Stockholm Art Fair celebrates creativity in the park

More than 100 artists plus a full complement of musicians will display their talents at the Stockholm Art Fair, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 18 in Stockholm Village Park on Lake Pepin.

The art fair began 36 years ago when a few local artists and crafts people brought their wares to the park, including pots, jewelry, candles, wooden crafts — even kittens.

It has continued to be run by area artists, and has grown into an event with 106 juried artists, live music all day and some out-of-the-ordinary local food choices, spokesmen said. Every so often there are still kittens to be given away.

The one-day event, which is held rain or shine, dramatically increases the small town from 89 to thousands.

Each year an area artist creates an air fair poster. This year’s colorful design is a mosaic tile mural by local artist Barbara Andersen of Pepin, who is one of the founding members of the art fair.

She received her bachelor’s degree from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and is a partner with Art Gannett both in marriage and in the Little Plum Pottery near Pepin. They both worked with acclaimed German Potter Wendelin Stahl, whose approach to ceramics - and glazing in particular - captivated Andersen.

The music stage will feature several established groups and individuals:

10 a.m. - Billy Krause and Chuck Roll from Eau Claire, Wis., will perform acoustic blues described as “old timey but disturbingly cabaret.”

11 a.m. - Greg Herriges from Minneapolis entertains with world guitar, bouzouki and vocals.

Noon - Patchouli from Maiden Rock, a.k.a. Julie Patchouli and Bruce Hecksel, perform lyrical, modern folk music

1:15 p.m. - Yata from Arkansaw, Wis., a 30-year veteran of the Stockholm Art Fair music stage, sings and plays guitar.

2:15 p.m. - The Hollands from Green Bay, Wis., play “handmade music with an avant garde folk-punk blend.

3:15 p.m. - Magic Mama from Eau Claire, Wis., performs organic hip-hop and world beats.

4 p.m. - Woody Sampson from Trempealeau County, Wis., consists of dueling guitar and banjo pickers who can sing.

Two guest judges will select a Best of Show and three merit award winners. The ceremony will take place at 2 p.m.

As always, the art fair will offer a variety of food choices including grilled portabella mushroom sandwiches, wild rice bratwurst, Greek food, locally raised organic chicken and beef on pita bread, homemade ice cream, fresh plum pie and locally roasted coffee. New this year is A to Z Produce selling crepes, salads and wood-fired bread.

For children, the Lake Pepin Art & Design Center will offer activities near the music stage.

Go online to www. stockholmartfair.com.

Tags: arts and entertainment, stockholm art fair, lifestyle, stockholm