Visual Art

Open Air and the Arts

downtown arts festival returns for year six

Lindsey Quinnies, photos by Andrea Paulseth |

New to this year’s festival is “Movement Arts Day,” which will occur on Saturday and will focus on the art of dancing, offering free public workshops and performances.
New to this year’s festival is “Movement Arts Day,” which will occur on Saturday and will focus on the art of dancing, offering free public workshops and performances.

For the past several years, the Open Air Festival of the Arts has gifted our community with an enjoyable, diverse event for both residents and visitors alike and allowed for artists from around the Chippewa Valley to showcase their work in one of the most openhearted of settings. This year will mark the sixth annual Open Air Festival of the Arts, which prides itself on “expanding the Chippewa Valley’s creative community since 2007.” 

Taking place at one of Eau Claire locals’ most loved community spots on the river, Phoenix Park, this festival provides a welcoming space for a variety of artists and performers such as regional fine artists, live performances including various musicians at the outdoor amphitheater, dancers, poetry, jewelry vendors, sculptors, and more. The festival suggests, “buy original art for your home, garden, or body … find the perfect gift” or just enjoy the rich culture, arts, entertainment, and people that the Chippewa Valley has to offer in one of the most beautiful spots in town. 

Aside from the array of artists, there are also plenty of food vendors and activities for the kids as well. This is a great celebration for families and people of all ages to come together to enjoy the riches of the Chippewa Valley.

This year there’s also a new addition to the festival: Movement Arts Day – which will occur on Saturday – will focus on the art of dancing, offering free public workshops and performances. The schedule for Movement Arts Day can be found on the OAFA website, www.ecoafa.org.

So if you’ve ever wanted to support   the arts, the Open Air Festival is a nice one-stop shop of visual arts, crafts, music and more to highlight the Chippewa Valley’s artists and art lovers.