, antiques, live music & more! There will also be a special Teacher’s Art Showcase at Otto’s Fine Art Academy. Look for a special Pop Up gallery at Art Links 333. As part of Waukesha Silver Bells, there will also be Reindeer at People’s Park from 1pm – 4pm. Many of the galleries and business open at 10am, so you can make a day of it. With COVID, of course CDC Guidelines are in place so you can enjoy the Waukesha Art Crawl safely. Please check with the participating to find out specifics for their businesses. Walk the downtown streets to discover your next artistic treasure, shop the boutiques, listen to live music or indulge in food and drink!
How do you get into Waukesha? I-94 and Highway 16 bring you to the north side; Highways 59 and 164 round the south and east sides. U.S. 18 cuts right through, take that or East or St. Paul Avenues.
West Bend’s Museum of Wisconsin Art offers Bloomin’ Holidays the first full weekend of November. In this crazy year, a “Floral Sanctuary” is the theme, showcasing (as they note) the “ephemeral beauty of flowers.” The event technically begins Friday, November 6th, but earlier in the week the museum will kick things off with a rather impressive large-scale exterior art installation using animated video projection right onto the building. The event itself includes three full days of floral arrangements throughout the museum, including pre-recorded video experts who discuss the flowers in 15-minutes talks throughout the weekend, on display in the atrium. The expanded MOWA Shop will offer a variety of gift giving items including unique hats, soaps, candles, ceramic dishware, and even delicious chocolates and maple syrup.
Featured Designers and Programs include:
Michael Alt, who will install a spectacular floral installation the museum’s atrium. Alt, who owns a shop in Milwaukee’s Walkers Point with his name on it, was awarded Best of Show at both 2017 and 2018 Bloomin’ Holidays for his creative floral masterpieces.
At Home with Ikebana featuring Elaine Jo, author and the Executive Master of the Ichiyo School of Ikebana. What is Ikebana, you ask? It’s the ancient Japanese art of flower arranging, used for centuries to bring harmony to living spaces. She will demonstrate how to arrange and position different flowers to create specific moods, effects, and feelings.
Enhancing Your Living Space featuring Zannah Crowe, a horticulturalist at Johnson’s Gardens, will help you discover ways to bring a beautiful, natural exterior to your indoor spaces. She’ll share tips for the proper care and placement of house plants, so you can benefit from that extra boost in mood and oxygen!
Grapevine Wreaths featuring Dane County botanist Kevin Kawula will help you learn which wood and vine elements can be best used for floral arrangements; he’ll also demonstrate the construction of a natural, DIY grapevine wreath for your home.
Fall Forage featuring John Holzwart from Plant Based Services LLC will showcase our native Wisconsin plant life, complete with tips and information on local foraging, medicinal plant life, and seasonal flower collecting.
Bloomin’ Holidays is free with membership or $15 for the weekend, which includes a complimentary annual membership – so it’s a good deal!
Timed Entry due to COVID for safety and enjoyment
MOWA provides a safe socially distanced experience, limiting gallery capacity to 25% or less. To ensure you can visit at your preferred time during Bloomin’ Holidays, you can make a timed reservation for Friday, November 6th, Saturday, November 7th, or Sunday, November 8th. You can also call (262) 334-9638. If you don’t make a reservation beforehand, you will be welcomed in at the first available entry time. Please note, the 9:30-11:30 timed entry reservations will be reserved for seniors and at-risk members.
The Museum of Wisconsin Art is in the heart of West Bend, just east across the Milwaukee River from the downtown shops. It’s accessible right off Highways 33; Highway 144 meets up just across the river. U.S. 45’s freeway bypass is just a few miles to the west and provides quick access to West Bend, and following the historic U.S. 45 route (Main Street) from the south brings you right there.
Bloomin’ Holidays Address:
Wisconsin Museum of Art
205 Veterans Avenue
West Bend, WI 53095
(262) 334-9638 Website
“Quilts on Barns” Road Rally takes place Saturday, October 10, 2020. Enjoy spending the day – or even just a part of it if you prefer – driving around the highways and byways of Racine County where you can see the beauty of rural art, looking for the 26 quilt patterns on a variety of barns! Make your first stop the Real Racine Visitor Center to pick up a Quilts on Barns driving tour map and road rally instruction card. Take a tour of four (4) barns, Sew n’ Save Quilt Palette OR Country Rose Bakery Cafe Quilt Palette. Then take a “selfie” of each and come on down to the Quilts on Barns Road Rally Downtown Headquarters or Real Racine Visitor Center to show them off. Several lucky winners will be randomly chosen to win quilts, original artwork and other prizes!
The Quilts on Barns Driving Tour includes 26 barns with an 8′ x 8′ wooden quilt pattern. Many other “quilt treasures” adorn barns and buildings along your driving route. Feel free to visit local Racine County businesses , restaurants, art galleries, and quilt stores. You will be amazed at what you can find!
Quilts on Barns Road Rally Address:
The Rally is obviously happening all around Racine County, but the central meeting point is the Real Racine Visitors Center on Highway 20 just west of I-41/94. The address (for your GPS) is 14015 Washington Avenue/Highway 20, Sturtevant, WI 53177. For more info, call (262) 635-0261.
Stockholm Women’s Weekend offers a slew of fun events along Highway 35 in this lovely town along the Mississippi River November 1-3, 2019. It’s a great time to take a moment to slow down and recharge, treat yourself, connect with friends, shop locally handcrafted items, and meet the artists.
Check out Friday’s Happy Hour & Welcome at Gelly’s Too, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Saturday is “Wine & Wander” throughout the village, focusing on the hours from noon until 5 pm. Enjoy progressive wine tastings with complimentary pairings at each stop.
Sunday, enjoy “Sunday Samplings,” including a Mimosa bar with pastries. Check out the mimosas at Stockholm Village Bistro from 9:00 am – 11:00 am. During Sunday afternoons, check out Pie Flights with wine, beer, and cider pairings at Stockholm Pie & General Store from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm (that’s a special ticketed event, by the way.)
Check out some of the specialty stores, too, for Stockholm Women’s Weekend:
SANDY’S CLOTHING AND ART
Check out not only complementary wine pairings at the unique boutique known as Sandy’s Clothing and Art, but explore the inside porch, which will be filled with Holiday Dressings all at 50% off!
HUGGA BUGGA
“Take a Break Station” Rest and relax from your busy day of shopping with coffee and a homemade treat.
HUMBLE MOON FOLKSTEAD (aka Antique Furniture)… AN EXPERIENCE
Owners Dan & Sarah created Humble Moon Folkstead with the idea in mind that they could live out their dreams in having a creative outlet and also to create an experience and inspiration for visitors. They have been customizing the property to suit their family needs so that the business can nurture and become part of their family lifestyle, not dominate their life. It is designed to have something of interest to men, women and children. It is a cozy casual environment where all are welcome to be themselves.
THE PURPLE TURTLE ARTISAN COLLECTIVE
Trunk show with local jeweler, CS King, who produces Earth-inspired, dark-roasted jewelry. Also, Beth Yelesky will be showcasing her skin and self care products.
THE PALATE
The Palate will feature appetizers along with wine pairings, along with recipes and more to complement what they have to offer in their charming store. They also offer cooking classes.
ABODE GALLERY
Trunk show with Robbin Firth from Heart Felt Silks. Extraordinary handcrafted fashion, and home decor in Eco dyed felted wool and silk. Scarves, runners, clothing and more.
STOCKHOLM PIE & GENERAL STORE
Check out, among their other excellent options, the FYRA: four flaky wedges of our world famous crust baked with cinnamon and sugar, topped with cardamon whipped cream, lingonberry sauce and local honey. Definitely tasty!
