The inaugural City of Lakes Art Fair will take place on October 11-12, 2024, extending the Minneapolis art fair season into the fall. Set against the scenic backdrop of Bde Maka Ska, this event aims to fill a gap in outdoor art opportunities during the autumn months, a time often overlooked by artists and vendors.
Nichole Showalter, events manager at Homespun Events, emphasized the importance of this new addition. “Artists see a big kind of space between summer and winter markets and events,” she noted. “There aren’t many outdoor ones, particularly in Minneapolis in the autumn.” This prompted the organization to create a fair that not only showcases local talent but also provides a vibrant atmosphere for attendees.
Applications for artists, food vendors, and musicians opened last week, with a deadline set for August 15. The fair expects to feature around 140 national and local artists, as well as live music and diverse food options. It will be located on the northwest side of Bde Maka Ska, between W. Lake and W. 32nd St., along the lakeside paths.
Homespun Events is no stranger to organizing art fairs, having successfully run the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Art Fair, Edina Art Fair, Minnehaha Falls Art Fair, and the holiday-themed Minnesota Merry Market at the State Fair in December.
As the summer art fair circuit comes to a close, local artists have expressed mixed reactions to the new City of Lakes Art Fair. Some are eager to participate, while others feel fatigued from their summer commitments.
Ceramicist Joy O’Conner, owner of EARTHENjoy, is a regular on the summer art fair circuit. After participating in six fairs this summer, including Art-A-Whirl, she decided to apply for this new event. O’Conner, who moved to Minneapolis from Omaha four years ago, relies heavily on art fairs for her income, generating around 85-90% of her revenue through these events. “My customers know that the place they’re going to find the biggest selection from me and the newest work is always at the art fairs,” she explained.
On the other hand, fellow artist Sarah Butala, owner and designer of Strey Designs, had to decline participation due to prior travel plans. Butala, who specializes in handmade leather goods, noted that 80% of her income also comes from art fairs. She expressed hope for the event, seeing it as a chance to recapture the community spirit of the former Uptown Art Fair, which has since been rebranded as the SoMi Art Fair and relocated.
“I loved the Uptown Art Fair because it wasn’t just your typical art fairgoers,” Butala said. “It brought people from all diversities and income brackets.” She believes the City of Lakes Art Fair could revitalize that unique atmosphere and appeal to a broader audience.
As anticipation builds for the City of Lakes Art Fair, the Minneapolis art community looks forward to celebrating creativity and connection in the heart of the city this fall. With its diverse offerings and scenic location, the fair promises to be a highlight of the season for both artists and art lovers alike.
