This weekend thousands of local artists and enthusiasts will fill Minneapolis’ streets and parks, as our annual weekend of art fairs commences. Whether you’re looking for jewelry, paintings, ceramics, prints, something in another medium, or perhaps just a place to spend the afternoon, these are three wonderful places to do so.
Uptown Art Fair (Aug. 1-3): This is not only the largest of the art festivals, but it’s second in statewide attendance with nearly 400,000 attendees, only falling behind the Minnesota State Fair. Of course the artwork takes center stage, with more than 350 artists from around the world presenting in 12 media, but there’s also non-stop entertainment, food and drink vendors, a culinary arts competition, wine and beer gardens, and family-friendly art activities.
Loring Park Art Festival (Aug. 2 & 3): Set in the idyllic Loring Park, this juried festival features 140 visual artists, displaying their works in a variety of mediums, ranging from ceramics and printmaking to sculpture and painting. Featured artists include Bill Brackett, who creates steel designs, Jamie Heiden, whose photography contains layers, dodging and burning, and Marc and Wendy Zoschke, who craft jewelry from stone, glass and metal. There will also be strolling musicians, stage performances, activities for kids, and food and drink vendors.
Powderhorn Art Fair (Aug. 2 & 3): Spread across 66 acres, white tents filled with the work of regional and national artists dot Powderhorn Park, with proceeds helping fund park programs, such as theater arts, a computer lab, teen center, and recording studio. Artists present work in varying disciplines, with awards presented to main exhibitors and community showcase participants.
