Artist's Review of - 20th WINTER ART FESTIVAL in MADISON, WI

Information Booth at the 20th Annual Winter Art Festival in Madison, WI

This past weekend I was an exhibitor in my favorite art show......the 20TH ANNUAL WINTER ART FESTIVAL in Madison, WI.  This is one of the best fine art shows in the area, and is sponsored and produced by the Wisconsin Alliance of Artists and Craftspeople (WAAC).  WAAC is made up of a very dedicated group of Wisconsin artists who not only organize and run the show, but also exhibit their art in the show.  It is through the hard work and dedication of this special group of artists that many other Wisconsin artists are provided with this high class venue in which to exhibit and sell their work!  If you'd like to learn more about the Wisconsin Alliance of Artists and Craftspeople organization click on the link below:

WAAC

The show is held in Madison's beautiful Monona Terrace Convention Center on Lake Monona.

Monona Terrace Convention Center on Lake Monona

Most artists set their booths up the Friday evening before the show, which makes it really nice.  It takes the pressure out of having to get up in the wee hours of the morning, having to drive to the location and then rush to set up the morning of the show.

Below is a photo of a portion of my booth after my sister and I set it up on Friday.  My sister is my display artist as she enjoys arranging the booth and figuring out where everything will look the best.  What would I do without her!!  I just help with setting up the gridwall.

My sister and best friend.  We have such fun at these shows!

Part of my display of my newest creations....Fairy Face Pins/Knit Necklace Sets

These new designs were a BIG hit, and by the end of the weekend I only had several left!

The 20th Winter Art Festival had 134 exhibitors this year, with a wide range of high quality art ranging from, Ceramics, Fiber, Glass, Graphics, Jewelry, Mixed 2-D, Mixed 3-D, Painting, Photography, Sculpture and Wood.

The attendance was good.  In fact, Sunday, which is usually a slower day at two days shows, seemed to be more steady than on Saturday!  I was very happy with my sales, and from the few artists I got to talk to about sales, they seemed satisfied also. 

During the show, when I had a moment, I took some photos of the different artists and their work to give you all an idea of the wonderful art that one can find at this show.  I wish I would have been able to get a few more photos as the work is so varied.  Below are several photos, and the artist's information if it was available. (All of the photos and information is being used with the artist's permission)

Lorraine Ortner-Blake - Graphic Design and Calligraphy

Lorraine was our booth neighbor again this year. A delightful person and wonderful artist!  She is also very active in the WAAC with the newletter and graphic design.

Lorraine uses water media - including watercolor, gouache and hand-ground inks along with found objects, handmade paper, and gold leaf.  Her work couples quotations from the wise with expressive letter forms and colorful nature-based illustrations.

To learn more about Lorraine and to see her lovely art, and inspirational cards visit her web site by clicking on the link below:

LORRAINE

REVIVE

VIVIAN SMITH - Madison, WI

Gorgeous handpainted silk garments!!

Vivian doesn't have a web page, but if you'd like to contact her about her garments, here is her email address:  revivedesigns@lycos.com

GRAND RIVER POTTERY

Susan & Eric Anderson

from Markesan, WI

Email: grpottery@hotmail.com

Beautiful, Beautiful pottery!!  The nature shapes are exquisite!

EAST SIDE BAGS

Portable Works of Art

by Artist, Jane M. Miller of Madison, WI

To learn more about Jane and her colorful "portable works of art", click on her blog link below:

EAST SIDE BAGS

HOPFINGER STUDIO

by Jenni Hopfinger

Hand-painted Truly Functional Glassware

for the every day celebrations of life, love, family and friendship

To learn more about Jenni and her glass art, visit her web page by clicking on the link below:

HOPFINGER STUDIO

RUSSELWORKS

Kim and Rob Russell

Spring Green, WI

Kim Russell

Below are several photos as shown on RUSSELWORKS web page.  To see and learn a lot more about these talented woodworking artists, be sure to pay a visit to the RUSSELWORKS web page by clicking on the link below.  There you will be able to see a lot more of the FANTASTIC creations, and even see Kim at work on a project.

RUSSELWORKS

Bird "Orni"ments

Sandhill Crane Sculpture

CRYSALIS

Pamela Bronk, Leather Artisan

Pamela's Artist Statement below:

"Using images derived from nature and classic Japanese design allows me to explore different themes and surface techniques on my handbags. Over the years I have incorporated many techniques, from beadwork to airbrushing to hand painting to stamping and embossing. I have some classic shapes I keep returning to, but my surface treatment of these classics continues to subtly evolve and change as I explore. I am constantly finding fresh inspiration in nature, art, and travel. I have been involved in the midwest crafts circuit for decades and am consistently impressed by the fresh ideas I see around me. I draw from all these forms of inspiration and return to my craft with a strengthened resolve to try new techniques.

