Lakefront Festival of Art
After fifty-eight years—having continued through pounding rain and scorching sun, straight-line winds and punishing heat—Lakefront Festival of Art has seen it all. Though we will not be celebrating the festival this year in person, we are sharing online features and highlights. Shop and support the 2020-21 LFOA artists, watch behind-the-scenes videos, and browse many other festival-inspired activities below.
To all who have supported this event in the past, and to all the volunteers, partners, artists, and vendors who contributed to its success—thank you. We look forward to celebrating LFOA with you in 2022.
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Virtual Artist Booths
Imagine you’re taking a stroll inside one of our large festival tents, as you browse and shop works by the 2020 LFOA artists.
Meet the 2020 Poster Artist
Krista Allenstein is a Milwaukee-based artist, who is known for her oil paintings of reimagined mid-century neon signs. Her works feature uplifting messages that are meant to attract and welcome everyone. Guests of the 2020 LFOA would have seen her art featured on festival t-shirts, signs, posters, and more. Stay tuned—her poster design will be revealed when we come together for the 2021 festival.
Behind the Scenes with the Artists
Get to know a few of the 2020 LFOA artists! Take a peek inside their studios, learn more about their artistic processes, and watch them at work.
Painting with Scott Olson
See Scott Olson create one of the works in his Tulipanes Morados (Purple Tulips) series. The artist uses oil paint, watercolor, and mixed media on paper.
More by this Artist »Jewelry Design with Kim Koch
Join Kim Koch in his studio, and watch as the artist brings one of his designs to life.
More by this Artist »Activities for All Ages
From shopping and photo ops, to performances and art making, Lakefront Festival of Art has something for everyone. This year, enjoy a few festival-inspired activities at home. Make art, learn some new dance moves, and visit the Museum virtually.
Make a Gift for Dad
Follow along as one of our littlest LFOA supporters shows you how to create a drip painting. Display your masterpiece in your home, or give it to Dad for Father’s Day! Materials: canvas, liquid paint, toothpick or straw
Hit the Dance Floor
Learn two energetic line dances from Zachary Pohl and Ariel Freilich, instructors at Fred Astaire Dance Studio Pewaukee. To learn more about Fred Astaire, visit their website.
Get Creative with Discovery World
Visit our neighbors virtually, and try three “Upcycled Art” activities that utilize recycled materials. Find these activities and more at Discovery World @ Home.
Start Creating »
Experience the Museum Online
Discover tons of art-making activities, take virtual tours, and dive deeper into works from the Museum’s collection.
Start Exploring »Festival Eats & Treats
Pick up a few festival favorites to enjoy as you explore the online content. Please consider supporting the local vendors who were planning to participate in the 2020 Lakefront Festival of Art. Follow the links below to visit their websites.
From the Café: Cucumber Collins
Enjoy a light, refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins cocktail, from the Museum’s food & beverage team. Sip as you explore the LFOA online content—or as you relax on your patio this summer!
Yield: makes 1 cocktail
Ingredients
- 4 thin slices cucumber (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 oz. simple syrup (store bought or homemade*)
- 2 oz. gin or vodka
- Club soda
- Mint, to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine cucumber slices, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a tall, narrow glass, and muddle until the cucumbers are crushed and the juices have been released. If you do not have a muddler, you can use the handle of a wooden spoon. If you do not want the muddled cucumber in your drink, you can also prepare in a cocktail shaker.
- Add the gin (or vodka) and fill the glass with ice.
- Top off your cocktail with club soda.
- Garnish with an additional cucumber slice and mint (if desired).
- Sit back, sip, and enjoy!
*Want to make your own simple syrup?
Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan, over medium heat.
- Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Let cool. Then, pour the mixture into a glass jar and seal tightly with a lid.
- Enjoy your simple syrup in many different summer cocktails. If refrigerated, simple syrup will keep for about one month.
Museum Store
Browse a selection of summertime essentials. Plus, enjoy free shipping on orders over $25.
Start Shopping »About Friends of Art
Friends of Art is a support group of the Milwaukee Art Museum. Every year, they recruit hundreds of volunteers, who work together to make Lakefront Festival of Art possible.
The mission of FOA is to raise funds, used primarily for exhibitions and acquisition of art; to cultivate leaders and volunteers in support of the Museum; and to promote awareness and appreciation of the Museum and visual arts.
Support the Museum
As a nonprofit arts organization, we rely heavily on events like Lakefront Festival of Art, whose proceeds help support safeguarding and showcasing the art in the collection, keeping the buildings and grounds in tip-top shape, and presenting educational and enrichment programs for all ages. Though this event is canceled, you can still help! Make a donation through the link below, or become a Member* today.