AND MUCH MORE!
Reach Stockholm via Highway 35, one of the most beautiful drives in the nation.
You’ll find beautiful Stockholm right along the Great River Road, Highway 35, in Pepin County where the Mississippi River widens into Lake Pepin. Definitely enjoy the drive, one of the most beautiful in America.
With Fall Fair to Remember, Washington County Fair Park near West Bend brims with an arts and crafts show that fills the Pavilion and Ziegler Fair Park buildings Friday and Saturday October 18-19, 2019. Check out all kinds of unique and attractive works of art for your home, garden, or wherever you choose to put ’em!
Parking is free and over 200 exhibitors will be there, offering a huge variety of goodies. They include children’s clothes, “mancave” gifts (probably “she-shed” too), women’s scarves, mittens, and all types of wood, glass, furniture, and fiber. Many items are recycled or “upcycled” products made by these talented artists. You can get your childrens’ faces painted or have a balloon sculpted by Jer Bear, free of charge.
While there, sign up for door prizes ranging from items made by the attending vendors to gift cards to cold, hard cash!
Washington County Fair Park is located just off U.S. 45 and north of Highway 60 just south of West Bend at County PV (which stands for “Paradise Valley”.) Highways 33 and 144 come close too – and the fall colors in Kettle Moraine surrounding the area will be gorgeous!
Hours are 4 pm – 8 pm Friday night, and 9 am – 4 pm Saturday night. Wheelchair access is available.
Fall Fair To Remember Address:
Washington County Fair Park & Convention Center
3000 Highway PV
West Bend, WI 53095
(262) 692-9488 Website
Rhinelander’s first Project North Festival takes place from Thursday, September 26th through Saturday, September 28th throughout the downtown area. Project North is a dynamic festival designed to focus on music, art, and the environment to showcase Rhinelander’s artistic community, appreciation for its captivating Northwoods environment, and its community cultural development efforts.
On the Arts side of the Project North Festival, you can check out interactive art exhibits, artist demonstrations and educational opportunities, movement and dance experiences, and a Downtown Art Walk in participating storefronts. ArtStart’s School Of the Arts Legacy Program classes will be held at UWSP-Treehaven for an add-on experience. Classes include writing, drawing, painting, play writing, collage, fiber art, and more.
Musically, there’s an impressive lineup of artists including:
Shook Twins from Portland
Bad Bad Hats from Minneapolis
Reina Del Cid from Minneapolis
Kind Country from Minneapolis
20 Watt Tombstone from Wausau
McNasty Brass Band from Minneapolis
Armchair Boogie from Stevens Point
Scott Kirby from Rhinelander
Ultrea from Madison
Humbird from Minneapolis
Wardehns from Wausau
Har-Di-Har from St. Paul
The Red Flags from Janesville
Purple Funk Metropolis from Minneapolis
Radiochurch from Minneapolis
Paco Fralick from Rhinelander
The Unnecessary Gunpoint Lecture from Madison
Luke Callen from La Crosse
Wurk from Madison
X Undead from Wausau
Boat Patrol from Rhinelander
As Bullets Baptize from Minocqua
Brett Schwartz from Three Lakes
Carolyn Jo Starling from Eagle River
Purging Paradise from Wausau
Nate Sheppard from Rhinelander
Ave’ Imperator from Madison
Elms from Wausau
Zippnuts from Wausau
Hand-Picked Bluegrass from Tomahawk
Circle of Willis from Rhinelander
Stovepipe Stephens from Rhinelander
Jared Kay from Rhinelander
Stall Black from Milwaukee
Phyl Wickham from Minocqua
Jasmine Zeigelbauer from Wausau
The Rhinelander Community Band from Rhinelander (of course)
The Eco Village at Project North Festival will welcome experts in sustainable practices to share their knowledge through demonstrations, presentations and informational booths. Project North Eco Village runs from 12:00pm – 5:00pm on Friday, September 27th and 10:00am – 5:00pm on Saturday, September 28th.
Project North Festival Address:
68 S. Stevens Street (Historic Highway 17)
Rhinelander, WI 54501
(715) 365-7464 Website
The Driftless area, a unique region that escaped the glaciers of the ice age, is an inspirational setting to many talented artists and artisans. Its hills and valleys are home to painters and potters, woodworkers and weavers, musicians and metalsmiths. To see the breadth and variety of their creations, you usually have to visit studios, stores and galleries across the area. But once a year in September, these artists gather together in Crawford County at the Driftless Area Art Festival in Soldiers Grove along Highway 131, right by U.S. 61.
This year, the Driftless Area Art Festival happens Saturday and Sunday, September 21-22, 2019. Admission and parking are free! Enjoy a drive with exceptional scenery, as the Driftless Area of Wisconsin is ridiculously beautiful. You can then stroll through the exhibits, imbibe in some local fare, and sip some local wines. Also, we’re pretty sure if you want to buy some of the art you can do that.
Driftless Area Art Festival Address:
Beauford T Anderson Park
101 Church Street
Soldiers Grove, WI 54655
(608) Website
The John Michael Kohler Arts Center celebrates the Midsummer Festival of the Arts July 20-21, 2019. More than 135 artists descend on downtown Sheboygan for a weekend of exhibitions, all set amidst gardens surrounding the world-class Arts Center with its light-filled spaces, 12 galleries, and ARTcafe.
This is touted as one of the finest outdoor arts festivals in Wisconsin! Exhibitors include jewelry, ceramics, glass, sculpture, painting, drawing, photography, leather, sculpture, art glass, wearable art, and more.
Fun, hands-on workshops for the whole family include “Concrete Creations: Fantasy Faces,” Clay Play, Marvelous Magificent Mobiles, and face painting for the kids (I think it’s just for kids, heck, doesn’t hurt to ask if you’re a grown-up and want your face painted, too.)
Visit the food court where the Culinary Art Car and other food trucks will recharge your energy reserves with a wrap, cheese curds, bratwurst, gyros, ice cream, or one of many other delicious treats.
Festivalgoers will be treated to “finger-snappin’, toe-tappin’”, free concerts from the Levitt AMP Sheboygan Music Series. The lineup includes the Mark Croft Band and Well-Known Strangers on Saturday. This Big Life, King Solomon, and Big Little Lions are scheduled to take the stage on Sunday.
Click here for all the details on the Midsummer Festival of the Arts, including a schedule of events and all the particulars. Admission is FREE.
Midsummer Festival of the Arts Address:
John Michael Kohler Arts Center
608 New York Avenue
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 458-6144
You’ll find the John Michael Kohler Arts Center on New York Avenue just east of 7th Street. It’s right between the heart of the Sheboygan’s downtown and Lake Michigan. Highways 23, 28, and 42 all bring you into town!
While in Sheboygan, check out their new City Green, which we discuss (along with many other things Sheboygan!) in our State Trunk Tour Podcast:
Start:
July 20, 2019 10:00 am
End:
July 21, 2019 4:00 pm
Venue:
John Michael Kohler Arts Center
Phone:
920-458-6144
Address:
608 New York Avenue, Sheboygan, WI, 53081, United States
Racine’s Monument Square Art Festival – they sometimes shorten it to MSAF – takes place Saturday and Sunday June 1st and 2nd, 2019. It’s one of Wisconsin’s oldest and most respected juried fine arts events, with over 60 artists from around the country. You’ll find works in a wide variety of media.
