3 minute read
Oconomowoc Festival Of The Arts
On n n OCONOMOWOC FESTIVAL of theARTS
FOLLOWING A YEAR OF CHALLENGES, people everywhere can derive inspiration from the examples of courage, perseverance, and determination seen throughout our
Southeastern Wisconsin communities. While some individuals and organizations have recently stepped forward to nurture the overall wellbeing of communities here, others have offered longstanding bases of human talent, creative opportunity, and chances to brighten and enrich the lives of others. One of these outstanding organizations, the Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts (OFA), reached its 50th year of operation during 2020. While the navigation of this challenging year forced the OFA to cancel its August 2020 festival, the milestone anniversary nonetheless brought great honors to this well-loved event. On February 25, 2020, the Oconomowoc Chamber Orchestra conferred the Chatfield Award on the Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts. In the past, this award has been given only to individuals in the community, rather than organizations. The selection of OFA as the first organization to receive the award marked a special and significant occasion and an exceptional tribute to the OFA in its 50th year. August 18, 2020 marked an additional significant point in the celebration of the OFA’s 50th year. City of Oconomowoc Mayor Robert Magnus and the Oconomowoc Common
Council jointly proclaimed the third week of August, prior to the third weekend in August, “Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts Week.” As part of this public declaration of the city’s appreciation of the OFA, the mayor additionally “urge(d) all citizens to recognize the cultural value that the Festival has brought to the community over the last 50 years.”
Finally, Mayor Magnus and the City Council presented to the OFA the Key to the City of Oconomowoc. No other person or organization has ever received this honor, according to Mayor Magnus’ research. 2020 President of the OFA Hollie Schick stated, “It has been my great honor and privilege to serve as the president of Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts in a most unusual year.”
Originally founded in 1970, the Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts first operated out of Oconomowoc’s Zion Episcopal Church. The festival has enjoyed use of its current location at lovely Fowler Park, on the shore of Oconomowoc’s Fowler Lake, since 1974.
Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts showcases the high-quality fine artwork of artists working in diverse media. With works in categories ranging from jewelry to ceramics, photography to painting and more, the festival draws enthusiastic art patrons and families each season.
Artists are granted awards in each media category, including a Best of Show Award, by two judges, with judging for the show completed by a panel of judges. Many of the festival’s 135 exhibit spaces are filled by longtime exhibitors.
The Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts occurs annually on the third weekend in August. This year’s festival will be held August 21 and 22, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day, rain or shine, outdoors in Oconomowoc’s Fowler Park. Admission to the festival is free, and visitors can enjoy live music and dance performances on three stages, a children’s activity area, and refreshments from food vendors, in addition to browsing the quality selection of beautiful artwork. n
After the Game Head for Held’s
Held’s maintains an uncompromising dedication to quality. We believe in taking the time and effort necessary to open-fire smoke our meat. Gift boxes, online ordering and shipping available nationwide.
