From musicians to painters and sculptors to the silver screen, Wisconsin has meaningfully contributed to the creative identity of our country. When considering just why that is, it’s impossible to ignore the impact Wisconsin’s forests, lakes, and waterways have on our artists’ perceptions of the world at large. That might be why creatives residing here aren’t afraid to inject a little small-town charm into whatever they’re pursuing. To that end, it’s hard to think of a better setting for an art fair than one of Wisconsin’s most cherished small towns: Spring Green.
With the American Players Theater and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin, Spring Green has earned a reputation as an artistic hub, but it’s the quaint downtown and friendly community that make it the perfect setting for an art fair. It started in 1969, when over a game of bridge, Helene Duren mentioned the idea of an art fair to Virgil Steele. Virgil then pitched the idea to the Spring Green Chamber of Commerce, who liked the idea so much, they even put up $300 in seed money in the event the fair didn’t succeed. The money wasn’t needed. Helene organized the event, and it was a huge success. To this day, the fair annually draws in over 10,000 people.
During the event, 180 artists line both sides of Jefferson Street, the town’s main drag, and showcase their work in thoughtful arrangements meant to not only highlight their pieces, but engage potential patrons. “All of the artists are very friendly,” says Linda Kettner, jury chairperson for the Spring Green Art Fair. “Several of them do demonstrations in their booths of the art they create. Sometimes, there’s a couple of woodworkers that’ll carve things, and then there’s a person who does caricatures. They’re just really open to talking to people.”
Every artist is handpicked by a jury, and has been since 1991, to ensure a diverse range of high-quality work is on display. “We have 10 different categories,” says Linda. “Three of them would be two-dimensional: painting, photography, and graphics. The others are woodworking, pottery, fiber, jewelry, sculpture, glass, and then the fine craft part of it.” Having different mediums helps each booth feel like its own window into another artist’s mind.
The variety of work also creates a sort of persuasive experience meant to encourage some visitors to see art as accessible to everyone and others to broaden their appreciation for what artforms they might consider worthwhile. Where someone with an extensive collection of two-dimensional pieces might grow the desire to make room for sculpture in their life, another might find an affordable piece they would like to have to start their collection.
At the end of the event, Awards of Excellence are distributed to eight artists in the form of $500 and an invitation to next year’s fair. The committee hires a group of judges to determine the recipients, as the fair’s organizers want visitors to recognize both the legitimacy of the event as well as the fact that, for most of the participants, this is their career.
That said, the Spring Green Art Fair is the perfect opportunity to promote all aspects of community. “The downtown has a lot of offerings with businesses, stores, restaurants, and things like that,” says Linda. “And we have entertainment at the art fair.” For example, there’s live music in the Post House Garden, a cozy stage one block south of the art fair complete with wrought-iron tables and chairs.
In addition to delicious food provided by local restaurants, the fair invites local nonprofits to do some fundraising through their own food sales. The Spring Green Lions Club sells brats from Straka Meats, burgers from Prem Meats, and hot dogs; the Boy Scouts sell cheese curds, ice tea, iced coffee, and lemonade; River Valley Music Boosters has cream puffs; River Valley Area Community Gardens sells ice cream cones and other frozen novelties; the River Valley Girls Swim Team has walking tacos and a loaded baked potato bar; and the River Valley Soccer Team sells nachos, Sno-cones, root beer floats, Dreamsicle floats, Purple Cows, beef sticks, and popcorn.
With food stands spread throughout the event space, it’s easy to spend a whole day looking at art, exploring local shops, and supporting nonprofits. Something I find particularly appealing is that the experience doesn’t come with that busy feeling associated with art fairs in larger cities. Linda says, “The Spring Green Arts and Crafts Fair has quality work, and the size is not overwhelming for people.”
And the fair is something for the whole family, with the library hosting a children’s craft area. Linda says, “I’ve been a teacher for a long time. Kids enjoy looking at the different artwork and being able to create something of their own. And it’s good for them to be exposed to different artforms and see what it looks like when someone makes something out of wood and clay.”
While you’re in the area, be sure to check out one or two of its defining features. Hiking trails include breathtaking views of the Wisconsin River, the House on the Rock is a bit of a trip, Taliesin is great for anyone interested in nature and architecture, and the American Players Theater is one of the most authentic ways to experience Shakespeare and other compelling playwrights.
The Spring Green Art Fair is a fitting complement to Spring Green. It recognizes the prowess of Midwest artists while emphasizing the people and organizations working to make Spring Green the gem it is. “Those are important things for us as a group,” says Linda. “Attract people to see what Spring Green has to offer and give back.”
Find out more at springgreenartfair.com.
