History

The Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts is sponsored by the Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts, Ltd. an all volunteer community organization. Now in its 50th year, it is a juried art festival enjoyed by artists and visitors alike. It has often been named one of the 100 best art fairs in the country by Sunshine Magazine, all the while maintaining an intimate park setting. For over a third of a century, the festival has been held on the third weekend in August in beautiful Fowler Park on the shores of Fowler Lake in the heart of Oconomowoc. Situated roughly halfway between Milwaukee and Madison, the festival sees patrons from as far away as both large cities.

Patrons can enjoy various musical groups on three stages scattered throughout the park. Families are encouraged to create their own works of art in the Children’s Area adjacent to the Children’s Stage. Everyone will find delicious treats provided by local community organizations at the Food Pavilion.

So come to Oconomowoc –Where the Waters Meet– to leisurely shop for quality artwork in all media: photography, painting, drawing, fiber, jewelry, wood, metal, glass, stone… the artistic choices are as exquisite as the scenery.

The Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts began in 1970 inspired by Virginia Harris and supported by the Oconomowoc Junior Woman’s Club and the Oconomowoc Woman’s Club. From 1970-1973, the annual festival was held at Zion Episcopal Church.

In 1974, the event moved to Fowler Park to have space for creative layout and to celebrate the park and lake. It continued to flourish each year, adding more artists, exhibits, entertainment, and concessions. It is funded by artists, individual donors, the clubs, and community leaders.

Due to its success in the last 45+ years, the Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts fosters public awareness of the arts through the annual festival, scholarships, sculptures, and youth programs.

The griffin has been the logo from the beginning in honor of the two griffins displayed in front of the Oconomowoc Public Library.

The festival T-shirts have featured paintings by these artists: Virginia Harris, Winn Jones, Hazel Adams, Lynn Casper, Don Nedobeck, Charlotte Fung Miller, and the sculpture Melody by Tuan.

To learn more about the Oconomowoc Festival of Arts log on to https://www.oconomowocarts.org/

Scholarships

Since 1983, the Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts has offered scholarships to young artists and musicians majoring in the fine arts.

The Festival of the Arts awards scholarships to students who are pursuing a college major in visual or performance arts. It is our way of ensuring that future generations will continue our legacy of love for the world of fine arts. We are proud to be able to support these young artists and students in the pursuit of their artistic, academic and career goals.

If you know of student from the Oconomowoc area who intends to pursue a career in the arts, please encourage them to apply for an OFA Scholarship for 2021. The deadline to apply for 2021 is May 1, 2020, no exceptions.

To Contact Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts PO Box 651 Oconomowoc, WI 53066

Over 300 volunteers work (some year-round) to ensure that the Festival is an enjoyable and profitable experience for participating artists. Exhibitors consistently praise our volunteer hostesses, who assist the artists throughout this two day event. 

Volunteer duties can range from one-hour time commitments during the festival itself, to assisting with preparations for the festival at various points throughout the year. Jobs range from the dirty: Trash Management! to the sophisticated tasks of fundraising and publicity. 

No matter what the task is, all the festival volunteers enjoy the chance to have a hand in bringing a fantastic flagship event to the city each year. And we make great friends in the process!

If you would like to help with the Festival, please fill out our online application form. https://www.oconomowocarts.org/volunteer.html