By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Driftless Art Festival artist applications due
Driftless Art Festival

SOLDIERS GROVE - Applications are invited for the Fourteenth Annual Driftless Area Art Festival, scheduled for September 15 and 16, 2018, in Soldiers Grove. More than 600 application packages have already been distributed to artists who live and/or create their art within the boundaries of the Driftless Area of Southwest Wisconsin, Southeastern Minnesota, Northeast Iowa, and Northwest Illinois.

Applications, due by March 15, will be juried by a panel of artists representing various media and members of the art festival committee. The 80 artists selected will be notified in early April.  Late applications will be juried for inclusion on a space-available basis, and a late application fee will be charged.

Fine handmade art to be juried for the festival includes the following categories: drawing, ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metalworks, mixed media, painting, pastels, photography, sculpture, and wood, including functional wares and furniture. 

The festival has grown steadily since it began in 2005.  More than 5,600 art lovers attended in 2017 and artist sales topped $140,000.  Live music and good food, all by performance and culinary artists from the Driftless Region, add to the enjoyment for visitors and artists.

Free admission and free and convenient parking enhance the attraction of the festival for artists and patrons. In addition, artists can win ribbons and cash prizes. The People’s Choice Award is decided by votes of festival goers. A Best of Show and two Merit Awards are selected by a panel of art festival committee members, recognizing the overall excellence of exhibitors’ tents and offerings.

Major funding partners for the festival include Peoples State Bank, the Village of Soldiers Grove and its Community Development Corporation, and Wisconsin Public Radio.  Other benefactors include Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative, Organic Valley, Rooted Spoon Culinary, Sleepy Hollow Auto, Star Valley Flowers, and Vernon Communications Cooperative, along with other corporate and private sponsors.

Information and application forms can be obtained from the festival website at www.DriftlessAreaArtFestival.com or by 608-624-3600 or 637-3788 info@DriftlessAreaArtFestival.com