One of Wisconsin’s longest running and most revered art festivals, the Green Lake Fine Art Show celebrates 50 years this year, attracting the best talent from around the Midwest as it moves down the street to the center of town on the lawn of Town Square Community Center on August 12 and 13.

When the event was launched in 1973 by local artist Guy Rossberg, the Vietnam War had just ended, Nixon was president, Andy Warhol was painting Mao, Led Zeppelin attracted a record concert crowd, and Billie Jean King was playing Bobby Riggs in the battle of the sexes. In Green Lake, the streets were lined with hardware stores, pharmacies, variety stores, and grocery stores, all surrounding the historic courthouse building, its lawn a well-known hangout for local hippies.

Today, boutiques and restaurants line the streets of Green Lake –a charming lake town in Central Wisconsin – and the historic courthouse is now a thriving, community-funded community center called Town Square. The hippies are long gone from the lawn of the former courthouse, but their spirit of creativity and freedom lives on through the Green Lake Fine Art Show.

Now organized by Town Square, this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever. The celebration of all things art features an art camp for children during the preceding week, talks on and by famous artists, live music, food and refreshments, and, of course, the work of some of the best artists from the Midwest, including painting, sculpture, watercolor, ceramics, photography, wood, glass, and fine jewelry. 

Attendees can browse and purchase art pieces from over 55 artists showcasing the creativity and uniqueness each brings to their craft. From the intricate designs of the fiber art, the bold colors and textures of acrylic paintings, to the refined detail of clay sculptures, and the delicate beauty of watercolor paintings, there is truly something for everyone to admire and appreciate.

Live music will add to the artistic atmosphere throughout the weekend. On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., local favorite Dan Braaksma will grace attendees with his acoustic guitar and soulful lyrics. For the evening crowd, Jazz Orgy will take the stage from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with their signature blend of jazz, funk, and soul. And on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Steve Yeomans will close out the event with an afternoon of jazz on the lawn.

What’s a weekend of arts without some culinary treats? Town Square Tap, an indoor/outdoor taproom overlooking Mill Pond, will offer refreshing beverages and appetizers prepared by Green Lake’s iconic Goose Blind restaurant. The Rotary Club and Dauntless Soul Brew Co. will also be on-site to serve up tasty bites or a decadent caffeine boost.

The Green Lake Fine Art Show is open Saturday, Aug. 12 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 13 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Town Square Tap is open at 10 a.m. both days. 

The juried event includes a Best of Show award plus two people’s choice awards named after prominent Green Lake area artists: the Pat Dobrinksa Award for Still Life and Lester Schwartz Award for Abstract. 

To add to the celebration, a selection of Dobrinksa’s and Schwartz’s work will be on display in the Town Square lobby gallery for the full month of August. Schwartz’s daughter, Tanya, will also host a presentation about the storied life and career of her father, who passed away in 2006. “Lester Schwartz: A Reflection” is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 10 at 7 p.m. in the community center Club Room.

Green Lake offers many lodging options for visitors wishing to stay the weekend, including the newly renovated, lakefront Heidel House Hotel, plus various inns, bed and breakfasts, home rentals, and campgrounds. 

For more information about the event, visit greenlakeartshow.com. Town Square social media pages @townsquarecommunitycenter, or call 920-807-0008.

Town Square Community Center is 100% privately funded and operated. Located in the heart of Green Lake, its mission is to enrich the lives of the Green Lake community members, family, and friends by providing cultural, social, recreational and educational opportunities for people of all ages. Town Square is operated by Green Lake Renewal, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.