Julie Groves Board Member | Official Website
Julie Groves Board Member | Official Website
The Stevens Point/Plover Area Festival of the Arts is set to hold its 51st annual event on Sunday, April 6, 2025. This juried art festival will take place at Artist & Fare and O’so Brewing Company in Plover, Wisconsin, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival will feature 56 artists from across the Midwest, selected from over 140 applications.
This one-day event is free to the public and offers ample parking at Artist & Fare. Visitors can explore over 50 booths showcasing various artistic mediums. "Six artists will receive Artist Awards during the festival chosen by local artist Mark Brueggeman," according to the organizers. Additionally, there will be an art raffle aimed at supporting local art education and a Kids Art Zone available for families.
Sentry Insurance has been a top sponsor of the event since 2018. Cellcom and Simplicity Credit Union are also continuing their support by sponsoring artist awards in 2025.
The festival's origins trace back to 1972 when it was organized by the UWSP Committee of University Women and Student Wives group as an evening program for university guests. It opened to the public in 1974 and has continued ever since, with a recent venue change post-pandemic to Artist & Fare in Plover.
Since the 1980s, the festival has been raising funds for art students, contributing over $60,000 towards art education initiatives. In 2024 alone, $2,900 was raised for various programs including those benefiting UWSP Art students and local school districts.
Participating artists donate original pieces for an art raffle that supports local art education efforts. Tickets are priced at $1 each or $10 for twelve.
There are six cash awards available this year with Mark Brueggeman serving as judge. Notable awards include the Dick Schneider Best of Show Award worth $500.
Roberta Laine will teach children paper quilling at no cost during the Kids Art Zone session inside Artist & Fair from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
"Our mission is to encourage art awareness, support working artists, and contribute to local art education," state organizers who invite young aspiring artists to attend and find inspiration.
The non-profit Stevens Point Festival of the Arts is managed by local artists who welcome new members and volunteers. Interested individuals can contact Jessie at artfestival@StevensPointFoA.com for more information.
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