The 45th annual Edina Art Fair was held last weekend (only a block from Southwest Minneapolis).
With temperatures in the 80's and clear sunny skies, large crowds of people flooded the streets of downtown Edina to browse artists' work—including everything from photography and sculpture to mixed media and jewelry.
The event featured 340 juried artists from as far away as Hawaii in the U.S. and Israel, internationally. Rachel Hubbard, executive director of the 50th & France Business Association, said more than 90,000 art fair attendees were expected.
“We’re very excited, we’ve definitely had record numbers this year,” Hubbard said, giving some of the credit to the weather. “Saturday was just amazing.”
Many artists have been showcasing their work at the art fair for years, developing a loyal following in the process. It was the third year Eden Prairie nature photographer Nathan Lovas exhibited his work.
“It’s almost always one of my best shows,” he said, noting that he has a lot of return customers from past years, who are attracted to the local nature of his work.
About 40 percent of this year’s artists are new, said Hubbard, the rest being veterans with a solid client base.
“Our customers are loyal of course, but they’re also buying customers and they’ll come out no matter what, even in the rain,” said Hubbard.
Rick and Linda Bachman, of Aurora, CO, were new to the fair this year. The couple, who describe their work as “whimsical interactive wood carvings,” said they have friends who showed their work at the art fair in past years and convinced them to make the nearly 1,000 mile trip this summer. It was their first time visiting Minnesota.
Linda said she was pleased with the customer response.
“So far, so good,” she said.
Of course the art fair has a lot more to offer than just art. Food, music and kids activities were all available to entertain the senses.
Jen Weigle, of Bloomington, attended Saturday with her daughters Adrianna, 4, and Gigi, 3.
“The kids love it—really love the food,” said Weigle, “We brought them even when they were babies.”
Making the event family friendly is certainly an intent of art fair organizers.
“We really try hard to embrace the families and have a great kid’s section,” said Hubbard, “There’s something for everybody.”
