Music Visual Art Events Local Culture
An Explosion of Art and Tradition: 13th Annual Folk Arts Festival
Chippewa Valley Museum’s annual fest will bring in art activities Feb. 25
McKenna Scherer, photos by Andrea Paulseth |
Where can you learn about maple syruping, genealogy, and listen to Ragtime Era music all in one place? The Folk Arts Festival, of course! The Chippewa Valley Museum’s annual folk fest is back for its 13th year on Saturday, Feb. 25, and is jam-packed with workshops and vendors of all kinds, plus a unique variety of musicians (including that Ragtime piano).
The fest will kick off at 12pm and continue until 5pm. A handful of presentations in the museum’s auditorium will be going on throughout the afternoon, including a presentation on the art of maple syruping thanks to Beaver Creek Reserve naturalists, as well as puzzle making and balloon art sculptures and stories.
Over in the museum’s library, Dan Perkins will be holding an interactive display about fly tying from 12-3pm. Following that, the Genealogical Research Society of Eau Claire will be offering help with genealogy research from 3-5pm.
Throughout the fest, attendees can enjoy live music like folk guitar and vocal music, the Ragtime Era piano performance from Jim Radloff from 3-3:30pm, and folk harp demonstrations.
Thought that was enough? Well, there’s still more to check out! In the museum’s Kid’s Zone, ink-dyed art and fleece-tied blanket making will be goin’ on throughout the fest, and an educational booth with hands-on activities will be available thanks to Three Rivers Fibershed.
For those more interested in folk arts, there will be an array of artists available all day who are experienced in arts like chip carving, wool spinning, HMong/Hmoob cloth balls and cross stitching, and more.
“Developing an appreciation of folk arts reinforced pride in our community,” said Carrie Ronnander, the museum’s executive director. “This event provides visitors a chance to learn directly from artists who have a passion for their craftsmanship.”
Preregistration is encouraged, which can be done online. For the general public, tickets are $10; $8 for seniors; $5 for students/youth; free for CVM members. Walk-ins will still be welcome!
Visit the the Chippewa Valley Museum website to learn more about the museum and contact k.jacobson@cvmuseum.com with any questions about the event.
