Fall Art Festival

There is no question that fall has arrived.  The leaves are starting to turn colors, the air varies between crisp and cool to warm and sunny.  These seasonal changes prompt me  to think of my favorite fall activities. Art festivals abound and one that I always visit is the Lakeville Art Festival held the third weekend of September.

Located in historic downtown Lakeville, Minnesota

This art festival is a juried show with over 70 talented artists in a relaxed park-like setting. This venue also includes youth art activities, a variety of music and yummy food.  It doesn’t get better than that.

Caramel apple strudel with cinnamon ice cream from Ruhlands’ Strudel food truck

If you missed this excellent strudel treat, good news, there is a schedule of events so you can become a strudel groupie.

Thank you to the artists who donated work to benefit the art center programs.

I am always on the look out for environmentally friendly art and was happy to meet several artists who incorporate this approach in their creativity. Starry Night Beadworks uses re-purposed old antique pocket watch parts.

Artist Megan Funk and her best support fan.

The intricate mechanical look along with Megan’s eye for styling makes her jewelry pieces uniquely beautiful.

“No watches were harmed in the making of this jewelry” by artist Megan

April Hall at Sweetwater Jewelry Designs uses beach glass, found objects, and re-cycled wood pieces for naturally appealing pieces.

New life for a re-cycled wood dish with fun polka dot paint by artist April Hall.

Beach glass and found object jewelry well done in a lovely relaxed style by April.

Whimsical Steel uses re-purposed metal in fun outdoor sculpture.

Moose constructed with a  farm disc by artist Mary Felden

Sonnek Metal Art specializes in re-cycled metal garden and yard art.

Whole hog art with humor by artist Dave Sonnek

Longshadow Woodworks brings new purpose to re-claimed wood  “rippings and cut-offs produced by businesses anywhere from large wood product manufacturers to small sawmills and cabinet shops. By reclaiming this manufacturing waste, Longshadow Woodworks prevents valuable material from being chipped, burned, or simply thrown away.”            ~Longshadow Woodworks website

Finely handcrafted kitchen and home accessories by artists Courtney and Aryn Kern

Emily Gray Koehler used her talent to benefit a great cause.  “North” was the featured artwork for the Minnesota Land Trust’s 3rd Annual Minnesota Made fundraising event.  Find more of Emily’s amazing work at www.studioegk.com.

“North ” image provided by Emily Copyright © 2014 Emily Gray Koehler”

10% of proceeds from the “North” color-reduction woodcut print will be donated to the Minnesota Land Trust to assist in its effort to protect critical landscapes across Minnesota.  Visit www.mnland.org if you are interested in learning more about the work of this non-profit conservation organization.

There are more art festivals and great weather ahead.  Appreciate the beauty that surrounds us this fall, discover new things, enjoy the festivals.

Tip: “…be cognizant of the inherent impacts of development on land consumption, ecosystems, natural resources and energy use.” ~ USGBC LEED Reference Guide