Williams Bay Fine Art & Craft Fest this weekend

WILLIAMS BAY — Over 5,000 visitors are expected to attend the 49th Annual Fine Art & Craft Fest this weekend at Edgewater Park.

Around 40 artists from Wisconsin and Illinois are expected to have their work featured in the juried event Saturday and Sunday, July 27 and 28.

July 27 hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. On July 28, the event lasts 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Live music, food and drinks are also part of the festival, which is sponsored by the Williams Bay Cultural Arts Alliance.

In a statement, event organizer Sandra Johnson said the Fine Art & Craft Fest was born in simpler times, during America’s bicentennial celebrations in 1976.

Back then, the entry fee for artists was $10. Williams Bay had a population of about 1,200, Johnson said.

“Fortunately, Williams Bay continues to foster its small-town charm,” said Johnson. “The best our little hamlet has to offer is caring, solid people who prize nature and natural beauty, and who give generously of themselves to foster community spirit. In this sense, the Williams Bay Fine Art & Craft Fest is an example par excellence.”

In 1976, the event was not expected to make money. However, Johnson said it did, and organizers donated the proceeds to the community. 

“They bought silverware, a set of dishes and a refrigerator for the Lions Field House,” she said.

In later years, the event helped fund the purchase of a piano for a local nursery school, and often, money was given to the Volunteer Fire Department, according to Johnson.

Today, the tradition continues, with the alliance donating to the Williams Bay Recreation Department and the Williams Bay High School Art and Industrial Art departments.

An annual college scholarship or award is also given by the alliance to a talented Williams Bay High School graduate. 

This year’s winner is Olivia Wiley, who is enrolled at UW-Whitewater for K-12 art education. 

“Miss Wiley demonstrates exceptional talent,” said Johnson, adding that Wiley’s work will be on display at the 49th Annual Fine Art & Craft Fest.

Also to be displayed are art and industrial artwork from Wiley’s classmates in two large high school tents, organized by art teacher Jennifer Pelnar. 

The live music lined up for the Fine Art & Craft Fest promises to help ensure Johnson’s description of this year’s event — “a low-key and lovely, fun-in-the-sun, surrounded-by-lovely-fine-art-and-fine-crafts weekend.”

Geneva Lake area’s own Tom “the Piano Man” Stanfield plays July 27, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Madison’s Krause Family Band is set to play from 2-4 p.m.

On July 28, local violin duo Lady Fingers will play at 10 a.m. The South Rampart Street Paraders Dixieland Band performs from 2-4 p.m.

There will also be food and treats from the Bay Cooks and the Frosty Moose, plus wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages will be for sale. 

Established in 2013, the alliance is a nonprofit organization operated entirely by volunteers dedicated to support, create and inspire cultural opportunities in Williams Bay.

The Fine Art & Craft Fest also receives support from the Williams Bay Lions Club and the Williams Bay Business Association. Pier 290 provides easy access parking for artists, while the United Church of Christ offers office and meeting space. 

Parking for the event is free.