The festival includes the Great Lakes Chalk Art Competition (GLCAC), sponsored by Real Racine, featuring regional arts creating works of art along Fifth Street from Wisconsin Avenue to Main Street all day Saturday. GLCAC is a juried event offering $1,000 in cash awards. Judging takes place at the end of the day Saturday. Awards will be announced at the evening GLCAC/MSAF artists’ reception.
Check out “Chalk It Up and Chow Down” – a selection of local food vendors set up near the GLCAC artists. Live entertainment, a silent auction, and children’s activities round out the fun this weekend in Racine.
Monument Square Art Festival is coordinated by Racine Arts Council, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. RAC’s mission is to encourage, support and advocate on behalf of emerging and established artists, artistic groups in our community, and young people interested in the arts.
Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free!
You can get to downtown Racine via Highways 11, 20, 32, or 38. The city center is about 4 miles east of Highway 31 and 8 miles east of I-41/94.
Monument Square Art Festival Address:
Monument Square
600 Main Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 635-0261 Website
The Lakefront Artists Fair, taking place the day after First Fridays downtown, is Racine’s first outdoor art fair of the season. Over 100 artists from across the Midwest descend upon the Belle City to showcase their wares and create new ones.
Every year on the first Saturday in May Racine Montessori holds their biggest fundraiser of the year, the Lakefront Artist Fair. Running simultaneously with the Racine Kiwanis Pancake Day at Festival Park, it is an unofficial start to Racine’s summertime festival season.
Artisans from all over the Midwest will show and offer:
Jewelry
Paintings
Pottery
Metal Art
Garden Art
Clothing and more
In addition to a wonderful variety of original art, there are many other reasons to visit the Lakefront Artist Fair:
RMS Raffle, featuring a variety of great prizes
Gift Basket Silent Auction
Artist’s Silent Auction (many participating artists donate an item)
Bake sale
Food Station – Burgers/Brats Chips & Drinks
Bring your family and come join the fun!
You can reach Festival Park by taking Highways 11, 20, 32, or 38 to downtown. Festival Park will be just off the lakefront, near the Racine Art Museum, Monument Square, and other downtown sights.
Racine Lakefront Artists Fair Address:
5 Fifth Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 637-7892 Website
The last full weekend in April, the get bEHIND the aRTS Studio Tour offers three days filled with art––inviting guests to explore an entire weekend of creativity in Southeastern Wisconsin.
You’ll get up close and personal with nearly 100 area artists at the 9th annual get beHIND the aRTS. This two-day open house takes you to 32 studios, galleries and artist workspaces in Racine and Kenosha Counties. The purchase of a $5 pin (available at any location) gets you admission to all the sites both days. Tour hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday for Racine County locations and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday for Kenosha County locations. This year’s free Preview Party, with exhibits, art demonstrations, entertainment and an artist meet-and-greet, is 6 to 10 p.m. Friday at 5700 7th Avenue in Kenosha. Click here for the map and more event details on their site.
The weekend kicks off with the art party of the year, the GBTA Preview Party on Friday, April 26 from 6:00 to 10:00pm at 5800 7th Avenue in downtown Kenosha (Kenosha News Building).
On Saturday, April 27, Racine artists’ studios are open to the public, and on Sunday, April 28, Kenosha studios welcomes visitors. Artists’ workplaces are open on both days from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
Pick up your tour maps during the Preview Party or at any studio location the day of the tour.
Highways 11, 20 and 38 bring you to Racine from I-41/94 or Highway 31; Highways 50 and 158 bring you to Kenosha from I-41/94 or Highway 31; and Highway 32 runs along Lake Michigan between the two cities. Should be a nice weekend for a drive and to check out both cities, too!
gET bEHIND the aRTS Hours:
Preview Party in Kenosha at the Kenosha News building, 5800 7th Avenue in downtown Kenosha Friday night, April 26.
Racine, Saturday, April 27, 11 am – 5 pm
Kenosha, Sunday, April 28, 11 am – 5 pm
The Madison Art Bead & Glass Show hits the Alliant Energy Center Saturday, March 23rd and Sunday, March 24th with classes throughout the weekend and the sales floor open Saturday and Sunday. A huge variety of the crafts will be available for browsing and on sale for purchase. There are Make & Take activities, where six different hands-on projects can be created from six different instructors in a four-hour period. You don’t even need to bring supplies!
Check out the Bead Challenge, or just find pieces of art, beads, or glass creations you’d like to purchase.
It’s all happening at the Madison Art Bead & Glass Show, a perfect stop for artists and creatives of all stripes! It’s right off the Beltline (U.S. 12/18) along Rimrock Road near John Nolen Drive. U.S. 14 & 151 bring you close by, too!
Admission is $7 for one day, $11 for both days. You can buy tickets here.
Hours:
Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Madison Art Bead & Glass Show Address:
Alliant Energy Center
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way
Madison, WI 53713
(608) 838-8011 Website
Start:
March 23, 2019
End:
March 24, 2019
Venue:
Alliant Energy Center
Phone:
608-838-8011
Address:
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI, 53713, United States
Downtown Oshkosh comes alive the first Saturday of each month when art galleries and businesses open their doors to feature artwork of all varieties and genres. Come join the hundreds of other art lovers who make Oshkosh the place to be.
The next Oshkosh Gallery Walk is December 1st. Then they continue into 2019 on the first Saturday of each month. Officially, it runs 6-9pm but the fun doesn’t stop at 9.
Oshkosh hugs the western shore of Lake Winnebago and is directly reached by U.S. 45 and Highways 21, 44, and 76. Highway 91 gets you close (via 44) and several exits off I-41 bring you downtown, including 9th Street and Highway 44.
The Menomonie Fine Arts & Crafts Fair lets you enjoy the finest in arts and crafts shopping when original work takes center stage on all three floors of the Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts downtown. Treat yourself to Victorian holiday decorations, jubilant music, and the magic of the season!
The Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts annual Fine Arts and Crafts Fair features the work of more than 30 local and regional artists and fine craftspersons. Their work includes jewelry, painting, pottery, photography, sculpture, woodwork and more.
The Menomonie Market Food Coop will provide victuals for your dining pleasure! (“Victuals”, huh? Somebody used a thesaurus!)
You can easily get to Menomonie via I-94, U.S. 12, or Highways 25 & 29. Check out UW-Stout, Red Cedar Lake and the trails, and everything Menomonie has to offer while you’re there!
Menomonie Fine Arts & Crafts Fair Address:
Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts
205 Main Street East
Menomonie, WI 54751
(715) 235-0001 Website
Start:
November 16, 2018 11:00 am
End:
November 17, 2018 5:00 pm
Venue:
Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts
Phone:
715-235-0001
Address:
205 Main Street East, Menomonie, WI, 54751, United States
Madison hosts its annual Winter Art Fair off the Square on Saturday, November 10th and Sunday, November 11th at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. This 29th annual Winter Art Fair Off the Square will feature 135 Wisconsin artists and craftspeople as well as thousands of their works.
Visitors will see paintings, sculptures, jewelry, handbags, mosaics, ceramics, clothing, musical instruments, photography, mixed media, woodwork, graphics, fiber arts, and glasswork –all for sale. Every work has been created by the juried artists and craftspeople who will be present in their booths. The Fair is produced by the Wisconsin Alliance of Artists and Craftspeople, Inc., a group of artists dedicated to producing art fairs to benefit fellow artists.The Winter Fair Off the Square also offers live music, a silent auction, a young collectors corner, a booth which benefits Badger Childhood Cancer, and good food. Admission is $5.
There is a Young Collectors’ Corner where only children under twelve are admitted to purchase artwork of their choosing. Much of the art is the same as in exhibitors’ booths but at a much reduced price. See our WAAC Winter Art Fair Off the Square Gallery for photos of the fair.
