By Heather Graves
Correspondent
GREEN BAY – Artists and art enthusiasts alike from across the country will once again flood the streets of downtown Green Bay as Artstreet returns for its 40th year.
“The world is trying to return to what was normal to them, so it’s important that we come together to appreciate the arts,” Mosaic Arts Executive Director Silvija Jensen said.
The three-day event is organized by Mosaic Arts, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the arts in Greater Green Bay.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers had to switch gears last year and replace the large festival with a smaller road show.
“It’s very important to the vendors, artists and even Mosaic Arts because last year hurt many of us financially,” Jensen said. “And it’s more than that – it’s coming together and having fun.”
Though the roadshow, overall, was deemed a success, organizers are excited to get back to “normal.”
“The most exciting thing about this year is that we are returning to a more normal festival,” she said. “Last year, we couldn’t host Artstreet, so we improvised with the Artstreet Road Show. We are just so excited to host a normal Artstreet. We hope that it looks like the normal Artstreet.”
Jensen said event-goers won’t see many COVID-restrictions during the festival.
“We aren’t experiencing huge differences due to COVID at this time, but we will continue to monitor it carefully,” she said. “We do ask that if you’re sick, that you remain home. Even though this is primarily an outdoor event, we ask that attendees make good decisions about their own health. Attendees will notice volunteers wiping down tables as frequently as possible and increased sanitation stations.”
As in previous years, folks can cool down in the Artstreet Oasis at the Spring Lake Church downtown campus.
Opening its doors during regular festival hours, the church is offering a bounce house for children, air conditioning, indoor bathrooms, cold water, art activities and a place to rest.
Artstreet aims to showcase artists throughout the country.
Jensen said the juried art fair features various mediums, including ceramics, fiber art, glass, graphic art, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture and woodwork.
Event patrons have the opportunity to view and purchase original works of art throughout the weekend.
Jensen said though the festival’s focus is on art, there is much more to enjoy.
“Artstreet also features demonstrating artists, so attendees can see art as it’s being created and have the opportunity to chat with the artist,” she said.
Some art demonstrations include ceramics, oil painting, charcoal drawing and spray paint art.
The festival also includes two performance stages featuring a wide range of entertainment from dance teams and belly dancers to polka and rock bands
Jensen said there will also be a handful of street performers throughout the weekend and not to forget the festival’s edible art.
Jensen said the food lineup has something for everyone, including burgers, brats, hot dogs, cheese curds, seafood, barbeque, corn, dessert and more.
Festival-goers will also have the opportunity to get their hands on some one-of-a-kind art through the art raffle.
“The art raffle consists of donated art from our participating artists – everything from jewelry and photography to ceramics and sculptures,” Jensen said.
Each piece is raffled separately.
Tickets are 1 for $1 or 25 for $20.
She said proceeds from the raffle help Mosaic Arts continue programming and art advocacy in the area.
Artstreet will be held on:
Friday, Aug. 27, from 3-7 p.m. (music until 10 p.m.)
Saturday, Aug. 28, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (music until 9 p.m.)
Sunday, Aug. 29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The event is free to attend.
Looking for volunteers
Jensen said organizers are still in need of volunteers.
Volunteers are asked to work at least one two-and-a-half to four-hour shift.
All volunteers will receive a commemorative Artstreet T-shirt.
The volunteer areas include: Art Fair Pub, Art Raffle, Artist Relief, Artstreet Pub & Grill, children’s area, information booth, lemonade stand, setup and teardown.
Sign up to become a volunteer by CLICKING HERE or email [email protected].