Bayfield Festival of Arts & Gallery Tour

Artists from throughout the Midwest will gather on Saturday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, July 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bayfield’s 54th annual Festival of Arts. This juried arts & crafts show is held in Memorial Park on the scenic shores of Lake Superior in downtown Bayfield. Visitors will find a unique selection of pottery, painting, jewelry, sculpture, glass works, wood carvings, photography and more. Take special notice of the blue “Best in Show” ribbons, which are awarded to artists in five categories, while browsing.

In honor of Lake Superior Day, observed annually the third Sunday of July (July 17 in 2016), Bayfield Festival of Arts will highlight the artists who incorporate materials that are sourced directly from the Big Lake. Those artists will be given a badge that says “Lake Superior Sourced” to display on their booth and will also be mentioned in the festival directory.

Examples of materials that are Lake Superior Sourced include Lake Superior agates, sea glass or basalt set in jewelry, painted or photographic images of Lake Superior, and ceramics built with local clay.

In addition to the festival by the lake, guests are invited to experience art in the making during the Festival of Arts Gallery Tour on Saturday and Sunday. Bayfield’s galleries will welcome visitors throughout the weekend with open houses, demonstrations, and special sales as part of this gallery tour. Watch local artists perform wheel-thrown pottery techniques and witness silver smithing, painting and quilting demonstrations.

Don’t miss the weekend’s kick-off event, the Chequamegon Bay Arts Council’s (CBAC) annual fundraising auction held at the Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion on Friday, July 15. Enjoy a cash bar and complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and live entertainment while previewing original art items reflecting a yearly theme. The auction preview and silent auction will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m., followed by the live auction beginning at 7:30.