Minnesota Festival Support

The art fair presents approximately 275 artists. The artists are from Minnesota (64 percent), Wisconsin (13 percent), Iowa (5 percent) and across the United States (18 percent). In 2011, the breakdown of artists was: Minnesota (64 percent), Wisconsin (16%), Iowa (4%) and across the United State (16%). Applying artists are awarded an extra point if they live in the Powderhorn Park neighborhood. There was a 200 percent increase in the number of Hmong artists. The Minnesota Main Exhibitors represented fourteen disciplines of art: clay, digital art, drawing, fabric, glass, jewelry, leather, mixed media, painting, paper, photography, print making, sculpture, and wood. Artists are selected by a blind jury process, and distinct jury panels determine each of the programs. Much of the project energy goes to determining the nature of the arts experience for audiences and a balance of disciplines. The overall number of artists and Minnesota artists increased overall due to an increase in participation in the Group Exhibitors Sections, Neighborhood Arts Organizations and performers. The art fair actively recruited local arts organizations to demonstrate their craft and skills at the art fair in 2012. 2: We achieved greater financial stability and served broader audiences. In the past, the art fair operated under very tight budgets and changes were made at small, incremental steps. The art fair accomplished five long-lasting objectives, which would not have been possible before: we purchased ten vertical banner signs, which added to the professional feel of the fair; purchased twelve tents for the Community Showcase, which will save the art fair about $2,400 per year in rental fees; advertised in a broader selection of local media outlets; increased the number of performing artists, thus attracting a broader audience; and approved a ten percent increase for the paid coordinator positions (all local residents) to recognize the amount of work accomplished and to secure commitments to return in 2013. This grant will have a lasting impact on future fairs.