Even if you’ve never heard of Old Town Triangle, chances are you’re familiar with the Old Town Art Fair, the outdoor festival that’s been held there since local artists started it in 1948. It was originally called “The Old Town Holiday” and exhibited everything from oil painting to aprons, says Leslie Wolfe, an administrator with the Old Town Triangle Association. “It grew as a way to support the neighborhood,” she says.
Over its 58-year history the fair has become progressively ritzier. Applications are now screened by a jury of professional artists and curators – unlike the early fairs, which were open to all artists. It’s gotten bigger, too: about 700 volunteers and 260 exhibiting artists are participating in this year’s event on June 9 and 10, Wolfe says.
Notable among them are oil painter Christine Brenner and sculptor Cathy Rose, whose work is featured in pastiche on this year’s Old Town Art Fair poster (pictured). The proceeds go to a variety of local schools and community organizations, including the Menomonee Club for Boys and Girls, Wolfe says.