Musical entertainment ranges from Johnny Chimes to Bluegrass, classical to the Madison Area Ukelele Initiative, with special performances by Madison Suzuki Strings students and advanced piano students of area piano teachers.
The Wisconsin Alliance of Artists and Craftspeople will be hosting another fundraiser for Badger Childhood Cancer Network during the Winter Art Fair Off the Square. The event gives patrons the opportunity to choose gift beads for kids and teens with cancer or blood disorders. These “WOW” beads – handmade by local artists – are part of the BCCN Hero Beads program.
Hero Beads let patients commemorate their personal treatment journey in the form of a simple, visible medical record. They initially receive a cord with letter beads that spell out their first name, plus a Diagnosis bead. Every time a young person has a procedure or passes a particular milestone, a member of the medical team can give him or her a special bead to add to the cord(s) of beads. Over time, Hero Beads provide a symbol of each patient’s personal journey, a touchable testament to strength and endurance.
For a donation of $5 patrons will be able to choose a gift for the children from over a thousand beautiful, handmade glass beads. The beads will be distributed among the patients, and the monetary proceeds go to the children’s families in the form of gas cards and other sundry items they require. BCCN relies solely on the community for financial support. We encourage everyone to attend and show their support for Wisconsin artists and the Badger Children’s Cancer Network this November.
You can reach Monona Terrace via US 151, using John Nolen Drive from the south, including the Beltline (US 12/18) and nearby main routes like US 14 and US 51, or from the north via East Washington Avenue off I-39/90/94, Highway 30, or Highway 113.
Art Fair off the Square Address:
Monona Terrace and Community Center
1 John Nolen Drive
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 204-9129 Website
Start:
November 10, 2018 9:00 am
End:
November 11, 2018 4:00 pm
Venue:
Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
Phone:
608-204-9129
Address:
1 John Nolen Drive, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Downtown Waukesha, along with being a crazy maze of streets, offers up a lot of fun places. That includes art galleries. For the Waukesha Art Crawl, over 175 artisans at 20 galleries and showplaces, live music, gift shops and more are featured at this seasonal event. Walk the downtown streets to discover your next artistic treasure, shop the boutiques, listen to live music or indulge in food and drink.
How do you get into Waukesha? I-94 and Highway 16 bring you to the north side; Highways 59 and 164 round the south and east sides. U.S. 18 cuts right through, take that or East or St. Paul Avenues.
Start:
October 6, 2018 4:00 pm
End:
October 6, 2018 10:00 pm
Venue:
Downtown Waukesha
Phone:
262-542-1522
Address:
337 W. Main Street, Waukesha, WI, 53186, United States
Plymouth celebrates its 15th annual live music extravaganza and fundraiser, called the Plymouth Cheese Capital Jazz & Blues Crawl for the Arts, on Friday, August 10th late afternoon into the evening.
This lively music event features 10 fantastic bands at the Plymouth Arts Center (PAC) in the courtyard and greatroom and at several downtown clubs and restaurants. Purchase the 2018 Wristband for $10, and receive one free raffle ticket (valued at $5) for a chance to win $500 in Cash with additional Big Cash Raffle Tickets available at the PAC – win up to $1000!
Participating venues this year are include the PAC; Antonio’s; City Club; 52 Stafford; The Depot; Wild Shots PUB, The Cheese Counter and Plymouth Tap. Festivities are kicked off at the PAC, 520 East Mill, downtown Plymouth, WI at 4:30pm. PAC’s Bourbon Street Café features a jazzy menu catered by Three Guys & a Grill until 9pm. The opening reception for our new exhibition, The Light of Thy Favor, featuring watercolors by Cedarburg artists, Tom Kubala and Colette Odya Smith opens in Gallery 110 North.
The trolley will take visitors to the venues from 7:00 to 11pm. Maps, flyers and wristbands are available at all venues. Join them for this exciting evening of the blended arts!
Plymouth Cheese Capital Jazz & Blues Crawl for the Arts Address:
Plymouth Arts Center
520 E. Mill Street
Plymouth, WI 53073
(920) 892-8409 Website
Plymouth Cheese Capital Jazz & Blues Crawl Lineup:
Jive Safely @ the PAC Greatroom, 4:30 – 6 pm
The Sentimellows @ the PAC Courtyard, 4:30 – 6 pm
Built For Comfort @ the PAC Greatroom, 6 – 9 pm
River City Six Dixieland Band @ the PAC Tent – Courtyard, 6 – 9 pm
The Sucherman/Underwood Duo @ the Cheese Counter, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Smooth Groove Jazz Quartet @ PJ Campbell’s at The Depot, 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Tracy Hannemann Jazz & Blues Combo @ Antonio’s, 7 – 10:30 pm
Milwaukee Hot Club @ 52 Stafford, 7:30 – 10:30 pm
Kal Bergendahl Project @ Plymouth Tap, 8:30 – 11:30 pm
Chanel Le Meaux & the Dapper Cads @ Wild Shots Pub, 8:30 pm – Midnight
The Blue City Olives @ City Club, 9 pm – 12:30 am
Start:
August 10, 2018 4:30 pm
End:
August 10, 2018 11:55 pm
Venue:
Plymouth Arts Center
Phone:
920-892-8409
Address:
520 E. Mill Street, Plymouth, WI, 53073, United States
Brodhead showcases its town with Covered Bridge Days August 10 – 12, 2018. Right along Highway 11, Brodhead hosts a weekend brimming with exciting and interesting activities for everyone. Events include the Wildflower Art Festival, featuring native plant tours and educational programs as well as a juried, high-quality art festival in downtown Veterans Park; exploring the historic Mill Race by pontoon boat at the new “Embrace the Race” event; and a regional garden tractor expo that brings hundreds of vintage and refurbished garden tractors to town.
Among the many long-standing Covered Bridge Days activities are a kids’ fun run, garden displays, tractor show with a thresheree and tractor pull, horse show with pony rides, toy tractor pull, flea market, vendors on the Square, Model A antique car display and classic car show, historical tours, volleyball and softball tournaments, a street dance, a parade, food stands and beer gardens.
The Jimmys, a contemporary blues band from nearby Monticello, will be performing live on Saturday from 7 – 10pm.
While in Brodhead, check out the downtown square, historic museum in the old train station, and historic shops and boutiques. Brodhead is in far eastern Green County and Highway 11 through there is a great drive.
Covered Bridge Days Address:
Downtown Square & South Brodhead (Highway 11)
Brodhead, WI 53520
(608) 897-8411 Website
Start:
August 10, 2018
End:
August 12, 2018
Venue:
Downtown Brodhead
Phone:
608-897-8411
Address:
900 W. Exchange Street, Brodhead, WI, 53520, United States
The Lake Superior Chainsaw Sculpture Championship will be held on Barker’s Island this year in Superior the weekend of August 9-12, 2018!
Watch chainsaw artists from around the world turn simple logs into stunning works of wildlife themed art! Master and guest carvers compete daily in challenging “quick carve” events. The four-day event ends with an official judging of the chainsaw sculptures created by master carvers over the course of the Lake Superior Chainsaw Sculpture Championship. Stay for the daily, live-auctions and take home a master’s work of art! Bring the whole family, children 12 and under are free with paid adult!
Those works also will be available to the highest bidder at Sunday’s auction following the award presentations.
Event starts at 10:00 am daily.
Children 12 and under attend free with ticketed adult.
Tickets are not required on Thursday, August 9.
