Art Fair for the senses

Enjoy a feast for the senses at the 47th annual Marshfield Art Fair.
View a wonderful assortment of original art, listen to the sounds of local performers, try a hands-on activity and sample some freshly popped corn. It all happens from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mother's Day, Sunday, in the Marshfield High School Fieldhouse.

More than 100 artists from Wisconsin and surrounding states have been selected to display and sell their fine art and crafts at this event. In addition to paintings in oil, acrylic, watercolor and mixed media, there will be original prints, photography, drawing and sculpture. Artists also will offer functional craft objects such as wooden vessels, pottery and blown glass as well as wearable art, jewelry and accessories.

Many artists plan to demonstrate techniques at their booths including drawing, painting, jewelry making, digital imagery and calligraphy. Art educator from Marshfield High School Tim Bergelin will "throw clay" throughout the day. Visitors will be able to try their hand at the potter's wheel with assistance from members of the Marshfield High School Fine Arts Association.

The Marshfield art community will be well represented by participating artists Le Roy Bayerl, woodturning; R. Christian Egger, photography; Cynthia Jurishica, jewelry; Bob Lehnherr, woodcarving; Pamela S. Nikolai, photography; Rebecca Nycz, oil painting; Gene Wesley, oil painting; and Clyde Wynia, metal sculpture. Other central Wisconsin participants will be John Doerfler, photography; Wilfred Fang, handmade paper; Jessie Fritsch, encaustics; Bill and Betty Jonas, metal sculpture; Tim Marcotte, ceramics; George Murphy, jewelry; Stephanie and Theresa Schauer, mixed media; Jennifer Selwyn, ceramics; Jena Weiler, photography; Jeanne Weymouth, fiber; and Wendall Ziegler, wood.

Artists will be competing for $1,200 in cash awards.

There will be plenty of lively music and entertainment going on throughout the day. Students from Prairie Oaks School of Music, under the direction of Heidi Corcoran will begin the entertainment with a 10 a.m. recital. The Marshfield Public Schools Orchestra, under the direction of Pam and Tim McCollum, will perform at 11:30 a.m. Kathy Phillips will direct the Marshfield Middle School Jazz Band at 12:15 p.m.

Students of the Main Street Conservatory of Dance, led by Heather Conrad, will offer a fun-filled performance at 1 p.m. Following them at 2 p.m., will be the Sweet Adelines-Heart O' Wisconsin Chorus under the direction of Patti Delisio.

A free children's art activity corner will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids will be able to make mom "queen for a day" or create a crown fit for a prince or princess. All materials will be provided. Students from Marshfield High School, Columbus High School and other adult volunteers will help staff this area.

Lunch and snacks will be available for purchase in the commons from Marshfield Noon Rotary Club. Proceeds from the food booth are used to fund Rotary's many community projects.

Co-chairs Lynn Deuser and Karna Sandok helped organize this community event, sponsored by New Visions Gallery. Admission, entertainment and activities remain free, thanks to the generosity of businesses and individual Art Fair sponsors, New Visions Gallery's Art Partners and many volunteers from the community.