Calendar of Events

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