For the latest event information, follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
Superior is, of course, in the far northwestern corner of Wisconsin, nestled between the St. Louis River and Lake Superior, with Duluth, Minnesota across the way. To get to Superior and Barkers Island, just follow U.S. 2, U.S. 53, or Highways 13 or 35.
Lake Superior Chainsaw Sculpture Championship Address:
Barkers Island, 229 Marina Drive
Superior, WI 54880
(218) 590-5732 Website
Start:
August 9, 2018 10:00 am
End:
August 12, 2018 6:00 pm
Venue:
Barkers Island
Phone:
218-590-5732
Address:
229 Marina Drive, Superior, WI, 54880, United States
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events › Art
May 22, 2021 – May 23, 2021
West Bend Spring Fling Art & Craft Fair
The 4th annual West Bend Spring Fling Art & Craft Fair happens Saturday, May 22nd and Sunday, May 23rd at the Washington County Fair Park’s Ziegler Building! The Brew City Crafters host this two-day event with over 100 local exhibitors. It’s their first event in 18 months, so everybody is more than ready. It’s all indoors and approximately 85% of the booths will feature handmade arts & crafts focused on a wide variety of categories, including:
It runs from 10 am – 4pm both Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $3 for any individual over 12 years of age. Advance ticket sales are strongly recommended, as they are required to cap visitor volume per hour for this event. Your purchase of an ticket in advance directly supports the Wisconsin Humane Society!
You’ll find the Washington County Fair Park & Conference Center on the south side of West Bend, right off the U.S. 45 freeway. Highway 60 is about a mile south, and Highways 33 and 144 are to the north (they go right into town.) While you’re around West Bend, check out the downtown area including the Wisconsin Museum of Art, the shops on Main Street, the Toucan for some great custard, Riverside Brewery, and a lot more! It’s less than 10 minutes north of the I-41/U.S. 45 split, too.
West Bend Spring Fling Art & Craft Fair Address:
Washington County Fair Park & Conference Center
3000 County PV/Pleasant Valley Road
West Bend, WI 53095
Website
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December 5, 2020
Waukesha Art Crawl
Downtown Waukesha, along with being a crazy maze of streets, offers up a lot of fun places. That includes art galleries. For the Waukesha Art Crawl (this one being #113), over 175 artisans represented, live music, galleries, studios, food/drinks, gifts, gifts, antiques, live music & more! There will also be a special Teacher’s Art Showcase at Otto’s Fine Art Academy. Look for a special Pop Up gallery at Art Links 333. As part of Waukesha Silver Bells, there will also be Reindeer at People’s Park from 1pm – 4pm. Many of the galleries and business open at 10am, so you can make a day of it. With COVID, of course CDC Guidelines are in place so you can enjoy the Waukesha Art Crawl safely. Please check with the participating to find out specifics for their businesses. Walk the downtown streets to discover your next artistic treasure, shop the boutiques, listen to live music or indulge in food and drink!
Check out WaukeshaArt.com for all the updates and details!
How do you get into Waukesha? I-94 and Highway 16 bring you to the north side; Highways 59 and 164 round the south and east sides. U.S. 18 cuts right through, take that or East or St. Paul Avenues.
Get a map of the events here!
Waukesha Art Crawl Address:
Downtown Waukesha, WI
(262) 542-1522
Website
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November 6, 2020 – November 8, 2020
Bloomin’ Holidays, Museum of Wisconsin Art
West Bend’s Museum of Wisconsin Art offers Bloomin’ Holidays the first full weekend of November. In this crazy year, a “Floral Sanctuary” is the theme, showcasing (as they note) the “ephemeral beauty of flowers.” The event technically begins Friday, November 6th, but earlier in the week the museum will kick things off with a rather impressive large-scale exterior art installation using animated video projection right onto the building. The event itself includes three full days of floral arrangements throughout the museum, including pre-recorded video experts who discuss the flowers in 15-minutes talks throughout the weekend, on display in the atrium. The expanded MOWA Shop will offer a variety of gift giving items including unique hats, soaps, candles, ceramic dishware, and even delicious chocolates and maple syrup.
Featured Designers and Programs include:
Michael Alt, who will install a spectacular floral installation the museum’s atrium. Alt, who owns a shop in Milwaukee’s Walkers Point with his name on it, was awarded Best of Show at both 2017 and 2018 Bloomin’ Holidays for his creative floral masterpieces.
Enhancing Your Living Space featuring Zannah Crowe, a horticulturalist at Johnson’s Gardens, will help you discover ways to bring a beautiful, natural exterior to your indoor spaces. She’ll share tips for the proper care and placement of house plants, so you can benefit from that extra boost in mood and oxygen!
Grapevine Wreaths featuring Dane County botanist Kevin Kawula will help you learn which wood and vine elements can be best used for floral arrangements; he’ll also demonstrate the construction of a natural, DIY grapevine wreath for your home.
Fall Forage featuring John Holzwart from Plant Based Services LLC will showcase our native Wisconsin plant life, complete with tips and information on local foraging, medicinal plant life, and seasonal flower collecting.
Timed Entry due to COVID for safety and enjoyment
MOWA provides a safe socially distanced experience, limiting gallery capacity to 25% or less. To ensure you can visit at your preferred time during Bloomin’ Holidays, you can make a timed reservation for Friday, November 6th, Saturday, November 7th, or Sunday, November 8th. You can also call (262) 334-9638. If you don’t make a reservation beforehand, you will be welcomed in at the first available entry time. Please note, the 9:30-11:30 timed entry reservations will be reserved for seniors and at-risk members.
The Museum of Wisconsin Art is in the heart of West Bend, just east across the Milwaukee River from the downtown shops. It’s accessible right off Highways 33; Highway 144 meets up just across the river. U.S. 45’s freeway bypass is just a few miles to the west and provides quick access to West Bend, and following the historic U.S. 45 route (Main Street) from the south brings you right there.
Bloomin’ Holidays Address:
Wisconsin Museum of Art
205 Veterans Avenue
West Bend, WI 53095
(262) 334-9638
Website
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October 10, 2020
Quilts on Barns Road Rally
“Quilts on Barns” Road Rally takes place Saturday, October 10, 2020. Enjoy spending the day – or even just a part of it if you prefer – driving around the highways and byways of Racine County where you can see the beauty of rural art, looking for the 26 quilt patterns on a variety of barns! Make your first stop the Real Racine Visitor Center to pick up a Quilts on Barns driving tour map and road rally instruction card. Take a tour of four (4) barns, Sew n’ Save Quilt Palette OR Country Rose Bakery Cafe Quilt Palette. Then take a “selfie” of each and come on down to the Quilts on Barns Road Rally Downtown Headquarters or Real Racine Visitor Center to show them off. Several lucky winners will be randomly chosen to win quilts, original artwork and other prizes!
The Quilts on Barns Driving Tour includes 26 barns with an 8′ x 8′ wooden quilt pattern. Many other “quilt treasures” adorn barns and buildings along your driving route. Feel free to visit local Racine County businesses , restaurants, art galleries, and quilt stores. You will be amazed at what you can find!
Quilts on Barns Road Rally Address:
The Rally is obviously happening all around Racine County, but the central meeting point is the Real Racine Visitors Center on Highway 20 just west of I-41/94. The address (for your GPS) is 14015 Washington Avenue/Highway 20, Sturtevant, WI 53177. For more info, call (262) 635-0261.
More info is available on the Racine Arts Council website.
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November 1, 2019 – November 3, 2019
Stockholm Women’s Weekend
Stockholm Women’s Weekend offers a slew of fun events along Highway 35 in this lovely town along the Mississippi River November 1-3, 2019. It’s a great time to take a moment to slow down and recharge, treat yourself, connect with friends, shop locally handcrafted items, and meet the artists.
