MAM Hosts 46th Annual Lakefront Festival of Arts June 20-22

Milwaukee, WI, June 3 , 2008—The Milwaukee Art Museum’s (MAM) Lakefront Festival of Arts (LFOA), presented by Quad/Graphics and Milwaukee Magazine, celebrates its 46th anniversary June 20–22. 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 46th annual festival to view and purchase works of art. The exhibiting artists—some well known, others newly discovered—are selected by a jury of art professionals. Their artistic creations showcase a broad spectrum of media such as painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, printmaking, wood, ceramics, fiber and more. 

For additional information:
Laura Leaf, 414-225-9576

“We are thrilled to be working with LFOA again this year,” said Betty Quadracci, Milwaukee Magazine Publisher. “This unique event aims to serve the community and its people. As a supporter of the Milwaukee Art Museum and the local art scene, we couldn’t have chosen a better event to sponsor.”

 “LFOA is unique because not only is it one of the largest art events in the nation, but everyone involved is truly dedicated to the importance of the arts within the community,” said Deb Feldman, 2008 LFOA co-chair. “We are excited to kick off the season with something for everyone including the art exhibits, live music, theater and much more.”

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. In addition to the displays of original works of art, the festival presents daily lineups of artist demonstrations, live music, children’s art activities, a fiber art fashion show, a silent auction, a college art show, and performances on the children’s stage from Danceworks and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

“LFOA has qualified for the State of Wisconsin Travel Green certification for its sustainability efforts. We encourage all festival-goers to consider ways to minimize their impact on the festival grounds,” said
Eric Eben, 2008 LFOA co-chair. “LFOA encourages public transportation to the festival and will have proper recycling containers scattered throughout the grounds, giving everyone the opportunity to participate in an environmentally sustainable festival.”

The Milwaukee Art Museum’s Lakefront Festival of Arts attracts approximately 30,000 people each year during its three-day run.

Festival Hours and Tickets
LFOA’s 2008 festival hours are: Friday, June 20, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; and Sunday, June 22, 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 including the Museum Store (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.

Parking and Festival Access 
Nearby parking is available at Veteran’s Park, the War Memorial lot North of the Museum, O’Donnell Park, and numerous other downtown lots.

Festival Sponsors 
For the second year, LFOA’s presenting sponsor is Quad/Graphics and Milwaukee Magazine. Other major sponsors include Miller Brewing Company, State Farm Insurance, Northwestern Mutual Foundation, Robert W. Baird, Lexus Brookfield/Lexus North Shore, Saturn, Sommer’s Automotive and Weyco Group. Major in-kind sponsors include 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.

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