I create my unique bags and accessories in my studio in the Wisconsin countryside. When creating my handiwork I strive to construct bags that are durable and functional, as well as creative and beautiful."

You can see more of Pamela's wonderful work by visiting her web page...just click on the BRONK ART link below:

BRONK ART


M. A. KATKE

Gourd Artisan

Friendship, WI

M.A. has been a working artist since the mid-sixties, including drawing, ceramics, textiles and scrimshaw on ivory.  Her major work was metal smithing and jewelry.  Her interests have now drifted to gourds (grown by friends).  The designs get started with light pencil sketches on the surface. Next is the permanent drawing with a wood-burner.  Some of M.A. finished gourds are for interior decorating, while others are functional such as birdhouses and ornaments. 

What beautiful, detailed work!

If you would like to get in touch with this artist, her email address is:

m.a.katke@hotmail.com

The above artists are just a very few of the many fabulous artists who exhibit in the Winter Art Festival each year.  If you live in the area and have never attended this show, be sure to mark your calendars for next year's show which is being held on November 13 & 14 - 2010.  WAAC's summer show, ART FAIR OFF THE SQUARE will be held July 10 & 11 - 2010.

I'd like to thank all of the people who make this show possible. Also, a special "thank you" to the artists who let me take photos of their work for this article.

I for one am already looking forward to next's year show!!

2009 WINTER ART FESTIVAL - Monona Terrace Convention Center - MADISON, WI

Monona Terrace Convention Center - Madison WI

I can hardly believe another year has almost passed, and it is time to exhibit in one of my favorite shows which is held in the beautiful building pictured above...the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

If you live in the area, this is one fine art show that you won't want to miss!  There are about 140 exhibitors of wonderful art!

This great show is sponsored by the WAAC (Wisconsin Alliance of Artists and Craftpeople)  To learn more about this group of Wisconsin artists click on the link below:

WAAC

DATES: November  14 AND November 15

HOURS: Sat. - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Admission Fee:  $3.00

An exhibitor at last year's show

My booth # this year is #42...so hope you can stop on by for a visit!

Parking is no problem, as you can drive right into the Monona Convention Center building and take an elevator to the art show.

Coming soon...ART FAIR OFF THE SQUARE, Madison, WI - One of my favorite shows!

IF YOU MAKE IT TO THE SHOW, STOP AND VISIT ME IN BOOTH #83

I always love to meet and chat with everyone!

The first "Art Fair off the Square" was held July, 1980 in Olin Terrace Park, at what was then called Monona Avenue, which is now Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The show was started as a "protest show" because of all the Wisconsin artists and craftspeople who had been juried out of the "Art Fair on the Square show, which was held around the Capital Square in Madison, WI. Since the fair was organized on very short notice, there were only 22 exhibitors. The second year the show was held they had 46 exhibitors. The show now, hosts about 140 exhibitors.

If you look at the above photo you can see how the fair has grown over the years, to be one of the best run shows (in my opinon) in the area, along with the WINTER SHOW in November. Each year the show's organizers, The Wisconsin Alliance of Artists and Craftspeople, Inc. (WAAC) receive hundreds of applications from Wisconsin artists hoping to get juried into the show. It is a juried show, with a booth fee of $200.00, membership fee of $25.00 (includes both summer and winter shows), and a jury fee of $15.00. When an artist is juried in, they are not required to rejury for the next two years, providing the quality of their work doesn't change.

This year will be the 29th year of Art Fair Off the Square, and it will be held on the weekend of July 12 and 13. This show and the Winter Show, which is held at the Monona Terrace Convention and Visitor's Bureau on Lake Monona, in Madison, WI are two of the best shows I have been lucky enough to be an exhibitor in for the past six years.

It usually turns out to be the "hottest" weekend, of the season. One year it was in the upper 90's and very humid!! That is when I like to visit this little wagon several times throughout the day!! Cool, refreshing fruit bars!!


Both the WINTER and AFOS shows are run by the organization of Wisconin Alliance of Artists & Craftspeople (WAAC), which was started in 1982. It was formed to promote direct contact between Wisconsin artists and craftspeople, and the public, develop opportunities for sales and exhibitions, educate the public toward a better understanding of artists and craftspeople, their works and challenges.

Below is a photo of the WINTER show, which is held in the lovely Monona Terrace Convention Center building on Lake Monona. This is a wonderful show, in November...great for looking for really creative gifts for the hard-to-buy-for person on your list. Top quality art and variety at this show! The dates for this year's show are, November 15th & 16th.

If you live in the area, think about taking in one of these shows. I'll be there on July 12th and 13th....come rain, hot weather or whatever else the weather may throw at us!

After the July show, I will be adding photos and updates of this year's show.