Check out Friday’s Happy Hour & Welcome at Gelly’s Too, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Saturday is “Wine & Wander” throughout the village, focusing on the hours from noon until 5 pm. Enjoy progressive wine tastings with complimentary pairings at each stop.
Sunday, enjoy “Sunday Samplings,” including a Mimosa bar with pastries. Check out the mimosas at Stockholm Village Bistro from 9:00 am – 11:00 am. During Sunday afternoons, check out Pie Flights with wine, beer, and cider pairings at Stockholm Pie & General Store from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm (that’s a special ticketed event, by the way.)
Check out some of the specialty stores, too, for Stockholm Women’s Weekend:
SANDY’S CLOTHING AND ART
Check out not only complementary wine pairings at the unique boutique known as Sandy’s Clothing and Art, but explore the inside porch, which will be filled with Holiday Dressings all at 50% off!
HUGGA BUGGA
“Take a Break Station” Rest and relax from your busy day of shopping with coffee and a homemade treat.
HUMBLE MOON FOLKSTEAD (aka Antique Furniture)… AN EXPERIENCE
Owners Dan & Sarah created Humble Moon Folkstead with the idea in mind that they could live out their dreams in having a creative outlet and also to create an experience and inspiration for visitors. They have been customizing the property to suit their family needs so that the business can nurture and become part of their family lifestyle, not dominate their life. It is designed to have something of interest to men, women and children. It is a cozy casual environment where all are welcome to be themselves.
THE PURPLE TURTLE ARTISAN COLLECTIVE
Trunk show with local jeweler, CS King, who produces Earth-inspired, dark-roasted jewelry. Also, Beth Yelesky will be showcasing her skin and self care products.
THE PALATE
The Palate will feature appetizers along with wine pairings, along with recipes and more to complement what they have to offer in their charming store. They also offer cooking classes.
ABODE GALLERY
Trunk show with Robbin Firth from Heart Felt Silks. Extraordinary handcrafted fashion, and home decor in Eco dyed felted wool and silk. Scarves, runners, clothing and more.
STOCKHOLM PIE & GENERAL STORE
Check out, among their other excellent options, the FYRA: four flaky wedges of our world famous crust baked with cinnamon and sugar, topped with cardamon whipped cream, lingonberry sauce and local honey. Definitely tasty!
AND MUCH MORE!
Reach Stockholm via Highway 35, one of the most beautiful drives in the nation.
Stockholm Women’s Weekend Event Address:
2040 Spring Street
Stockholm, WI 54769
(715) 442-2266
Website
Facebook Page
You’ll find beautiful Stockholm right along the Great River Road, Highway 35, in Pepin County where the Mississippi River widens into Lake Pepin. Definitely enjoy the drive, one of the most beautiful in America.
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October 18, 2019 – October 19, 2019
Fall Fair to Remember
With Fall Fair to Remember, Washington County Fair Park near West Bend brims with an arts and crafts show that fills the Pavilion and Ziegler Fair Park buildings Friday and Saturday October 18-19, 2019. Check out all kinds of unique and attractive works of art for your home, garden, or wherever you choose to put ’em!
Parking is free and over 200 exhibitors will be there, offering a huge variety of goodies. They include children’s clothes, “mancave” gifts (probably “she-shed” too), women’s scarves, mittens, and all types of wood, glass, furniture, and fiber. Many items are recycled or “upcycled” products made by these talented artists. You can get your childrens’ faces painted or have a balloon sculpted by Jer Bear, free of charge.
While there, sign up for door prizes ranging from items made by the attending vendors to gift cards to cold, hard cash!
Washington County Fair Park is located just off U.S. 45 and north of Highway 60 just south of West Bend at County PV (which stands for “Paradise Valley”.) Highways 33 and 144 come close too – and the fall colors in Kettle Moraine surrounding the area will be gorgeous!
Hours are 4 pm – 8 pm Friday night, and 9 am – 4 pm Saturday night. Wheelchair access is available.
Fall Fair To Remember Address:
Washington County Fair Park & Convention Center
3000 Highway PV
West Bend, WI 53095
(262) 692-9488
Website
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September 26, 2019 – September 28, 2019
Project North Festival
Rhinelander’s first Project North Festival takes place from Thursday, September 26th through Saturday, September 28th throughout the downtown area. Project North is a dynamic festival designed to focus on music, art, and the environment to showcase Rhinelander’s artistic community, appreciation for its captivating Northwoods environment, and its community cultural development efforts.
On the Arts side of the Project North Festival, you can check out interactive art exhibits, artist demonstrations and educational opportunities, movement and dance experiences, and a Downtown Art Walk in participating storefronts. ArtStart’s School Of the Arts Legacy Program classes will be held at UWSP-Treehaven for an add-on experience. Classes include writing, drawing, painting, play writing, collage, fiber art, and more.
Musically, there’s an impressive lineup of artists including:
Get details on each band and schedules, stages and more HERE!
The Eco Village at Project North Festival will welcome experts in sustainable practices to share their knowledge through demonstrations, presentations and informational booths. Project North Eco Village runs from 12:00pm – 5:00pm on Friday, September 27th and 10:00am – 5:00pm on Saturday, September 28th.
Project North Festival Address:
68 S. Stevens Street (Historic Highway 17)
Rhinelander, WI 54501
(715) 365-7464
Website
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September 21, 2019 – September 22, 2019
Driftless Area Art Festival
The Driftless area, a unique region that escaped the glaciers of the ice age, is an inspirational setting to many talented artists and artisans. Its hills and valleys are home to painters and potters, woodworkers and weavers, musicians and metalsmiths. To see the breadth and variety of their creations, you usually have to visit studios, stores and galleries across the area. But once a year in September, these artists gather together in Crawford County at the Driftless Area Art Festival in Soldiers Grove along Highway 131, right by U.S. 61.
This year, the Driftless Area Art Festival happens Saturday and Sunday, September 21-22, 2019. Admission and parking are free! Enjoy a drive with exceptional scenery, as the Driftless Area of Wisconsin is ridiculously beautiful. You can then stroll through the exhibits, imbibe in some local fare, and sip some local wines. Also, we’re pretty sure if you want to buy some of the art you can do that.
Driftless Area Art Festival Address:
Beauford T Anderson Park
101 Church Street
Soldiers Grove, WI 54655
(608)
Website
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July 20, 2019 – July 21, 2019
Midsummer Festival of the Arts
The John Michael Kohler Arts Center celebrates the Midsummer Festival of the Arts July 20-21, 2019. More than 135 artists descend on downtown Sheboygan for a weekend of exhibitions, all set amidst gardens surrounding the world-class Arts Center with its light-filled spaces, 12 galleries, and ARTcafe.
Fun, hands-on workshops for the whole family include “Concrete Creations: Fantasy Faces,” Clay Play, Marvelous Magificent Mobiles, and face painting for the kids (I think it’s just for kids, heck, doesn’t hurt to ask if you’re a grown-up and want your face painted, too.)
Visit the food court where the Culinary Art Car and other food trucks will recharge your energy reserves with a wrap, cheese curds, bratwurst, gyros, ice cream, or one of many other delicious treats.
Festivalgoers will be treated to “finger-snappin’, toe-tappin’”, free concerts from the Levitt AMP Sheboygan Music Series. The lineup includes the Mark Croft Band and Well-Known Strangers on Saturday. This Big Life, King Solomon, and Big Little Lions are scheduled to take the stage on Sunday.
