Sixty artists will be setting up temporary shop on the lawns of Phoenix Park on June 13 as part of Eau Claire’s third annual Open Air Festival of the Arts. The festival has expanded since its inception, with artist participation nearly doubling each year. This year expect to see jewelry, clay, wood carvings, fiber art, homemade books, photography, paintings, and metal work. Despite rapid growth, OAFA has stuck with its original values. It is still a juried art fair, with vendors submitting work for approval prior to the festival. The artwork does not have to be local, but must be original. The festival has been dubbed “waste-free,” even while providing some of Eau Claire’s best organic food, right out in the open air. How do the concepts mesh? According to organizer Jason Anhorn, food vendors will be required to serve food in 100 percent compost-ready corn-based eatware. Anhorn says vendors have provided discounts in the past to those who bring their own travel mugs. A local recycling group will be providing services along with education. New this year is the amount of attention reserved for the artists and their creations. “We’ve really just stripped it down to focusing on the artists, since that’s what it’s all about,” says Anhorn. Nevertheless, there will still be two belly-dancing performances, poetry readings, and a few performances from Twin Cities-area bands. Stay tuned to this annual art fair because next year, Anhorn and his wife, fellow organizer Carey Hoest, have planned to make OAFA a two-day event.

    Open Air Festival of the Arts •  Saturday, June 13 •  Phoenix Park, downtown Eau Claire • 10am-5pm • FREE • www.ecoafa.org