Milwaukee Art Museum’s Lakefront Festival of Arts Celebrates 45th Anniversary
Milwaukee, WI, May 22, 2007— The Milwaukee Art Museum’s Lakefront Festival of Arts (LFOA), presented by Quad/Graphics and Milwaukee Magazine, celebrates its 45th anniversary on June 15 to June 17. The annual three-day event, which ranks among the premier juried art fairs in the country, features more than 170 leading artists from around the nation who will exhibit and sell their work on the grounds in front of the museum’s Santiago Calatrava-designed addition.
Thousands of art enthusiasts are expected to attend the 45th annual festival to view and purchase works of art. The exhibiting artists – some well known and others newly discovered – are selected by a jury of art professionals. The artistic creations showcase a broad spectrum of media such as painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, printmaking, wood, ceramics, fiber and more.
“We are thrilled to be celebrating our 45th year in Milwaukee. This occasion is special because not only does it speak to the commitment and dedication of the community, but also for the success and longevity of an art event such as this one,” said Jen Dirks, 2007 Lakefront Festival of Arts co-chair. “We are excited to start the lakefront festival season off with a festival that has something for everyone.”
The highly successful LFOA combines art, entertainment and great food to attract art enthusiasts and festival-goers alike who are looking for a pleasant way to spend a summer day, including Father’s Day. In addition to the displays of original works of art, the festival presents daily lineups of live music ranging from jazz to rhythm and blues including WAMI winner Streetlife with Warren Wiegratz, Knock on Wood and Milwaukee favorite Good Luck Joes.
LAKEFRONT FESTIVAL OF ARTS CELEBRATES 45TH YEAR
“Art is the primary focus of the event, but we hope event attendees find time to experience all of the attractions at this year’s festival including the entertainment, food selection, the Milwaukee Magazine Wine Garden, children’s art tent, college art show, silent auction, festival boutiques, sculpture garden, artist demonstrations and corporate sponsor displays,” said Larry Oliverson, 2007 Lakefront Festival of Arts co-Chair. “The event is sure to inspire the artist in all of us.”
The Milwaukee Art Museum’s Lakefront Festival of Arts attracts approximately 50,000 people each year during its three-day run. LFOA’s 2007 festival hours are: Friday, June 15, 12-8 p.m., Saturday, June 16, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday, June 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $10, with a “special” $8 admission fee on Friday only. Children 16 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Special LFOA advance tickets are available for only $7 at a variety of Milwaukee-area locations (until the opening of the festival). Advance tickets can also be purchased online by visiting http://www.mam.org/. Milwaukee Art Museum and Friends of Art (FOA) Members receive discounted admission with presentation of their current membership card. LFOA visitors will receive free general admission to the Milwaukee Art Museum during festival hours. LFOA’s presenting sponsor this year is Quad/Graphics and Milwaukee Magazine.
Other major sponsors include Northwestern Mutual Foundation, Miller Brewing Company, Milwaukee Cadillac Dealers, State Farm Insurance, Robert W. Baird, Saturn, Sommer’s Automotive and the Weyco Group. Major in-kind sponsors include La Dallman Architects, Lamar Outdoor Advertising Milwaukee, Absolute Business, Hawks Nursery and Clear Channel Outdoors. The festival also receives both financial and in-kind support from numerous other sponsors.
Since the early 1960s, the LFOA has grown to become one of the premier outdoor art events in the United States. This year, a group of 150 volunteers, serving on 27 separate committees, plans and executes the event. During the three days of LFOA, an additional 900 volunteers are on the grounds to help make sure each visitor has a trouble-free and fun-filled day.
Money raised at LFOA benefits the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Art Acquisition and Exhibition Fund. For more information visit the LFOA Web site http://foa.mam.org/, or call 414-224-3854.
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