Click here for all the details on the Midsummer Festival of the Arts, including a schedule of events and all the particulars. Admission is FREE.
Midsummer Festival of the Arts Address:
John Michael Kohler Arts Center
608 New York Avenue
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 458-6144
You’ll find the John Michael Kohler Arts Center on New York Avenue just east of 7th Street. It’s right between the heart of the Sheboygan’s downtown and Lake Michigan. Highways 23, 28, and 42 all bring you into town!
While in Sheboygan, check out their new City Green, which we discuss (along with many other things Sheboygan!) in our State Trunk Tour Podcast:
June 1, 2019 – June 2, 2019
Monument Square Art Festival, Racine
The festival includes the Great Lakes Chalk Art Competition (GLCAC), sponsored by Real Racine, featuring regional arts creating works of art along Fifth Street from Wisconsin Avenue to Main Street all day Saturday. GLCAC is a juried event offering $1,000 in cash awards. Judging takes place at the end of the day Saturday. Awards will be announced at the evening GLCAC/MSAF artists’ reception.
Check out “Chalk It Up and Chow Down” – a selection of local food vendors set up near the GLCAC artists. Live entertainment, a silent auction, and children’s activities round out the fun this weekend in Racine.
Monument Square Art Festival is coordinated by Racine Arts Council, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. RAC’s mission is to encourage, support and advocate on behalf of emerging and established artists, artistic groups in our community, and young people interested in the arts.
Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free!
You can get to downtown Racine via Highways 11, 20, 32, or 38. The city center is about 4 miles east of Highway 31 and 8 miles east of I-41/94.
Monument Square Art Festival Address:
Monument Square
600 Main Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 635-0261
Website
May 4, 2019
Lakefront Artists Fair, Racine
Every year on the first Saturday in May Racine Montessori holds their biggest fundraiser of the year, the Lakefront Artist Fair. Running simultaneously with the Racine Kiwanis Pancake Day at Festival Park, it is an unofficial start to Racine’s summertime festival season.
Artisans from all over the Midwest will show and offer:
Jewelry
Paintings
Pottery
Metal Art
Garden Art
Clothing and more
In addition to a wonderful variety of original art, there are many other reasons to visit the Lakefront Artist Fair:
RMS Raffle, featuring a variety of great prizes
Gift Basket Silent Auction
Artist’s Silent Auction (many participating artists donate an item)
Bake sale
Food Station – Burgers/Brats Chips & Drinks
Bring your family and come join the fun!
You can reach Festival Park by taking Highways 11, 20, 32, or 38 to downtown. Festival Park will be just off the lakefront, near the Racine Art Museum, Monument Square, and other downtown sights.
Racine Lakefront Artists Fair Address:
5 Fifth Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 637-7892
Website
April 27, 2019 – April 28, 2019
Get bEHIND the aRTS Studio Tour
The last full weekend in April, the get bEHIND the aRTS Studio Tour offers three days filled with art––inviting guests to explore an entire weekend of creativity in Southeastern Wisconsin.
You’ll get up close and personal with nearly 100 area artists at the 9th annual get beHIND the aRTS. This two-day open house takes you to 32 studios, galleries and artist workspaces in Racine and Kenosha Counties. The purchase of a $5 pin (available at any location) gets you admission to all the sites both days. Tour hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday for Racine County locations and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday for Kenosha County locations. This year’s free Preview Party, with exhibits, art demonstrations, entertainment and an artist meet-and-greet, is 6 to 10 p.m. Friday at 5700 7th Avenue in Kenosha. Click here for the map and more event details on their site.
The weekend kicks off with the art party of the year, the GBTA Preview Party on Friday, April 26 from 6:00 to 10:00pm at 5800 7th Avenue in downtown Kenosha (Kenosha News Building).
On Saturday, April 27, Racine artists’ studios are open to the public, and on Sunday, April 28, Kenosha studios welcomes visitors. Artists’ workplaces are open on both days from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
Pick up your tour maps during the Preview Party or at any studio location the day of the tour.
Highways 11, 20 and 38 bring you to Racine from I-41/94 or Highway 31; Highways 50 and 158 bring you to Kenosha from I-41/94 or Highway 31; and Highway 32 runs along Lake Michigan between the two cities. Should be a nice weekend for a drive and to check out both cities, too!
gET bEHIND the aRTS Hours:
Preview Party in Kenosha at the Kenosha News building, 5800 7th Avenue in downtown Kenosha Friday night, April 26.
Racine, Saturday, April 27, 11 am – 5 pm
Kenosha, Sunday, April 28, 11 am – 5 pm
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March 23, 2019 – March 24, 2019
Madison Art, Bead & Glass Show
Check out the Bead Challenge, or just find pieces of art, beads, or glass creations you’d like to purchase.
It’s all happening at the Madison Art Bead & Glass Show, a perfect stop for artists and creatives of all stripes! It’s right off the Beltline (U.S. 12/18) along Rimrock Road near John Nolen Drive. U.S. 14 & 151 bring you close by, too!
Admission is $7 for one day, $11 for both days. You can buy tickets here.
Hours:
Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Madison Art Bead & Glass Show Address:
Alliant Energy Center
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way
Madison, WI 53713
(608) 838-8011
Website
December 1, 2018
Oshkosh Gallery Walk
Downtown Oshkosh comes alive the first Saturday of each month when art galleries and businesses open their doors to feature artwork of all varieties and genres. Come join the hundreds of other art lovers who make Oshkosh the place to be.
The next Oshkosh Gallery Walk is December 1st. Then they continue into 2019 on the first Saturday of each month. Officially, it runs 6-9pm but the fun doesn’t stop at 9.
Oshkosh hugs the western shore of Lake Winnebago and is directly reached by U.S. 45 and Highways 21, 44, and 76. Highway 91 gets you close (via 44) and several exits off I-41 bring you downtown, including 9th Street and Highway 44.
Oshkosh Gallery Walk Address:
Downtown Oshkosh
Website
November 16, 2018 – November 17, 2018
Menomonie Fine Arts and Crafts Fair
The Menomonie Fine Arts & Crafts Fair lets you enjoy the finest in arts and crafts shopping when original work takes center stage on all three floors of the Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts downtown. Treat yourself to Victorian holiday decorations, jubilant music, and the magic of the season!
The Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts annual Fine Arts and Crafts Fair features the work of more than 30 local and regional artists and fine craftspersons. Their work includes jewelry, painting, pottery, photography, sculpture, woodwork and more.
The Menomonie Market Food Coop will provide victuals for your dining pleasure! (“Victuals”, huh? Somebody used a thesaurus!)
You can easily get to Menomonie via I-94, U.S. 12, or Highways 25 & 29. Check out UW-Stout, Red Cedar Lake and the trails, and everything Menomonie has to offer while you’re there!
Menomonie Fine Arts & Crafts Fair Address:
Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts
205 Main Street East
Menomonie, WI 54751
(715) 235-0001
Website
November 10, 2018 – November 11, 2018
Winter Art Fair Off the Square
Madison hosts its annual Winter Art Fair off the Square on Saturday, November 10th and Sunday, November 11th at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. This 29th annual Winter Art Fair Off the Square will feature 135 Wisconsin artists and craftspeople as well as thousands of their works.
Visitors will see paintings, sculptures, jewelry, handbags, mosaics, ceramics, clothing, musical instruments, photography, mixed media, woodwork, graphics, fiber arts, and glasswork –all for sale. Every work has been created by the juried artists and craftspeople who will be present in their booths. The Fair is produced by the Wisconsin Alliance of Artists and Craftspeople, Inc., a group of artists dedicated to producing art fairs to benefit fellow artists.The Winter Fair Off the Square also offers live music, a silent auction, a young collectors corner, a booth which benefits Badger Childhood Cancer, and good food. Admission is $5.
There is a Young Collectors’ Corner where only children under twelve are admitted to purchase artwork of their choosing. Much of the art is the same as in exhibitors’ booths but at a much reduced price. See our WAAC Winter Art Fair Off the Square Gallery for photos of the fair.
Musical entertainment ranges from Johnny Chimes to Bluegrass, classical to the Madison Area Ukelele Initiative, with special performances by Madison Suzuki Strings students and advanced piano students of area piano teachers.
The Wisconsin Alliance of Artists and Craftspeople will be hosting another fundraiser for Badger Childhood Cancer Network during the Winter Art Fair Off the Square. The event gives patrons the opportunity to choose gift beads for kids and teens with cancer or blood disorders. These “WOW” beads – handmade by local artists – are part of the BCCN Hero Beads program.
Hero Beads let patients commemorate their personal treatment journey in the form of a simple, visible medical record. They initially receive a cord with letter beads that spell out their first name, plus a Diagnosis bead. Every time a young person has a procedure or passes a particular milestone, a member of the medical team can give him or her a special bead to add to the cord(s) of beads. Over time, Hero Beads provide a symbol of each patient’s personal journey, a touchable testament to strength and endurance.
For a donation of $5 patrons will be able to choose a gift for the children from over a thousand beautiful, handmade glass beads. The beads will be distributed among the patients, and the monetary proceeds go to the children’s families in the form of gas cards and other sundry items they require. BCCN relies solely on the community for financial support. We encourage everyone to attend and show their support for Wisconsin artists and the Badger Children’s Cancer Network this November.
You can reach Monona Terrace via US 151, using John Nolen Drive from the south, including the Beltline (US 12/18) and nearby main routes like US 14 and US 51, or from the north via East Washington Avenue off I-39/90/94, Highway 30, or Highway 113.
Art Fair off the Square Address:
Monona Terrace and Community Center
1 John Nolen Drive
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 204-9129
Website
October 6, 2018
Waukesha Art Crawl
Downtown Waukesha, along with being a crazy maze of streets, offers up a lot of fun places. That includes art galleries. For the Waukesha Art Crawl, over 175 artisans at 20 galleries and showplaces, live music, gift shops and more are featured at this seasonal event. Walk the downtown streets to discover your next artistic treasure, shop the boutiques, listen to live music or indulge in food and drink.
Check out WaukeshaArt.com for all the updates and details!
How do you get into Waukesha? I-94 and Highway 16 bring you to the north side; Highways 59 and 164 round the south and east sides. U.S. 18 cuts right through, take that or East or St. Paul Avenues.
August 10, 2018
Cheese Capital Jazz and Blues Crawl for the Arts
Plymouth celebrates its 15th annual live music extravaganza and fundraiser, called the Plymouth Cheese Capital Jazz & Blues Crawl for the Arts, on Friday, August 10th late afternoon into the evening.
This lively music event features 10 fantastic bands at the Plymouth Arts Center (PAC) in the courtyard and greatroom and at several downtown clubs and restaurants. Purchase the 2018 Wristband for $10, and receive one free raffle ticket (valued at $5) for a chance to win $500 in Cash with additional Big Cash Raffle Tickets available at the PAC – win up to $1000!
Participating venues this year are include the PAC; Antonio’s; City Club; 52 Stafford; The Depot; Wild Shots PUB, The Cheese Counter and Plymouth Tap. Festivities are kicked off at the PAC, 520 East Mill, downtown Plymouth, WI at 4:30pm. PAC’s Bourbon Street Café features a jazzy menu catered by Three Guys & a Grill until 9pm. The opening reception for our new exhibition, The Light of Thy Favor, featuring watercolors by Cedarburg artists, Tom Kubala and Colette Odya Smith opens in Gallery 110 North.
Highways 23, 57, and 67 bring you to Plymouth.
Plymouth Cheese Capital Jazz & Blues Crawl for the Arts Address:
Plymouth Arts Center
520 E. Mill Street
Plymouth, WI 53073
(920) 892-8409
Website
Plymouth Cheese Capital Jazz & Blues Crawl Lineup:
Jive Safely @ the PAC Greatroom, 4:30 – 6 pm
The Sentimellows @ the PAC Courtyard, 4:30 – 6 pm
Built For Comfort @ the PAC Greatroom, 6 – 9 pm
River City Six Dixieland Band @ the PAC Tent – Courtyard, 6 – 9 pm
The Sucherman/Underwood Duo @ the Cheese Counter, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Smooth Groove Jazz Quartet @ PJ Campbell’s at The Depot, 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Tracy Hannemann Jazz & Blues Combo @ Antonio’s, 7 – 10:30 pm
Milwaukee Hot Club @ 52 Stafford, 7:30 – 10:30 pm
Kal Bergendahl Project @ Plymouth Tap, 8:30 – 11:30 pm
Chanel Le Meaux & the Dapper Cads @ Wild Shots Pub, 8:30 pm – Midnight
The Blue City Olives @ City Club, 9 pm – 12:30 am
August 10, 2018 – August 12, 2018
Covered Bridge Days
Brodhead showcases its town with Covered Bridge Days August 10 – 12, 2018. Right along Highway 11, Brodhead hosts a weekend brimming with exciting and interesting activities for everyone. Events include the Wildflower Art Festival, featuring native plant tours and educational programs as well as a juried, high-quality art festival in downtown Veterans Park; exploring the historic Mill Race by pontoon boat at the new “Embrace the Race” event; and a regional garden tractor expo that brings hundreds of vintage and refurbished garden tractors to town.
Among the many long-standing Covered Bridge Days activities are a kids’ fun run, garden displays, tractor show with a thresheree and tractor pull, horse show with pony rides, toy tractor pull, flea market, vendors on the Square, Model A antique car display and classic car show, historical tours, volleyball and softball tournaments, a street dance, a parade, food stands and beer gardens.
The Jimmys, a contemporary blues band from nearby Monticello, will be performing live on Saturday from 7 – 10pm.
While in Brodhead, check out the downtown square, historic museum in the old train station, and historic shops and boutiques. Brodhead is in far eastern Green County and Highway 11 through there is a great drive.
Covered Bridge Days Address:
Downtown Square & South Brodhead (Highway 11)
Brodhead, WI 53520
(608) 897-8411
Website
August 9, 2018 – August 12, 2018
Lake Superior Chainsaw Sculpture Championship
The Lake Superior Chainsaw Sculpture Championship will be held on Barker’s Island this year in Superior the weekend of August 9-12, 2018!
Watch chainsaw artists from around the world turn simple logs into stunning works of wildlife themed art! Master and guest carvers compete daily in challenging “quick carve” events. The four-day event ends with an official judging of the chainsaw sculptures created by master carvers over the course of the Lake Superior Chainsaw Sculpture Championship. Stay for the daily, live-auctions and take home a master’s work of art! Bring the whole family, children 12 and under are free with paid adult!
Event starts at 10:00 am daily.
Children 12 and under attend free with ticketed adult.
Tickets are not required on Thursday, August 9.
For the latest event information, follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
Superior is, of course, in the far northwestern corner of Wisconsin, nestled between the St. Louis River and Lake Superior, with Duluth, Minnesota across the way. To get to Superior and Barkers Island, just follow U.S. 2, U.S. 53, or Highways 13 or 35.
Lake Superior Chainsaw Sculpture Championship Address:
Barkers Island, 229 Marina Drive
Superior, WI 54880
(218) 590-5732
Website